3 silver linings from the Vikings loss to the Packers in Week 16

Defense in the first half

The Vikings’ defense was on fire during the first half of the game against the Packers. In the first two quarters of the matchup, Minnesota forced Green Bay to turn the ball over three times. Two of these were fumble recoveries and one was an interception by the red-hot Anthony Harris.

Unfortunately for the Vikings, the offense could only turn those three gifts into 10 points. If the offense was even having just an average night, they get seven on at least two of the turnovers and create momentum that could’ve helped the team put the game away early.

Not only did Minnesota’s defense force turnovers, but they kept Aaron Rodgers in check. Even the Vikings corners, who have been a major sore spot this season, were playing well.

Xavier Rhodes gave up a bunch of catches to Packers receiver Davante Adams, but most were for short gains. The pressure generated up front by Minnesota’s pass rush was good too, as Danielle Hunter and Everson Griffen were making Rodgers scamper for his life on numerous occasions.

The problem was that the Vikings’ offense couldn’t sustain a drive. So their defense eventually got worn down as the time of possession was heavily in Green Bay’s favor. This led to some big gains by Packers running back Aaron Jones in the second half which ultimately put the game out of reach.

It was nice to see Minnesota’s defense rise to the occasion on Monday night. They had been the weak link of the team for the better part of the last month and now they seem to be much closer to putting things together.

If the Vikings offense was able to have even a mediocre night instead of a horrible one, the team likely would’ve gotten their 11th win of the season. Hopefully, this is the defense Minnesota brings to the playoffs in a couple of weeks.