4 takeaways from the Vikings loss to the Packers in Week 1

What did we learn after the Minnesota Vikings opened up 2020 with a loss?

Heading into their Week 1 matchup with the Green Bay Packers, the Minnesota Vikings knew getting a win wasn’t going to be easy. But with multiple weeks to prepare for Sunday’s game, most figured the Vikings would at least put up a fight against the Packers.

Following the first 30 minutes of the contest, however, it was clear Minnesota wasn’t going to be leaving U.S. Bank Stadium with a victory over Green Bay.

During their first offensive drive of the game on Sunday, the Vikings ended up finding the end zone to take an early 7-3 lead. But after that, the Packers outscored Minnesota 26-3 until the start of the fourth quarter.

The Vikings just looked flat on both sides of the ball. Sure, they finished with 34 points, which is the most they’ve ever put on the board during their home opener since U.S. Bank Stadium opened in 2016. But 24 of those points came in the fourth quarter and Green Bay was pretty much playing prevent defense by then.

Minnesota’s defense looked like it was doing impression of the 2013 unit that was led by former head coach Leslie Frazier. Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers had a monster day and it could have been even more impressive if a few of his receivers knew how to catch.

As for what we learned about the Vikings from their disappointing loss, there was plenty to take away from the result that took place inside an empty U.S. Bank Stadium.