5 biggest Vikings wins over the Packers during the Mike Zimmer era
2020 Season: Week 8
- Vikings – 28
- Packers – 22
This win at Lambeau Field just felt odd. The Vikings were 1-5 going into the game and the Packers were 5-1 and atop the NFC. Minnesota’s offense dominated this game despite throwing the ball only 14-times. It was all Dalvin Cook right from the start of the game, as the running back scored all four touchdowns and racked up 226 total yards.
The highlight of the day came on a 50-yard touchdown on a screen pass to Cook that was executed to perfection.
What a finish from Dalvin Cook and the blockers on this Vikings Screen with the crossing formation release.
— Nate Tice (@Nate_Tice) November 1, 2020
Packers bodies just flying around everywhere on this play. pic.twitter.com/7zOqukp2xM
Not only did Cook showcase what makes him an elite running back with his speed, elusiveness, and vision, the Vikings actually looked like a team not only capable of running a screen, but a good screen team.
Rick Spielman has drafted offensive linemen who should thrive in the screen game and this play had that on display.
Minnesota has gotten away from these types of plays lately (for who knows what reason why), but it is games like this win over Green Bay that allow the coaching staff to go back to the film room and evaluate what the team is good at.
The formula of feeding Cook the ball and getting playmakers in space is a recipe for success not just for the Chef himself, but for the entire offense. This was a typical Vikings win, one that strings the fan base along just enough for the next crushing loss, a bitter end to a long offseason that will give the fans enough time to find their optimism again.