5 Bold Predictions: Minnesota Vikings vs. Green Bay Packers – Week 11

Cousins will be pressured on over 45 percent of his dropbacks

While Cousins had a solid game against the Chargers, it wasn’t because of his offensive line. The Vikings struggled to give Cousins protection last Sunday, allowing Cousins to be pressured on 45 percent of his dropbacks. That was the sixth-highest clip of any passer in Week 10 according to Pro Football Focus and a damning stat considering how well the Packers’ defensive line is playing.

Green Bay had Russell Wilson under siege last Sunday as the Seahawks quarterback was pressured on 45.8 percent of his throws. While that number is impressive, it’s even crazier considering the Packers are only blitzing on 19.9 percent of their plays, the seventh-lowest clip in the NFL.

This means Green Bay’s front four is getting it done and it’s a bad sign for the Vikings’ offensive line. Garrett Bradbury has been working with the first team after being activated off the Reserve/COVID-19 list, but it feels like subtraction by addition.

There’s a possibility that Mason Cole could replace Oli Udoh at right guard but Cole still allowed three pressures and had the second-lowest pass-blocking grade on the team last week. With Ezra Cleveland being average, the Vikings’ interior should be ripe for the picking even if Rashad Gary is unable to play due to an elbow injury.

This will test Cousins to get the ball downfield but it could also lead to more checkdowns to Tyler Conklin and C.J. Ham.