10 quick thoughts on the Vikings win over the Packers in Week 1

The Minnesota Vikings kicked off the Kevin O’Connell era with a victory over the hated Green Bay Packers on Sunday.

In one of their most anticipated regular-season openers in a long time, the Minnesota Vikings began the 2022 campaign with a very convincing win over the Green Bay Packers.

The Kevin O’Connell era for the Vikings really couldn’t have begun any better as the purple and gold got off to a blazing fast start and never looked back. When the final whistle blew on Sunday, Minnesota left the field with a 23-7 win over the Packers.

We’ll have more time to examine the Vikings‘ performance during the next few days, but what are some of the immediate reactions to their victory this week?

Quick thoughts on the Vikings win over the Packers

Jefferson starts 2022 on fire: It only took one drive for Justin Jefferson to remind everyone why he is one of the best wide receivers in the NFL.

Jefferson caught a touchdown pass on Minnesota’s opening drive against the Packers and he added another score in the second quarter. In the first half alone, he hauled in six catches for 158 yards and two touchdowns.

Jefferson finished the day with nine catches for 184 yards and two touchdowns. Good luck to the rest of the league when trying to cover him this year.

Smith quickly makes his mark: A big story heading into Sunday had to do with Vikings outside linebacker Za’Darius Smith facing his former team. Smith didn’t waste any time against the Packers as he was able to sack Aaron Rodgers in the first quarter.

Smith led a Minnesota pass rush that pressured Rodgers all day long as they finished with four sacks and five quarterback hits.