It was a windy Sunday afternoon at Lambeau Field as the Green Bay Packers were set to take on their divisional opponent, the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings, who were off to (1-5), start found life in Green Bay as Dalvin Cook would go on to score four touchdowns en route to a 28-22 Vikings victory.
This was an ugly one for the Packers. The defense just couldn’t seem to get off the field, and Dalvin Cook looked absolutely unstoppable every time he touched the ball. Let’s be honest though, we’ve seen this before. This is exactly how the 49ers and Eagles beat the Packers last year. They run the ball down the throat of the defense, and if the Packers don’t have a lead, teams are able to do this quite effectively. It’s incredibly frustrating to watch, and even though talent-wise Green Bay’s front seven isn’t actually that bad, the scheme Mike Pettine isn’t designed to stop the run. Mike Pettine’s scheme keeps more defensive backs out on the field and prevents big plays. This scheme can fit really well when the highly explosive offense Green Bay has can get early leads. The Packers have a great pass rush, which was nowhere to be found Sunday, and a secondary full of playmakers. The Packers came out their first possession and scored, as they have all season on opening drives. The problem was Minnesota matched both the Packers first two drives, which resulted in touchdowns with two touchdowns of their own. They did so running the ball, eating up, clock, and not allowing Kirk Cousins to throw the game for them. This strategy proves to be very effective against the Packers because it takes the offense of the field while exploiting the weak points of the defense.
After a (5-2) start, I’m hearing a lot of Packers fans calling for Mike Pettine’s head. I think this outrage is completely unjustified. The Packers are (17-5) in regular-season games with Mike Pettine as defensive coordinator. The defense is still young, and I’m not ready to jump ship yet. What the Packers need to focus on is getting stops early in the game. This team needs to play to its strength of being up two possessions early and threatening to score more points when they get the ball back. This makes teams throw the ball. It allows more opportunities for a good pass rush to end opponents’ possessions with sacks. The Packers are also ranked as the worst tackling team in the NFL by PFF. Mike Pettine can only put players in positions to succeed. If the defense isn’t making tackles and is allowing yards after contact, teams will continue to run the ball effectively on them. In a season without fans, I’d like to see some more energy by the defense when they do make a play. Use the momentum of a good play on defense to get stops. Don’t let opposing teams get twelve yards back on second and nineteen. Play every down with bad intentions and expect to not give up any yards every play.
Studs of the game
Davante Adams: Adams had another two-touchdown game and is further proving he is unguardable. Yes, the Vikings secondary is beat up, but he’s got two guys on him almost every play and is still managing to score.
Aaron Rodgers: I thought Rodgers played a really good game despite his defense letting him down. If a few more calls go the Packers way, Rodgers has a chance to win the game.
Duds of the Game
Equanimeous St. Brown: Two big drops on back-to-back plays in a close back and forth game. If you can’t make plays get off the field.
The Packers Defense: Tackling, forcing turnovers, getting stops, you name it, the Packers defense didn’t do it. Very disappointing performance against a team you should beat. I don’t know what changed between week one and now, but I don’t like it.
This Thursday, the Packers will play a banged-up 49ers. If they don’t win this game, this team will have gone from Super Bowl contender to just another playoff team.
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