Packer D "dominates" awful Vikings offense, division title clinched

Oh, yes there was a Monday Night Football game. Although the final score of 23-10 did not necessarily reveal it as such, this game was the closest all season that the Packers have come to a “dominant” performance on both sides of the ball, marred only by three first-half turnovers, two of which led to short-field scores which the Vikings were barely able to muster. The Packer D cut Kirk Cousins back down to his normal size; on 37 pass plays (including those leading to sacks) the Vikings managed a measly 82 forward yards passing—meaning just 2.2 yards per pass play. In total, the Vikings were held on their own home field to seven first downs and 139 yards total offense. Although the Packers only forced one turnover, the way the Viking offense was “running,” their motor was mostly in “idle” all game, with even their longest drive of the game—31 yards—being swiftly halted by a Cousins interception.

On offense the Packers were not exactly turning night into day—especially in the first half with three turnovers and three stalled drives leading to field goals. Despite outgaining the Vikings by more than 3 to 1 at halftime, the Packers still trailed 10-9. But unlike the Vikings they were at least showing some life on the offensive side, and two touchdown drives in the second half without providing any “gifts” to the Vikings ended any further suspense. Aaron Jones made-up for an early fumble by scampering 56 yards for a touchdown midway in the fourth quarter, and Cousins could only flail about helplessly in response. Jones finished with 154 yards rushing, helped along without the presence of snow or rain. 

The Packers showed some “balance,” in a fashion, on offense—199 yards passing, 184 yards rushing—but one should not be fooled by the notion of “balance” here: this was another subpar performance by Aaron Rodgers. It wasn’t like the weather should have been a factor—U.S. Bank Stadium is a covered venue and protected from the elements—but given Cousins poor play, maybe the temperatures were (oh wait, isn't the stadium heated to room temperature?). But then again we’ve seen Rodgers have a miserable game in the balmy climes of Southern California this season, and he threw for only 104 yards on 33 attempts against the 49ers; but this game featured a season low 68.3 passer rating. Maybe the Packers are winning in spite of him, which isn’t necessarily a “bad” thing since Tom Brady isn’t exactly lighting up the world either, but the Patriots keep winning anyway. But you can only go so far with that analogy: I’m not ready to put Matt LaFleur in Bill Belichick’s league yet.

Nevertheless, the Vikings' awful performance did at least provide the appearance of a dominating win for the amazingly 12-3 Packers. Next week is in Detroit which should be more or less a gimme game and one more opportunity for Rodgers to “get right” for the playoffs.