Good evening, everyone. After taking care of the Houston Texans last week on the road, the Green Bay Packers are back home against the Minnesota Vikings. Even though the Vikings have won only one game this season, this game is not a guaranteed win for the Packers. I am here to give you my thoughts on what Green Bay needs to do to win on Sunday at Lambeau Field. Let’s get right into it.
The key for the Packers on offense is to have a balanced attack on Sunday. With Aaron Jones out for a second straight week due to a calf injury, it is up to Jamaal Williams and AJ Dillon to carry the load in the running game. As long as the offensive line creates the holes in the Vikings defense, I am sure that the Packers will get at least 100 rushing yards during the game. I also think that Williams and Dillon will be used in the passing game as weapons for QB Aaron Rodgers, who should have a big game on Sunday (as long as he throws accurately to the receivers). Those receivers (including Davante Adams, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, and Malik Taylor) need to catch every ball that is thrown by Rodgers with no drops. What can help the receivers to this is for head coach Matt LaFleur to scheme them open in creative ways. With the Vikings secondary dealing with injuries (other than Harrison Smith and Anthony Harris), I think that Adams will have at least 150 receiving yards against the Vikings for a second time this season (if the winds are not too strong). All of this can’t be possible without the offensive linemen protecting Rodgers from any sacks, which they have done pretty well all season long to this point. Keeping the quarterback upright, running the ball well, and converting third downs (plus avoiding turnovers) will help the Packers win the time of possession battle on Sunday. When they get in the red zone, it is imperative that the Packers score touchdowns every time instead of settling for field goals (more on that later). If they limit the mistakes made (including turnovers and penalties), I think that the Packers can score at least 40 points on Sunday against the Vikings.
The key for the Packers on defense is to shut down the Vikings running game, led by RB Dalvin Cook (who could come back from a groin injury). In addition to the defensive line, the linebackers should be able to get to the ball carrier and tackle him for minimal gain. Among those linebackers is Kamal Martin, who had 6 tackles in his NFL debut last week. I hope that he is able to contribute very well to this defense on Sunday and beyond. If the defense can keep the run game in check, then the pass rush can get after Kirk Cousins and sack him a few times. Even if they don’t get the sack, pressuring him can force him into throwing passes that can be picked off. Looking back at Week 1, the interception by Jaire Alexander was made possible by Rashan Gary getting into Cousins’ face. It’s possible that there might be a similar turnover (and more) like that on Sunday. If the defense is not able to get home, then it is up to the secondary (who is missing Kevin King again) to cover the receivers very well. Those receivers and tight ends include the trio of Adam Thielen, Justin Jefferson, and Kyle Rudolph. It’s very important for the defense to cover these receivers very well and not allow any easy catches, especially short passes and the occasional deep ball. Mike Pettine needs to stay away from a soft zone, even when the Packers have a comfortable lead in the fourth quarter. The defenders need to make sure that there are no chunk plays or missed tackles, which could lead to scores by Minnesota. The defense can help Green Bay win the time of possession battle by limiting third down conversions and creating a few turnovers, which can give the offense more chances to score touchdowns. As long as they limit the mistakes, I think the defense will fare out well against the Vikings offense.
On Special Teams, the key for the Packers is to not make crucial mistakes. Tyler Ervin could potentially be back for Green Bay on Sunday. In addition to his roles on offense, he is also the main kick returner. Regardless of who gets the kick return duties on Sunday, there should not be any turnovers during the kick and punt returns. If there is a fair catch called, the returner needs to secure the catch and not fumble it. If there is a chance at a big return, the returner needs to follow the blocks and make the right moves for a huge play (and hope for no penalties). On the other side, the coverage unit needs to keep any big returns from happening for the Vikings. This should be the case only on kicks that are not touchbacks or fair catches. There was a bit of drama in the kicking game when Mason Crosby did not practice much this week due to injury. If he is not able to play on Sunday, then it is up to JK Scott to do a double-duty of field goals and punts. I am hopeful that Crosby can play on Sunday despite the injury setback, but I would not be surprised if he does not play. One thing that will be common is Hunter Bradley’s role as the long snapper. He needs to make sure that every snap is accurate and that the field goals and punts will go smoothly (as long as the line keeps the kicks from getting blocked). On the other end, I still hope that there is a blocked field goal or punt in Green Bay’s favor. The wind may bring some interesting scenarios on Sunday, but I am sure the Packers will figure things out.
With this game being against a division rival, it is important for the Packers to continue playing well and not looking ahead to the following game. Keeping that 1-0 mentality every week is crucial for Green Bay. I have plenty of confidence in Green Bay winning this game by a comfortable margin at home. Regardless of the outcome, I will be here with my post-game thoughts afterwards. Here's to a game played with no additional injuries or COVID-19 cases for either team. Have a good night, everyone. Go Pack Go!
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