Entering Sunday, the expected showdown for the NFC North was expected to be a running focused game. With the Packers not drafting a wide receiver in the 2020 NFL Draft, Green Bay was supposed to be run-oriented. They were going to rely on the time of possession to win the game. The Packers clearly won the time of possession battle. Green Bay dominated the Minnesota Vikings in a 43-34 Week 1 victory.
The game was a defensive matchup early. The Packers began with a field goal which was immediately answered by a Dalvin Cook rushing touchdown to put Minnesota up 7-3. After the Packers failed to convert on a fourth-down goal to go situation, Jaire Alexander started his dynamic performance with a safety on Kirk Cousins. Green Bay proceeded to go on a 19-0 scoring run which was highlighted by the Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams connection.
With many analysts worried about the Packers not drafting a wide receiver, Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Allen Lazard showed the NFC North that not only can Davante Adams carry the offense, but they can offer offensive production as well. Adams totaled 14 receptions, 156 yards receiving and two touchdown catches in a dynamic performance that exposed the coverage of Vikings rookie defensive back Holton Hill.
Highlights:
.@AaronRodgers12 going DEEP to @MVS__11 for the TOUCHDOWN!#GBvsMIN | #GoPackGo
📺 FOX
📱 https://t.co/2UxGSiVlvn https://t.co/XvrNUQyJaz— Green Bay Packers (@packers) September 13, 2020
Marquez Valdes-Scantling proving his worth to Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay offense.
Airing it out to @athielen19!!
📺: @NFLonFOX pic.twitter.com/ct8vLnpIca
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) September 13, 2020
After throwing six passes in the first half, Cousins found Adam Thielen for a long shot into the end zone.
.@AaronRodgers12 finds @AllenLazard for his 4️⃣th TD pass today!#GBvsMIN | #GoPackGo
📺 FOX
📱 https://t.co/2UxGSiVlvn https://t.co/qqJ6ztnYH2— Green Bay Packers (@packers) September 13, 2020
Allen Lazard would not be denied involvement in the Green Bay touchdown party either.
Aaron Jones ran for 66 yards and a touchdown and Aaron Rodgers totaled 364 passing yards, 4 touchdowns, and a 127.5 passer rating, which resulted in the Packers offense being on point. Jaire Alexander led the defensive unit and Za’Darius Smith got his first sack of the season before Kenny Clark left with a groin injury and Smith was forced to rush inside. Injuries to Lane Taylor and Lucas Patrick will be key for the Packers next week.
For Minnesota, Kirk Cousins needs to throw more. Outside of the long touchdown to Adam Thielen, the Vikings had a little passing game to speak of. Even a team that struggles against the run historically like Green Bay can stop Dalvin Cook if they know what is coming every time. The Vikings were one dimensional in the first half. Once they were behind in the second half, became one dimensional in the passing game. If the Vikings want to succeed moving forward, Kyle Rudolph and Justin Jefferson need to give Thielen and Cousins some help.
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Main Credit Image: Embed from Getty Images
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