The Green Bay Packers scored on their opening possession and never trailed after that as they beat the Minnesota Vikings 23-6. Emanuel Wilson gained 107 yards rushing and scored two touchdowns while both Micah Parsons and Devonte Wyatt recorded two sacks. The defense dominated and held the Vikings to just 145 net yards and 10 first downs. The win improves the Packers record to 7-3-1 while the Vikings drop to 4-7. Here are 10 things we learned from the Packers 23-6 win over the Vikings in Week 12:
Ten Things We Learned from the Packers 23-6 Win Over the Vikings in Week 12, Number One: The Defense Dominated in the 2nd Half
The Packers held a 13-6 lead at the half, and the Vikings gained 141 yards before intermission. But the Packers defense took over the game after the break. J.J. McCarthy’s inexperience showed, and the pass rush harassed him throughout the second half.
In the final 30 minutes of the game, the Vikings picked up just two first downs and gained just four net yards. The Packers defense slowed the running game and pressured McCarthy consistently to just take control of the game. There was no point in the second half where the Packers lead felt threatened as a result of the defense’s dominance.
Number Two: Emanuel Wilson Stepped Up
When starters are injured, backups need to step up. Last week, it was Malik Willis, this week, Emanuel Wilson. The Packers ruled Josh Jacobs out before the game and Wilson got his first career start. The former Fort Valley State star gained 107 yards on 28 carries.
Wilson was the catalyst that kept the Packers offense moving. He gained most of his yards after contact as the Green Bay offensive line continues to struggle when run blocking.
While Wilson’s longest run of the game was just 12 yards, he made enough plus rushes to prevent the Packers from being in too many third and long situations. He also ran for two touchdowns in this game.
This was Wilson’s first NFL 100-yard game. He stepped up when called upon in a big way.
Ten Things We Learned from the Packers 23-6 Win Over the Vikings in Week 12, Number Three: Christian Watson Was the Go- To Guy
For most of the season, either Tucker Kraft or Romeo Doubs were the primary targets of Jordan Love. But against Minnesota, the Packers turned to Christian Watson as their number one receiver.
The Packers threw just 22 passes all game. They targeted eight receivers in this game but only one of them had more than two catches. That was Watson who finished with five catches for 49 yards. His longest gain was only 12 yards but many of his catches resulted in key first downs.
Watson appears to be fully back from his injury and head coach Matt LaFleur appears ready to use him as the team’s primary receiver. He’s not just running long patterns but using his size and speed on short and intermediate passes as well.
This is an important development for the Packers offense as we head into the stretch drive.
Number Four: Micah Parsons Dominated
Parsons had another big game and set the tone for the defense. The Vikings actually triple covered Parsons on several plays, and he still managed to get some pressure on McCarthy. His strong play also gave the other defenders opportunities to make plays and they did.
He finished the game with two sacks, three quarterback hits and two tackles for loss. Parsons has truly lifted the play of nearly every player around him on the defense.
Ten Things We Learned from the Packers 23-6 Win Over the Vikings in Week 12, Number Five: The Packers Won the Turnover Battle Handily
The Packers won the turnover battle 3-0 and that was key in this game. Special teams ace Zayne Anderson recovered a muffed punt at the Minnesota five which led to Wilson’s second touchdown run of the game two plays later.
Then, in the fourth quarter, pressure by Rashan Gary led to an interception by Isaiah McDuffie to end another Vikings drive. McDuffie earned his first career NFL interception.
Evan Williams intercepted a late-game prayer by McCarthy to put the game away. That was the second straight game with a pick for Williams who is playing well.
The Vikings needed to win the turnover battle to have a chance to pull off the upset. They didn’t even come close.
Number Six: Brandon McManus Returned to Form
Brandon McManus was back in the lineup this week after sitting out last week’s game after aggravating his quad injury. He certainly looked fully healthy against Minnesota.
McManus made all three of his field goal tries and both of his extra point attempts. His kickoffs were long and well placed for the most part.
The Packers need a healthy McManus down the stretch. Hopefully he’s good to play on a short week with the Pack playing on Thanksgiving.
Ten Things We Learned from the Packers 23-6 Win Over the Vikings in Week 12, Number Seven: Isaiah McDuffie Stepped Up
The Packers were without Quay Walker who was ruled out due to an injury. That meant McDuffie became a full-time player in his place.
In addition to his first career interception, McDuffie led the team with nine total tackles. He also recorded half a sack, a quarterback hit and broke up one pass.
Again, the backup stepped up and did a good job in the absence of a key starter. Walker is the starter for a reason, but McDuffie showed his value to the team in this game.
Number Eight: Keisean Nixon Injured
Cornerback Keisean Nixon left the game in the first half after colliding with teammate Wyatt on the sideline after a play. The Packers initially listed him as questionable, but he did not return.
Kamal Hadden saw his first significant snaps on defense and played well. Hadden was credited with four total tackles on the game.
The Vikings were not able to pick on Hadden, and he was not a problem. In fact, Justin Jefferson was held to four catches for just 48 yards.
Getting Nixon back healthy against a proven quarterback like Jared Goff on Thursday would be important because Goff could take better advantage of the inexperienced Hadden than McCarthy could.
Ten Things We Learned from the Packers 23-6 Win Over the Vikings in Week 12, Number Nine: The Packers Offense Was Conservative But Smart
LaFleur’s play calling was conservative but effective. He knew the Vikings pass defense was better than their run defense and that Minnesota would likely struggle to score. So, he was conservative but smart in his play calling.
LaFleur deviated from the run, run, pass long strategy and managed to move the football enough to never lose control of the game. It may not have been dramatic, but it was efficient.
Number 10: Quick Holiday Turnaround
Green Bay really needed this win and they got it. They are now 2-0 in the division with four more division games to go.
They are also facing the Lions on Thanksgiving in just four days. Detroit escaped with an overtime win over the Giants in a game they really should have lost.
Beating the Lions would put the Packers in a very strong position heading into the final five games on the schedule, but it won’t be easy. The Lions usually play well on their traditional holiday home game and will be looking for revenge for Green Bay’s Week 1 win at Lambeau.
Hopefully, by resting Jacobs and Walker, those players will be available for Thursday’s tilt.
Follow Gil Martin on Twitter @GilPackers
Click here for more great Packers coverage
Check out our YouTube channel here
