The Green Bay Packers return home for their first division game of the season when they host the Minnesota Vikings Sunday at Lambeau Field. The Packers are 2-1 on the season while the Vikings are 3-0. The Pack defeated the Tennessee Titans on the road last week 30-14. Meanwhile, Minnesota crushed the Houston Texans 34-7 to remain unbeaten. Here are the keys to victory for the Packers in their Week 4 matchup with the Minnesota Vikings.
The Packers lead the all-time series between these two teams 65-57-3 in the regular season. The series dates back to 1961 when the Vikings entered the league. The two teams have split their two postseason meetings.
Here are the keys to victory for Sunday’s game against Minnesota:
Packers Keys to Victory, Number One: Contain Justin Jefferson
Justin Jefferson remains one of the most talented and dangerous wide receivers in the NFL. Through three games, he has 14 catches for 273 yards and three touchdowns. That’s a healthy 19.5-yard average per catch.
When Jefferson gains 100 or more yards receiving against the Packers, the Vikings are 2-0. When the Packers hold him to less than 100 yards, Green Bay is 4-1.
Defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley will likely mix his coverages with a variety of man and zone concepts. The main responsibility for slowing down Jefferson will likely rest with cornerback Jaire Alexander. After a tough performance opening week against the Eagles, Alexander has returned to form and played well over the last two games.
Jefferson is fast and skilled. He will get his catches. If the Packers can prevent him from making game-changing plays, they will have a much better chance to win this game.
The matchup between these two talented players is worth watching and will be vital to the outcome of the game.
Number Two: Take Control of the Interior Defensive Line
The Packers should have an advantage over the Vikings interior offensive line. Kenny Clark and Devonte Wyatt should match up well against center Garrett Bradbury and guards Ed Ingram and Blake Brandel. Bradbury is dealing with an ankle injury and did not practice on Wednesday.
The bigger advantage should be rushing the passer here, but the Pack could also benefit against the run. T.J. Slaton should also see time in the middle, especially on running downs. The Packers need Clark to pick up his game as he has gotten off to a slow start this season.
Controlling the middle of the line of scrimmage will be a big help for the Packers defense.
Packers Keys to Victory, Number Three: Protect the Quarterback
Whether it’s Jordan Love or Malik Willis, the Packers will need to protect the quarterback. The Vikings may not have a single, elite pass rusher this season, but they get the job done by committee and lead the league in sacks. Right now, the Vikings best pass rushers come off the edge. Pat Jones and Jonathan Greenard have four sacks each while Andrew Van Ginkel has three.
Zach Tom and Rasheed Walker will have the primary responsibility for giving the quarterback time to throw. They may get help on some plays from running backs or tight ends. Tom has played well this season. Walker needs to cut down on the penalties that have sidetracked the offense.
If Willis is the quarterback, he’ll have a challenging time picking up the complex blitzes of Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores. If it’s Love, he’ll be less mobile than normal so the blocking will have to be better than normal to give him time to find receivers downfield.
Number Four: Contain Aaron Jones
This will be an emotional homecoming for former Packers running back Aaron Jones. He spent seven seasons with the Packers and had three years with more than 1,000 yards rushing. By the time he left Green Bay this offseason, he was the Packers third all-time leading rusher.
There is no doubt that Jones will be very motivated to perform against the Packers. He’s always been a class act on and off the field and his relationship with Packers fans was always outstanding.
Jones serves as the catalyst of the Vikings offense, much like he did during his time in Green Bay. His cutback ability helps him gain yardage even when there aren’t obvious holes available.
The Packers will have to contain Jones and try to make the Vikings offense as one-dimensional as possible. The more obvious passing situations the Vikings offense is placed in, the better off the Green Bay defense will be.
Packers Keys to Victory, Number Five: Get Pressure On Sam Darnold
Sam Darnold has been playing very well through three games, completing 67.9 percent of his passes and throwing eight touchdown passes against just two interceptions. That’s far above what he’s accomplished thus far in his career.
Darnold has a history of making mistakes when pressured. He’s thrown some potential interceptions in the first three games, but opponents haven’t been able to take advantage of the opportunities. Through three games, the Packers lead the NFL in takeaways.
If the Packers can get pressure on Darnold and force him into mistakes, they can reduce his effectiveness and create turnovers.
The Packers had eight sacks a week ago. While the Minnesota offensive line is not struggling like the Titans unit is, they have allowed eight sacks through three games. The Packers pass rushers should be able to get some pressure on Darnold.
Number Six: Solve the Vikings Blitz Defense
Love and Matt LaFleur seemed to have figured out Flores’ defense which is difficult to read. The Vikings often put eight or nine players near the line of scrimmage and dare opponents to figure out who’s rushing the passer and who’s dropping back into coverage.
This will present Willis with a big challenge if he starts. Love may even be rusty as he played just one game and one preseason series in the last eight months.
The Packers play calling and execution will be critical. Running the ball with Josh Jacobs could also slow down the Vikings pass rush.
Prediction:
The Vikings are a much tougher opponent than the Colts or Titans. This is a divisional game and an important game for the Pack. A win guarantees the Packers of a share of first place after four games.
Minnesota has exceeded expectations thus far this season. Jones will be motivated, and Jefferson is always dangerous. His matchup against Alexander is worth the price of admission.
LaFleur will have to call a smart game like he did the last two weeks to win his matchup against Flores.
This game will tell us just how good these two teams are. The Packers will find a way to win at home.
Packers 31, Vikings 27
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