4 Key Elements That Will Determine Packers-Vikings
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison (3) celebrates a first down reception against Green Bay Packers safety Rudy Ford (20) and cornerback Keisean Nixon (25) during their football game Sunday, October 29, 2023, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis.
Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin.
The Minnesota Vikingsā start to the season has turned out beautifully, chipping off the New York Giants by 22 points on the road, the San Francisco 49ers by six at home, and the Houston Texans by 27 in Week 3.
4 Key Elements That Will Determine Packers-Vikings
Kevin OāConnellās squad is expected to lose by three points this weekend, however, at the Green Bay Packers.
Along the way, these are the four storylines to watch from a Vikings perspective, ranked in ascending order of importance (No. 1 = most important).
4. The Pass Rush on Packers QB
Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images.
The Packers are acting coyly about the starting quarterback. Jordan Love is tentatively expected to start, but his official determination will lead all the way up to Sunday morning.
Well, it doesnāt matter if he starts or Malik Willis gets the nod. Minnesota must pressure either man, as it has done throughout the last three games. Itāll obviously be easier to rattle Willis, but the Vikings must be mindful of his speed. Heās faster than Love and has a stronger arm.
Pressure the quarterback and knock him down.
3. Aaron Jonesā Return to Wisconsin
Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports.
Jones authored a heartfelt tribute in The Playersā Tribune this week and insists Week 4 is not a revenge game on his side of the table. We actually believe Jones. Itās just that carving up his old team for a touchdown or two will help Minnesota defeat its foremost rival.
The ex-Packer averages 6 yards each time his fingers touch the football, and if that continues at his old stomping grounds, the purple team can win and stay undefeated.
2. The Turnover Differential Battle
Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
The weekly stat update:
Vikingsā Record under Kevin OāConnell,
Breaking Even or Winning Turnover Battle:
20-0
Vikingsā Record under Kevin OāConnell,
Losing Turnover Battle:
3-14
Vikingsā football is just a turnover referendum under Kevin OāConnell. Plain and simple.
1. Avoiding a Turd
A Green Bay Packers fan enjoys nachos before the start of the football game against the Chicago Bears Sunday, September 10, 2023, at Soldier Field in Chicago, Ill. Ā© Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin / USA TODAY NETWORK.
At times during Vikings football, the team shows up to a certain game ā and sucks. Utterly sucks. Thatās what it must avoid this weekend, especially at Lambeau Field, the home of its foremost foe.
Thankfully, the particular group feels turd-proof, but thereās always that underlying paranoia.
If a turd does drop out, Minnesota has built up enough goodwill at 3-0 that it wonāt be the end of the world.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. The show features guests, analysis, and opinion on all things related to the purple team, with 4-7 episodes per week. His MIN obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, āThe Sopranos,ā Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band). He follows the NBA as closely as the NFL.Ā
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.
