The Minnesota Vikings hit the road this week, traveling to Lambeau Field to take on division rival, the Green Bay Packers.
The Vikings started the game hot, scoring on 3 straight drives, leaving the Green Bay defense with arms up and imaginary question marks floating above their heads. Minnesota had a 28-7 halftime lead, and would survive a scare from Jordan Love and the Packers offense in the second half to secure the victory 31-29, and improve their record to 4-0.
Sam Darnold was sufficient again, going 20/28 for 275 yards, 3 touchdowns, 1 interception, and a fumble. Darnold connected with wide receivers Jordan Addison, and Justin Jefferson on two high arching lobs to the endzone for scores. Darnold was also well protected against the Green Bay defense only being sacked twice for 21 yards.
Aaron Jones made his return to his former home of 7 years, and would play a factor in the game, slashing his way down the field consistently, totaling 22 carries for 93 yards, but was kept out of the endzone, being denied the chance to do the Lambeau Leap in a Vikings uniform. Jones also caught 4 balls for 46 yards as a receiver.
Justin Jefferson was the leading receiver on the day with 6 catches for 85 yards and 1 touchdown, including a front corner score in the endzone from Darnold dropping it right in the ‘Bread basket.’ Jordan Addison would make his return from an ankle injury notable catching 3 balls for 72 yards, and 1 touchdown. Addison also took a jet sweep to the outside right, and scored in a rushing attempt as well.
The Minnesota defense was a constant headache for Packers Quarterback Jordan Love in his return to action picking him off 3 times, hitting him 10 times, but only sacking him once. Blake Cashman, again was the leading tackler for the Vikings with 11 total, 1 tackle for loss, 1 pass defensed, and 2 QB Hits. Pat Jones II got the Vikings only sack on the day, adding to his 2024 total of 5. And 3 different Vikings picked off Jordan Love, including Shaquill Griffin, Kamu Grugier-Hill, and Byron Murphy.
Minnesota holds the lone top spot in the NFC North entering Week 5 at 4-0. The Vikes will head to London next week to take on a familiar face in Vikings history, former Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers and his new team the New York Jets. Can Minnesota take their undefeated record across the ocean and return still undefeated? We will find out EARLY next Sunday Morning.
Photo Credit: The Minnesota Vikings, the National Football League
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