Week two reaction: Minnesota Vikings vs Green Bay Packers
When the Minnesota Vikings announced they would be playing the Green Bay Packers to open up U.S. Bank Stadium, any who though the game would not live up to the hype were left looking foolish. The new stadium was rocking so much that even offensive guard, Alex Boone urged Vikings fans to “shut the [expletive] up” when the offense has the ball. Although he has a great point, that type of noise should not be discouraged, especially when Vikings’ fans turned out in groves to show their support for the team.
The number five may be a number that head coach Mike Zimmer may want to look at more closely. That is how many times his defense has sacked Aaron Rodgers in each of the two victories over the green and gold. Rodgers was running for his life all night as the secondary impressively blanketed the speedy Packer receiving group.
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The Vikings’ defensive line proved yet again they should be in the discussion as one of the league’s best units. Not only did the defense sack Rodgers five times, they only allowed 83 yards rushing to Eddie Lacy and company.
The mighty victory did not come without its sacrifice to the injury gods. Adrian Peterson and Danielle Hunter were both hurt, however, Hunter was able to return to action. As for Peterson, it has been reported that he is dealing with a torn meniscus and could be out from anywhere between four and eight weeks. Running back, Christopher Johnson of the Arizona Cardinals, dealt with a similar injury in 2012 and was able to put up over 1,000 yards rushing. The hope is, that like Johnson, Peterson will be able to salvage his season and have similar success while playing through injury.
Miles Dittberner
What the Vikings did well
Again, Minnesota’s defense shone brightly this week. They were able to keep the Rodgers and the Packers’ prolific offense under wraps for most of the night, with the exception of some pass interference calls that set them up in scoring position. Even so, holding Green Bay’s offense to 14 points is a feat in itself. Even more impressive was the defense’s ability to turn the ball over. They forced four fumbles, yet were only able to recover one and had an interception late in the fourth quarter to ice the game away.
The Vikings’ passing game was also much improved on Sunday night. Sam Bradford looked sharp, making difficult throws while being under heavy pressure much of the game. Despite being with the team for only two weeks, Bradford’s grasp of the offense had the appearance of someone who has been in the system for years. Stefon Diggs lead all receivers on the night with 182 yards receiving and one touchdown. There was little Green Bay could do to keep the second-year wideout in check.
Favorite play
The touchdown grab by Diggs in the back of the end zone during the third quarter, capping off an 87-yard drive in just six plays. The touchdown wound up being the game-winning score which Green Bay was not able to recover from.
Players of the Game
Sam Bradford
Stefon Diggs
Defensive Line
What Vikings did poorly
The offensive line struggled mightily in pass protection and run blocking. Despite the poor protection, Bradford was able to stand tall in the pocket and deliver strikes, knowing he was going to get hit. It was a fearless performance, reminiscent of Brett Favre during his time with the purple and gold. Matt Kalil proved to be a liability on the left side, routinely getting beat, while Brandon Fusco and Andre Smith turned in mediocre performances on the right. They are going to have to be much better next week when facing a menacing Carolina Panthers defensive front.
Much like was the case in week one, the offense struggled to get the ground game going again. This can be mostly attributed to poor run blocking up front. Peterson was chewed up on attempt after attempt by the Packers’ defensive line who collapsed what little openings the Vikings’ offensive line managed to create. It is clear that some kind of an adjustment must be made if they are to get the running game going. Whether that be from changing the offensive line rotation up or putting a fullback or tight end in the backfield as a lead blocker to clear a lane for the half-back.
Bad play
Diggs’ got called for unsportsmanlike penalty that set the Vikings’ offense back 15 yards, when he ran onto the field to stick up for a teammate. Minnesota was not able to recover the lost yards and was forced to punt, setting the Packers up with a chance to win the game. In what could have been a costly and stupid penalty, Diggs was bailed out by the defense when Brian Robison stripped Rodgers for his third fumble and the Packers’ fourth on the night.
Who Needs to Step Up Next Week
The offensive line needs to step up if the Vikings are going to have a chance of beating the Panthers. Kalil, Fusco and Smith, are going to have to find a way to provide Bradford with better protection in the passing game and they need to get a greater push off the ball in order for the running game to have success, especially without Peterson in the backfield.
Fallout
Despite suffering injuries that could potentially derail the Vikings’ season, they have found a way to adapt and keep their Super Bowl hopes alive. After losing Teddy Bridgewater for the season, Minnesota did not panic and brought in Bradford to fill the void. Instead of rushing him, they chose to be patient and let him get comfortable within a new system and surroundings. Playing in primetime on one of the NFL’s biggest stages, he looked prepared and comfortable with his new team on Sunday. During his short time with the Vikings he has already established an impressive rapport with Diggs. If the duo is able to keep up the pace, they could be one of the most dynamic tandems in the league this year.
The defense has gotten stronger in Mike Zimmer’s third year and are well on their way to becoming one of the most prolific defense’s the league has seen. A return to the Purple People Eaters of the past is within reason. After two weeks, they are NFL’s top defense holding opponents to an average of only 15 points and turning over offenses at an unheard of rate, averaging an interception and two fumble recoveries per game. Though it may be difficult to sustain these numbers, Minnesota’s defense is off to a dominant start.
Austin Erwin
What the Vikings did well
The Vikings were passing the ball extremely efficiently with Bradford under center. What can you say; having Diggs to throw at can change the game tremendously. The two connected nine times for 182 yards and a touchdown. On the defensive side, Minnesota shut down Green Bay’s offense. They could only seem to manage offensive momentum with the help of the officials.
Favorite play
Diggs gets open for Bradford in the back of the end zone and scores the Vikings’ second touchdown of the evening. The Vikings would then hold onto the lead from there.
Players of the Game
Stefon Diggs
Linval Joseph
Sam Bradford
What Vikings did poorly
The Vikings have to find a way to run the ball going forward. They have been passing the ball efficiently but have struggled on the ground. If the offensive line can pick it up and Turner continues to be creative, the Vikings will be in good shape.
Bad play
Terence Newman’s pass interference calls gives the Packers an early shot at a touchdown. Newman did rebound to break up a couple of passes in key situations, later in the game.
Who Needs to Step Up Next Week
The entire Vikings offensive line. With the statue that Sam Bradford is and the recent lack of a running game, Minnesota has to be able to protect. They have to at least be more consistent and get a push for the running backs.
Fallout
It was a huge win for the Vikings at home! Minnesota starts out leading the North in style. Hopefully Peterson can get healthy and come back in a month’s time. Besides that, they just need to keep battling and pushing each week. They can’t get ahead of themselves; surely Zimmer will keep his team focused and prepared.
Clayton R. Brooks II
What the Vikings did well
The defense made life absolutely miserable for Rodgers and the Packers offense all night. Other than gift wrapping a touchdown on a 40-yard pass interference penalty by Terence Newman, the Packers struggled to move ball all night against a Vikings’ defense that was more than up to the task.
The Vikings passing attack got a huge boost with new acquisition, Sam Bradford, making his Vikings debut. Bradford carved up the Packers’ secondary all night, despite the offensive line taking the night off for the most part. Diggs was the main beneficiary of Bradford’s big game with nine catches for 182 yards and a touchdown.
Favorite play
Diggs’ touchdown catch in the third quarter. Bradford took a big hit as he got the pass off. Diggs made an impressive leaping catch while battling cornerback Damarious Randall, managing to control the catch and get both feet down in-bounds in back of the end zone.
Players of the Game
Stefon Diggs
Sam Bradford
Entire Defense
What Vikings did poorly
The offensive line was far and away the Vikings’ weakest link on Sunday night. Not only were they not able to open up running lanes for Peterson for a second straight week, but they failed to protect the quarterback as well, giving up four sacks and several hits on Bradford. If the Vikings’ offense ever hopes to realize their full potential, the offensive line needs to improve drastically .
Bad play
Newman’s pass interference penalty cost the Vikings 40 yards and gave the Packers a first-and-goal on the four-yard line. He then picked up a defensive holding penalty a few plays later that extended the Packers possession even further, eventually leading to their first touchdown.
Who Needs to Step Up Next Week
The offensive line. After a poor performance in week two, they can ill afford a repeat in week three as they’ll face last season’s NFC champions, the Carolina Panthers.
Fallout
Danielle Hunter is quickly becoming a valuable talent in this defensive group. It’s becoming more difficult to justify keeping him out of the starting line-up. Even with improved play in the passing game, the offense clearly isn’t playing to the level of their defense. What is helping them is that they have yet to commit a turnover through two games but if the team intends to go far, the offense needs to demonstrate that they’re capable of producing on the ground and putting points on the board.
Justin Ekstrom
What the Vikings did well
The defense of the Purple People Eaters 2.0 is rapidly becoming better than the famed original. The 2016 version is not just four guys, it is the entire unit. They were a little less opportunistic with the three turnovers they forced but they all came in big spots.
Favorite play
After getting picked on all evening, Trae Waynes intercepts Rodgers with 1:56 remaining to seal the win.
Players of the Game
Stefon Diggs
Sam Bradford
Jeff Locke- 5 punts inside the 20 in a game like this, plays right into the high powered defense’s hands.
What Vikings did poorly
Run blocking; even Joe Berger was dominated at the point of attack all night.
Bad play
Meet me at the quarterback; Andre Smith and Matt Kalil both get dominated as Bradford never had a chance and is sacked as he is converged on by Packers from all sides.
Who Needs to Step Up Next Week
The entire offensive line and whoever is at running back. With Peterson possibly out it will be up to Jerick McKinnon and Matt Asiata to carry the load.
Fallout
Where the hell is Jerick McKinnon? With Peterson struggling and now injured, he has to finally get the ball, right? All reports out of training camp had McKinnon seeing an increased role in the Vikings’ offense this year. Perhaps his injury is lingering more than what the team has advertised but the fact the vikings are 2-0 without getting him involved, boggles the mind.
What more needs to be said about the defense and their depth? The Hunter injury will be something to monitor this week as he has tallied a sack in each of the first two games. If any defense could find a serviceable replacement, it would be Zimmer’s squad.
Wrap it up
If the Vikings’ defense keeps playing at this level, there is no reason the team cannot repeat as NFC North Champions. To expect them to get three or more turnovers every week, may be asking for a bit much. However, they have continually impressed with their non-stop motors and tackling ability. Even when Waynes could have very easily hung his head, he kept his wits and battled it out, making the game icing interception.
Bradford played very well and most can honestly say that Shaun Hill would not have made the same throws the former number one overall draft pick did on Sunday night. Bradford’s touchdown throw to Diggs was one of the best from a purple clad quarterback since the likes of Favre in 2009.
However great the victory was, the Vikings most assuredly know their achilles heel is the offensive line. As Clayton mentioned above, they not only gained a less than pedestrian 30 yards rushing, they gave up four sacks. How far the team makes it this season, is based largely on the evolution of the big boys up front. Perhaps the Vikings may need to bring in even more competition or perhaps just find a way to get better play from them. Whatever the case, improved play will be needed to accomplish what the team hopes and expects to do in 2016.
Next up: The Vikings take their 2-0 record to Carolina to face the 2015 NFC Champion and 1-1 Panthers at noon, Central Time on FOX.
Justin Ekstrom can be followed on Twitter @thesportscrib21 and be sure to follow and comment about vikings32 on Facebook and Twitter.
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