Week Six Game Recap: Vikings vs. Packers
Post-game Review
In the final of three straight divisional clashes, the Minnesota Vikings came away with a 23-10 victory over the rival Green Bay Packers. The win, coupled with the Detroit Lions’ loss to the New Orleans Saints earlier in the day, put the Vikings into a first-place tie for the NFC North with Green Bay.
Quarterback, Case Keenum, was steady as usual, save for throwing his first interception of the season, going 24 of 38 passing for 239 yards and a touchdown. Despite not having star receiver, Stefon Diggs, available for this game, Keenum was still able to feed off of receiver, Adam Theilen (nine catches for 97 yards), and running back, Jerrick McKinnon, who had 16 carries for 69 yards and a touchdown to go along with five catches for 30 yards and another score. Receiver, Laquon Treadwell, and tight end, Kyle Rudolph, were also difference makers that picked up the slack in Diggs’ absence, combining for 98 yards on eight receptions.
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The Vikings defense brought the hurt to the Packers… literally. Linebacker, Anthony Barr, put a hit on Packers star quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, during the Packers’ second possession of the game that not only ended his day but possibly his season as reports came out after halftime that he had suffered a broken right (throwing arm) collarbone. Backup, Brent Hundley, took over and was battered by an aggressive Vikings defensive front, taking 13 hits and four sacks while also getting intercepted three times.
MVP
Today’s co-MVPs were McKinnon and safety, Harrison Smith. McKinnon was a big factor for this offense for the second straight week as he impacted both the run game and the passing attack. Between his tough running and timely catch and run for a long score, he was a huge catalyst for the Vikings offense operating as efficiently as it did.
Smith’s versatility was on full display in this game. Head coach, Mike Zimmer, used him on a number of blitzes as he got to Hundley twice, coming away with 1.5 sacks, splitting one with lineman, Linval Joseph. He topped off his performance with an acrobatic interception that helped the Vikings maintain their stronghold on this game.
LVP
Latavius Murray hasn’t hurt the team but his performance, more so his production, is leaving much to be desired. 15 carries for 28 yards isn’t what the Vikings had in mind when they decided to sign him as a free agent. Hopefully he will get better as the season wears on because at some point, the Vikings are going to need him to play up to his contract. The better he can play, the more dangerous this rushing offense will become.
Play of the Game
Laquon Treadwell not only had the best game of his young career to date, but he may have also made the highlight catch of the season. With Packer cornerback, Josh Hawkins, pinned to his back, Treadwell was able to make a leaping one-handed catch on a ball thrown a little wide by Case Keenum, and then pick up additional yards to continue the Vikings march downfield before being forced out of bounds.
Next Up
The Vikings will welcome the Baltimore Ravens to US Bank Stadium for the first time on Sunday afternoon. The Ravens will come in with a 3-3 record after losing earlier today to the Chicago Bears. Their last meeting was Week 14 of the 2013 season. That game ended in a Ravens victory, 29-26.
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– Clayton R. Brooks II writes for cover32 and covers the Minnesota Vikings. Like and follow @ClaytonRBrooks2. Like and follow vikings32 on Facebook, and Twitter.
