Vikings at Packers 9/29/24 Pregame Thoughts

[OldSchool101]

Discuss…

 

[Pugger]

This is going to be a much more daunting task than the last 2 weeks. One good thing is we are at home.

 

[lambeaulambo]

I suspect Iron Pyrite with our purple cohorts. Houston is not as good as we thought. Magically the NFC North is turning into one of the strongest divisions.

 

[Pkrjones]

Not looking forward to Aaron Jones screen passes, at all. If Stokes or JA can keep up with Jefferson for 3 seconds the pass rush may get home more often than not. Minny's OLB's look strong, so our OT's will need to be sharp. Love plays, well, but penalties (again!!) derail a few drives.
GB 37-Vikes 34 in OT. Narvy bangs a game winning 50 yarder.

 

[El Guapo]

I think that Aaron Jones is going to have a field day but I think/hope that we will also keep our run-oriented offense in gear no matter who is at quarterback.

GB 24 - Vikings 24 in OT.

 

[Magooch]

I don't know why, but I'm feeling a little optimistic here.
Obviously credit where credit is due. 3-0 is 3-0. It's too early to tell too much, but I can't help but wonder about the opposition here. You have the Giants, who are going to be a contender for the #1 draft pick if I had to guess. And on paper, the 49ers and Texans SHOULD be great teams, ones that many had penciled in as super bowl contenders. Maybe that will hold true, and those will remain quality wins. But if you're assessing solely based on this season thus far....those wins lose a little luster all the sudden. The Texans other two games were them barely winning against the Colts and Bears...both of whom are not good. The 49ers beat up on the Jets, but also lost to whoever the Rams could dress that wasn't already out injured.

And to be fair to the Vikings they are playing very well, and you can only beat whoever's scheduled in front of you. But I don't know...I think if I were a Vikings fan, I'd still have a hard time fully trusting Darnold. It seemed like heading into the season he was at best going to be viewed as a "bridge" QB for McCarthy to develop behind. And prior to this season has a career passer rating of 80.7 and a career QBR of 44.0 - this season those numbers are 117.3 and 73.5, respectively. Is that sustainable, or should we expect to see some regression there at some point? Hopefully it's this week, if so.

 

[Schultz]

I rarely feel that the other team has the better coach. IMO this is a toss-up. The MN guy is pretty good and seems to scheme open guys even better than MLF. I hope AJ has a nice game (not too nice). I am confident the Pack has the better overall roster. Pack in a tight one with home field being the difference.


P.S- If Love starts and is rusty and GB offense is struggling does anyone think there is any chance MLF turns to Malik late in the game?

 

[Pkrjones]

P.S- If Love starts and is rusty and GB offense is struggling does anyone think there is any chance MLF turns to Malik late in the game?

No, Love offers more offensive capability, imho. IF he's struggling that's on MLF for not adjusting his playcalls &/or scheme properly.

 

[OldSchool101]

Also the the Vikings Run Defense is like Chicago last year , very good. Except they just played the Texans, who were missing RB1 AND RB2. I’m not suggesting we will put up our customary 200 rushing. I am suggesting GB is an easy Top 5 Rushing team operating near full strength. As good as MN Defense is? I still think we can Rush 30X4.0 for 125 yards or so. That does not make us 1-dimensional like Houston.

The Vikings Pass Defense is underwhelming. I’m really hoping Jordan is back because THAT needs to be challenged. We have a good enough Run game to not abandon it. The GB Offense production is ranked #5, we are not some slouches Minnesota. GB also has a better DB group and better pass Rush than Houston to combat their Air attack. If the Vikes are expecting a Houston rematch they are going to be dismayed.

I’m mainly hoping Jordan plays. He will burn them for being greedy in the Pass Rush.

 

[sschind]

Keep in mind our league leading rushing offense includes 114 yards from Malik Willis. Somehow I doubt Love would have that many. If Love starts our rushing offense takes a hit. Certain teams run near the top of the rushing category every year because they have running QBs. If a mobile QB breaks a long one on a busted play or simply takes off the teams rushing offense benefits where teams with a statue at QB rely solely on their RBs.

 

[Dirty Sanchez]

As usual, the Vikings fans are shooting off their mouths about the game already. I’m envisioning a close game and probably be a shootout at the end. I hope JLove has the great game he is capable of and both, the defense and offense play well. Go Pack!!

 

[gopkrs]

I don't know why, but I'm feeling a little optimistic here.
Obviously credit where credit is due. 3-0 is 3-0. It's too early to tell too much, but I can't help but wonder about the opposition here. You have the Giants, who are going to be a contender for the #1 draft pick if I had to guess. And on paper, the 49ers and Texans SHOULD be great teams, ones that many had penciled in as super bowl contenders. Maybe that will hold true, and those will remain quality wins. But if you're assessing solely based on this season thus far....those wins lose a little luster all the sudden. The Texans other two games were them barely winning against the Colts and Bears...both of whom are not good. The 49ers beat up on the Jets, but also lost to whoever the Rams could dress that wasn't already out injured.

And to be fair to the Vikings they are playing very well, and you can only beat whoever's scheduled in front of you. But I don't know...I think if I were a Vikings fan, I'd still have a hard time fully trusting Darnold. It seemed like heading into the season he was at best going to be viewed as a "bridge" QB for McCarthy to develop behind. And prior to this season has a career passer rating of 80.7 and a career QBR of 44.0 - this season those numbers are 117.3 and 73.5, respectively. Is that sustainable, or should we expect to see some regression there at some point? Hopefully it's this week, if so.

He can throw the ball very well and we better cover the minihaha receivers accordingly. Both short and long. There have been so many passes to the flat this year. And it's been working real well. That's where McDuffie and Nixon can step in. Of course, our Aaron Jones is a wild card both receiving and running. He gets through the line so fast. Q will need to step up there if Jones gets through the line.

 

[gopkrs]

I rarely feel that the other team has the better coach. IMO this is a toss-up. The MN guy is pretty good and seems to scheme open guys even better than MLF. I hope AJ has a nice game (not too nice). I am confident the Pack has the better overall roster. Pack in a tight one with home field being the difference.


P.S- If Love starts and is rusty and GB offense is struggling does anyone think there is any chance MLF turns to Malik late in the game?

I doubt it. But I wouldn't mind seeing a bit of Malik for a few series. Or even some plays. It's a tough thing to do for a coach.

 

[OldSchool101]

Keep in mind our league leading rushing offense includes 114 yards from Malik Willis. Somehow I doubt Love would have that many. If Love starts our rushing offense takes a hit. Certain teams run near the top of the rushing category every year because they have running QBs. If a mobile QB breaks a long one on a busted play or simply takes off the teams rushing offense benefits where teams with a statue at QB rely solely on their RBs.

I agree and I think this will sound almost contradictory to what I’ve been saying about wanting Love. The more I ponder this game the more I think we should go in with Malik. The Vikings can’t stop the #1 Rushing Offense and it’s not because they can’t just throw 9 in the box. Malik Willis proved last week that if you do that? He’ll punish you in the intermediate Pass. Tennessee was one of the best ranked Run Defenses just last week. They dropped hard after we demolished them. It was an embarrassment level beating. I heard all week about TN Defense this TN Defense that and I almost bought into it. We didn’t just win. We manhandled the Tennessee Run Defense. I think we’re #1 by a mile with Malik.
The Pass is an area that Minnesota has NOT faired well. IF they commit to the Run? They will be ultra susceptible to getting burned. Its not a gamble I would want to make if I were MN. IF they overcommit to either Run or Pass? I think we beat them by 2 scores.

Malik Willis has earned this Start. 2-0 was not a fluke. It should’ve been 2-0 with 2-3 Score wins. We gifted 10 points to Indy and that Titans game was over after our last FG. We coasted and We still beat them by 16

 

[OldSchool101]

A big reason Houston lost to the Vikings is they were 1-dimensional and couldn’t use RPO. they lost both RB’s. Josh Jacobs has rushed for more yards in 2022 than Cam Akers (3.9 career avg) has in 6 seasons combined.

In Week 2, SF rushed 25X 102 yards or 4.1 per. I think we can top that. 35X4.5 150+ area? I’m giving Minni some props here. SF49er Jordan Mason ran 20 X 100 yards for 5.0 with a 23 long on the Road in Minni. We can top that at Lambeau.

Who else did MN play? The Giants? Devin Singletary has never cracked 900 yards in his career. Him and Daniel Jones are nowhere close to Jacobs, Wilson and Malik. If they rushed for 75 we can crack 150

 

[Krabs]

MN is 3rd in the league in scoring at 28.3 ppg. If they score 28 on the Pack I think they win. In the same respect, Green Bay is at 25 ppg, which is nothing to sneeze at. Some might say it is a push here. 3 points goes to the home team and last I looked the Pack is -2.5. So, again, push on the total points. I believe it is going to come down to the defensive side of the ball. I'm not sure how MN is doing it with their roster, but they are ranked #2 in the league only giving up 10 ppg. The Pack is giving up 19.3. The one thing I would say is that MN is in the middle of the league for yards given up. Meaning, you can move the ball on them. Redzone TD's will be big. As much as I want the Narv Dawg to eat, we can't settle for Redzone FGs. Lastly, Green bay is #1 in the league right now at takeaways. Now, MN is leading the league in sacks and they are right behind GB in INTs.

Everything I'm reading says this is going to be a close game. I'm hopeful that Green Bay can have a good showing at home, but MN does travel well to this game. It will probably be 1/3 MN fans at this game. Hard to predict, but I don't see the Pack pulling this one off. As much as I thought MN was smoke and mirrors I actually think they are legit. I don't think Super Bowl worthy, but definitely a playoff team. I'm saying MN 27 Pack 18.

 

[Curly Calhoun]

MN is 3rd in the league in scoring at 28.3 ppg. If they score 28 on the Pack I think they win. In the same respect, Green Bay is at 25 ppg, which is nothing to sneeze at. Some might say it is a push here. 3 points goes to the home team and last I looked the Pack is -2.5. So, again, push on the total points. I believe it is going to come down to the defensive side of the ball. I'm not sure how MN is doing it with their roster, but they are ranked #2 in the league only giving up 10 ppg. The Pack is giving up 19.3. The one thing I would say is that MN is in the middle of the league for yards given up. Meaning, you can move the ball on them. Redzone TD's will be big. As much as I want the Narv Dawg to eat, we can't settle for Redzone FGs. Lastly, Green bay is #1 in the league right now at takeaways. Now, MN is leading the league in sacks and they are right behind GB in INTs.

Everything I'm reading says this is going to be a close game. I'm hopeful that Green Bay can have a good showing at home, but MN does travel well to this game. It will probably be 1/3 MN fans at this game. Hard to predict, but I don't see the Pack pulling this one off. As much as I thought MN was smoke and mirrors I actually think they are legit. I don't think Super Bowl worthy, but definitely a playoff team. I'm saying MN 27 Pack 18.

My biggest concern would be JLove shaking off some rust in the beginning and having to play catch-up as a result. If Green Bay gets off to a fast start and Hafley can turn the dogs loose against Darnold I like our chances.

 

[Pugger]

This is a tough one for me to predict. I have been unable to watch any of our games, only highlights, so I haven't seen enough to make an educated guess. MN has looked good. Jones has really injected a lot into their offense. Darnold has been rejuvenated. Our new D will be tested for sure. Winning this game is going be a challenge.

 

[GBkrzygrl]

The Packers are going to have to play almost flawless football. If Love plays the OL going to have be sharp and steady because don't think for a moment that MN won't be going for his legs.

ML has to keep using the run game even if it's not working initially.

I hope Love is not rusty.

I am hopeful that the D can get after Darnold. Who would have thought that he would flourish in this offense?

I honestly don't know who is going to win this one. I give the Packers a slight edge because they are at home.

 

[GBkrzygrl]

I rarely feel that the other team has the better coach. IMO this is a toss-up. The MN guy is pretty good and seems to scheme open guys even better than MLF. I hope AJ has a nice game (not too nice). I am confident the Pack has the better overall roster. Pack in a tight one with home field being the difference.


P.S- If Love starts and is rusty and GB offense is struggling does anyone think there is any chance MLF turns to Malik late in the game?

NO

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

For those that haven't seen/read it, a really nice letter from Aaron Jones, entitled "A Message For Green Bay". He posted the letter -- which thanked teammates, fans and the Packers organization -- at The Players Tribune.

He's a class act. Definitely miss him and wish he was still in Green and Gold.

A Message for Green Bay | By Aaron Jones

It’s going to feel strange being on that visiting sideline for the first time ... but it’s ALL love, and it's so much gratitude.

www.theplayerstribune.com

 

[SudsMcBucky]

I'm still not sold on Darnold at all. If Hafley's D is anything like the last 2 weeks, we cruise.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

I'm still not sold on Darnold at all. If Hafley's D is anything like the last 2 weeks, we cruise.

Sounds like Darnold suffered a knee bruise on Sunday. Sounds like they are expecting him to play, but hopefully it will slow him down a bit. Another 8-9 sack game would be welcomed.

 

[El Guapo]

I'm still not sold on Darnold at all. If Hafley's D is anything like the last 2 weeks, we cruise.

I can understand that based on his results with the Jets and Panthers. However, remember that he had a great career at USC and was the #3 pick in the draft for a reason. He went to two franchises that couldn't be winners even if Aaron Rodgers showed up.....

Darnold has skills and Kevin O'Connell seems to get the best out of whomever plays QB for his team. We all better be prepared for when Darnold actually gets his three best pass-catchers on the field at the same time: Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and TJ Hockenson.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

I can understand that based on his results with the Jets and Panthers. However, remember that he had a great career at USC and was the #3 pick in the draft for a reason. He went to two franchises that couldn't be winners even if Aaron Rodgers showed up.....

Darnold has skills and Kevin O'Connell seems to get the best out of whomever plays QB for his team. We all better be prepared for when Darnold actually gets his three best pass-catchers on the field at the same time: Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and TJ Hockenson.

Really not a lot different than what we are seeing out of Malik Willis. Titan fans must have wondered why the heck they got rid of him on Sunday. Neither Darnold or Wills are the 1st 2 QB's to all of a sudden look a lot better with a new organization. I think when it comes to Willis, I am most shocked at how quickly it happened. The guy must be a very quick study and tuned in.

Side note....for all those posters that thought Willis was a dumb trade and Clifford should have started, what are your thoughts now?