3 Keys To A Minnesota Vikings Victory Over the Green Bay Packers
The Minnesota Vikings are off to a strong start with a 3-0 record, silencing their critics so far. However, this week presents a big challenge as they face their division rivals, the Green Bay Packers, at Lambeau Field. It’s another opportunity for the Vikings to prove their doubters wrong.
The Vikings really need a win this week. Starting the season 4-0 and 1-0 in the division would be a big statement about what’s to come for the team this year. But how can Minnesota pull it off? Here are three key things the Vikings must do to beat the Packers.
1. Dominate the clock by controlling possession
The Minnesota Vikings face the Packers twice every season, and last year they split the series 1-1. However, Kirk Cousins missed the game they lost due to injury. The key to both matchups was clock control, whichever team managed the time better came away with a convincing win.
In Game 1 last season, the Vikings secured a 24-10 win on the road against the Packers in late October. They dominated time of possession, holding the ball for 36:22 compared to Green Bay’s 23:38, effectively controlling the game by keeping the ball out of the Packers’ hands for much longer.
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In late December, the Packers got their revenge by dominating the Vikings 33-10 at US Bank Stadium. This time, the script was flipped, with the Packers controlling the game, holding possession for 37 minutes and 32 seconds, compared to the Vikings’ 22 minutes and 38 seconds.
For the Minnesota Vikings to secure a 4-0 start this Sunday, it’s all about getting off to a fast start and controlling the clock. Whichever team can do that will come out on top.
2. Get off the field on 3rd downs
Last year, Brian Flores was in his first season as the defensive coordinator, and now, his defense is among the best in the league. A key factor behind this success is his ability to get his team off the field on crucial third downs, forcing punts and stalling drives.
This season, the Vikings rank 10th in the league for their ability to stop opponents on third downs, with the opponent conversion rate of just 30.95%.
Last season, we witnessed two distinct performances in the matchups against the Packers. In their first game, the defense was impressive, limiting the Packers to just 10 points and forcing them to convert only 5 out of 14 third downs. However, in the second game, the story was quite different, as the Packers excelled on third down, converting 9 out of 14 attempts.
This season has a noticeably different vibe, and Brian Flores is really locked in. Let’s hope he can continue to generate pressure and help reduce the Packers’ conversion rate.
3. The Minnesota Vikings must score at least 20 points
This season, the Vikings have scored over 20 points in all three of their games, which has helped them maintain a perfect 3-0 record. Their defense has been effective at shutting down opposing offenses, keeping them out of the end zone. With their offensive production, scoring 20 points is more than enough for the Vikings to secure victories, especially in this week’s matchup.
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With Jordan Love likely set to play this week, Brian Flores and the Vikings defense will be focused on making him feel uncomfortable in the pocket. They’ll aim to disrupt his rhythm and prevent him from finding his groove in his return to the field.
If the Vikings can put up 20 points this week, it should be enough to secure a 4-0 start, especially with the Packers aiming to keep Sam Darnold on his toes. As long as Darnold can help his offense reach that 20-point mark, Brian Flores and co will handle the rest.
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