The Green Bay Packers held a sneaky dangerous Minnesota Vikings team to only 10 points, despite not having two of their top corners, and possessing a defense that had been porous many were worried headed into the game that the Green Bay Packers would turn this game into a potential shootout. Yet all of these concerns were laid to rest as the defense looked rejuvenated and better than it had recently.
Green Bay Packers Defense Against the Vikings
According to Green Bay Packers insider Matt Schneidman, defensive coordinator Joe Barry entered the locker room last night after the win to “three big claps”. Was it warranted?
For one night, yes.
This Packers defense was busy, looked more active, and did a nice job of confusing Jordan Hall early in the game. So much so that the Vikings elected to go to Nick Mullens in the second half. And while for a brief moment, it looked like Mullens would be able to mount something of a comeback, the defense held firm and was able to secure the victory.
So what changed?
While we saw glimpses of the prevent concept, this approach was periodically switched up with some blitzes and from more conventional looks. This was evident by the fact that 13 different Green Bay Packers recorded a QB pressure during the game.
While some may critique the level of competition due to the QB situation on the other side the defense still deserves credit for limiting one of the more talented wide receiver corps in the league.
Green Bay Packers Post-Game Comments
Green Bay head coach Matt La Fleur gave glowing remarks concerning his defense’s performance and game plan heading into the fixture.
I think you’ve got to give hats off to Joe Barry and our defensive staff for coming up with a great game plan and I know he’s taken a lot of heat lately, and again, it’s one game, but I was happy for him, out staff, our players.
Packers04 5
With the players playing with more intensity in the game, their gameplay echoed the sentiments of their head coach.
Green Bay Packers Quay Walker said the following after the game about the defensive approach of his coordinator:
I love the way he called play.
And that seems to be the crux of the matter. If a big play is allowed over the top, or you get burned now and then, like what we saw yesterday, so be it. But simply allowing opposing players to make plays by consistently giving time and space will not be a recipe for success moving forward.
Especially against the better playoff-caliber teams the star playmakers will eat you alive. With the possible additions of Jaire Alexander, and Eric Stokes next week there is an interesting element to watch for.
Will Barry and the coaching staff choose to go with the rotation that saw success against the Vikings? Or will the suspension and injury have been dealt with by next week giving Alexander and Stokes some much-needed playing time before a potential playoff appearance?
.
