Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
The Green Bay Packers had a rough first half against the Minnesota Vikings, but the defense turned it around by limiting them to one field goal in the second half.
The Packers trailed 28-0 early in the second quarter. However, a turning point occurred when Jalen Nailor muffed the punt, resulting in Packers quarterback Jordan Love tossing a touchdown pass to Jaylen Reed for 15 yards, who made a great catch to put Green Bay up 28-7 at halftime. The Packers’ offense and defense both struggled in the first half. Packers’ kicker Brayden Narveson missed two field goals.
The Packers improved in the second half, with Packers safety Xavier McKinney intercepting a Sam Darnold throw at the goal line. The Packers were able to capitalize when Jordan Love quickly passed the ball to Dontayvion Wicks, cutting the deficit to 28-14. This was McKinney’s fourth interception in four games.
Minnesota had a disastrous second half. Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold was whacked from the blindside. The very next play, he was stripped of the ball by Packers cornerback Keisean Nixon, and Green Bay took over deep in Viking territory.
Jordan Love’s 13-yard touchdown pass and two-point conversion to Tucker Kraft made the score 28-22. Despite the turnovers left on the field, Love and the Packers offense improved in the second half. The Packers scored 22 unanswered points.
Finally, too many blunders cost the Packers this game. Five turnovers and two missed field goals hampered their chances of overcoming the deficit and winning. Green Bay also committed too many penalties, and their wide receivers dropped a lot of passes.
What the Packers did not do well versus the Vikings?
Even though the Packers offense in the second half looked fantastic, they still need to obtain a new kicker and cut down on penalties and mistakes.
Jordan Love has to enhance his situational awareness and be more patient during important drives. It is not the worst impulse in the world to want to go out there and make a big play, but you must accept what the defense provides. Love struggled in the first half and showed rust, but he improved in the second half.
There was nothing to be upset about in the game. The Packers started poorly, but after that, they outscored Minnesota 29-3 in the second half. Despite the absence of their top two corners, the Packers defense performed admirably in the second half against one of the league’s greatest offensive units. The Packers offense also looked great in the second half. There is nothing to be concerned about with this team other than the kicker.
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