Vikings to go head-to-head in NFC North matchup
Minnesota looks to improve to 2-0 at Lambeau Field
Andrew Neururer
Sports Editor
The Minnesota Vikings had a dominating first week over the Atlanta Falcons, but they face a difficult task against the Green Bay Packers.
The Vikings and Packers rivalry dates all the way back from when Minnesota first became a franchise. Since Mike Zimmer started coaching the Vikings in 2014, Minnesota has gone 5-4-1 against the Packers.
The Vikings wanted to be a run-first offense or a more balanced attack coming into the season, which was the case against the Falcons. Minnesota threw the ball just 10 times in the 28-12 victory, but that might not be the best strategy come Sunday, Sept. 15.
Last season Minnesota went 1-0-1 against Green Bay and quarterback Kirk Cousins threw for a combined 86 times. In order to beat Aaron Rodgers and the Packers, that might be something Minnesota might be trying more of.
Minnesota will feature more runs under the new system this season with Kevin Stefanski and Gary Kubiak handling offensive play calls but look for Cousins to drop back more than what was seen against Atlanta.
Green Bay opened its season against the Chicago Bears, a game in which there was very minimal offense. The Packers managed just 213 yards in its 10-3 victory.
Much like the Bears, the Vikings have a very good defense that will make things difficult for Green Bay.
Minnesota will be without cornerback Mackensie Alexander, who suffered a dislocated elbow Sunday. For now, Jayron Kearse will be stepping up in a big way at the nickel position.
Last season’s rookie Mike Hughes tore his ACL, it’s been a long time coming, but Zimmer has said that he may be returning to action this week. That will be a major boost with Alexander missing significant time.
Minnesota will need to have all its defensive players ready to go against Rodgers. Chicago was able to get off five sacks and the Vikings should see similar success with pass rushers like Danielle Hunter, Everson Griffin and Anthony Barr.
This marks the first game between the two rivals. Minnesota will need to bring its A-game if it wants to defeat Rodgers and the Packers.
The game will take place at noon on Sunday, Sept. 15 at Lambeau Field.
Header photo: Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook (33) celebrates after scoring on a 7-yard touchdown run during the second half of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)