The Green Bay Packers (2-1) have won two games in a row and are now preparing to welcome the rival Minnesota Vikings (3-0) to Lambeau Field for the first NFC North game of the 2024 season.
The Packers avoided early-season disaster with wins over the Indianapolis Colts and Tennessee Titans, with Malik Willis replacing Jordan Love. Meanwhile, the Vikings have been one of the surprise teams of the season, with Kevin O’Connell’s team coming off large wins over the San Francisco 49ers and Houston Texans.
Let’s take a closer look at the Vikings team entering Week 4:
Last week (34-7 win over Texans)
The Vikings dismantled the Texans at U.S. Bank Stadium, using four touchdown passes from Sam Darnold, another 100-yard game from Aaron Jones and another stifling defensive performance to demolish the AFC South leaders, the Texans. C.J. Stroud threw an interception on the second play of the scrimmage, setting up a quick Viking score, and the rout came after the Texans fumbled a field goal and Jones scored on third down on the following possession. The Vikings didn’t allow the Texans to score on their first eight possessions. Even after the Texans cut the lead to 21-7, the Vikings responded with a field goal, an interception and a touchdown to regain full control. Four different players caught a touchdown pass from Darnold, Jonathan Greenard had three sacks after his former team, and Kamu Grugier-Hill and Camryn Bynum intercepted Stroud.
Playing the quarterback
Darnold, the third overall pick in the 2018 draft, has enjoyed a Geno Smith-like renaissance in his first year as the Vikings’ starter. He leads the NFL with eight touchdown passes and is completing 67.9 percent of his passes and averaging 8.4 yards per attempt. Darnold’s passer rating of 117.3 ranks second behind Josh Allen. He plays confidently from the pocket in Kevin O’Connell’s vigorous passing game and handles pressure (four touchdown passes under pressure). The Vikings are attacking all areas of the field, and Darnold has proven to be a capable quarterback. He’s dealing with a knee bruise he suffered last week but was a full participant in Wednesday’s practice.
Line of Scrimmage
On offense, the Vikings have a pair of excellent playmakers (Christian Darrisaw, Brian O’Neil) and large question marks inside (particularly center Garrett Bradbury and right guard Ed Ingram). Sam Darnold has been pressured on about 40 percent of his dropbacks this season, and the Vikings rank 29th in PFF’s pass-blocking efficiency rankings. In the run game, the Vikings are averaging 4.8 yards per carry, though most of their production has come tardy in victories. Defensively, the Vikings lead the NFL in sacks (16) and rank third in yards per rush attempt (3.6). Jonathan Greenard, a free-agent acquisition, has been disruptive (17).
Turnover
The Vikings rank sixth in the NFL with a +2 turnover differential. Their six interceptions rank third. Sam Darnold has thrown two interceptions, C.J. Ham lost a fumble in Week 1 and Aaron Jones lost a fumble in Week 2. Defensively, the Vikings thrive on the chaos of Brian Flores’ sophisticated and confusing scheme. Five different players have an interception in three games. The Vikings have won the turnover battle once (Week 3) and tied the battle twice.
Traumatic situation
The Vikings held a walk-through practice Wednesday, so it’s possible some of the early-week participation estimates are off. Center Garrett Bradbury and linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. missed Wednesday’s practice, and rookie edge rusher Dallas Turner was restricted after missing the last win. Receiver Jordan Addison (ankle) could return.
Statistics to know
The Vikings have allowed just three touchdowns in three games and currently rank second in the NFL in points allowed per game (10.0). Brian Flores’ defense has dominated Daniel Jones, Brock Purdy and C.J. Stroud. Will the Packers finally unlock one of the NFL’s best defenses to start 2024?
Players worth knowing
December 31, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft (85) runs after catching the ball against Minnesota Vikings linebacker Josh Metellus (44) during the second quarter at US Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
WR Jalen Nailor: Everyone knows about Justin Jefferson and Aaron Jones, but Nailor has proven to be a capable complementary weapon with Jordan Addison on the sideline early in the 2024 season. Through three games, Nailor has seven catches on nine targets for 106 yards and three scores.
Sr. Josh Metellus: The Vikings operate three more safeties than any other team in football. That’s because Metellus can stop the run like a linebacker and cover like a classic safety. He dominates the run game and has an interception.
CB Stephen Gilmore: The Vikings signed the veteran tardy in the offseason to stabilize the position, and he was solid on defense. The Packers burned him in Dallas during last year’s postseason.
Edge by Andrew Van Ginkel: The former Badger is another versatile player for Brian Flores. He can rush the passer but also drop into coverage. He has eight pressures in 64 pass-rushing plays.
