The Green Bay Packers gave up 33 completions and 377 passing yards to quarterback Sam Darnold in Sunday’s 27-25 loss to the Minnesota Vikings at US Bank Stadium.
The Packers’ indigent pass defense provided no answers against a talented group of pass catchers and a quarterback running the best scheme designed by Kevin O’Connell.
Jeff Hafley’s defense was without cornerback Jaire Alexander, linebacker Evan Williams and linebacker Quay Walker. Backup safety Zayne Anderson went for a concussion evaluation and never returned. Darnold brutally tore at what was left of the carcass.
According to Next Gen Stats, Darnold targeted the open receiver, completing a season-high 67.4% of his passes and completed 23 of 27 passes for 257 yards and two touchdowns on passes between the numbers (or the middle of the field). Time and time again, in gigantic moments, Darnold managed to throw the ball over defenders on the second level and to receivers who were running deep on offense.
Four different Vikings catchers had at least 60 yards, and all four – Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, Jalen Nailor and TJ Hockenson – had at least 20 yards.
Running back Cam Akers scored a 9-yard touchdown on a screen pass and secured the victory with a 6-yard catch on third down with less than two minutes remaining. CJ Ham’s 13-yard catch to open the Vikings’ final drive helped stop the clock. Aaron Jones caught four of five targets.
The pass rush wasn’t enough. Darnold only took one sack and was hit a total of five times on 43 occasions. Consistently dug in the pocket to escape rushes and find completions.
“You’ve got to keep the pressure on these guys if they’re going to give up so often,” coach Matt LaFleur said. “If you don’t do it, it’s going to be a long day.”
A week ago, the Packers defense forced rookie Spencer Rattler into oblivion in a 34-0 victory. The Packers defense was energized on Sunday in Minneapolis after one of the best passing games in the NFL.
Surviving in the playoffs requires facing top playmakers. The Packers now need to get vigorous defensively and lick their wounds after getting chopped in the penultimate game of the regular season.
