The Green Bay Packers were unable to overcome a series of self-inflicted mistakes on offense and an injury-riddled pass defense that was crushed by Sam Darnold in Sunday’s 27-25 loss to the Minnesota Vikings.
The Packers scored 15 points in the fourth quarter and needed one stop to have a chance to win, but the defense gave up two first downs and the Vikings ran out the clock.
The Vikings defeated the Packers for the first time since 2017 and now enter the final week of the season with a 14-2 record.
Here are five statistics from the Packers’ Week 17 loss to the Vikings:
14: According to Pro Football Focus, Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold was pressured on only 14 of 44 tackles for loss and completed 26 of 30 passes when immaculate in the pocket. Coach Matt LaFleur said the Packers didn’t play up to their standard when it came to quarterback rushing. Jeff Hafley tried to attack Darnold early but ate him. The front four just wasn’t good enough.
1 in 5: Jordan Love was 1-for-5 on a pass that was thrown more than 20 yards in the air. His only catch was a 35-yard wide pass to Tucker Kraft in the fourth quarter. Darnold, on the other hand, was 4 of 5 for 99 yards and two touchdowns on throws of 20-plus yards against a defense that had been putting up explosive plays all season. The Vikings won decisively in a deep passing battle.
47.1 percent: According to Next Gen Stats, the Vikings played on 47.1% of the Packers’ losses, and Jordan Love averaged just 4.2 yards per attempt in man coverage. The Packers were without Christian Watson, arguably the team’s best coverage hitter, and Matt LaFleur admitted he didn’t have enough answers and adjustments to the look of coverage early on. Love had just 64 passing yards in the fourth quarter. Drops were an issue with man coverage.
2: Rookie safety Javon Bullard is credited with returning two touchdown passes. Jalen Nailor found himself in coverage on a 31-yard field goal, and Jordan Addison beat him with a double to score to open the third quarter. Bullard, who missed two games with an ankle injury, started the game but had to return to safety after Zayne Anderson left. It was a complex challenge for the rookie after an injury, but the Vikings took advantage of it. Bullard had six catches on six targets for 72 yards.
7: The Packers received seven penalties. Three penalties negated a first down or touchdown. Two penalties gave the Vikings a first down. One penalty gave the Vikings a second chance at a field goal before halftime. Matt LaFleur said the Packers were “sloppy” and didn’t play with the right fundamentals.
