The Packers lost to the Vikings 23-7 on Sunday. Nothing really went right and a lot went wrong for the Packers. Here are 3 takeaways from the Packers loss to the Vikings.
This Looked Very Similar To Last Year Week 1
Last year week 1 the Packers took a 38-3 drubbing by the Saints. The starters rested throughout the preseason and the first week looked like the team needed to find its groove. This looked eerily similar. The loss was not quite as bad but the play did. The Packers just didn’t look right until the second half. Even then, they still looked like they were finding their rhythm as a team. The Packers starting units simply have not played together and this game looked like they were figuring it out. One of the takeaways from the Packers loss to the Vikings might be that the starters should play more in the preseason.
Missed Opportunities in Packers Loss to Vikings
The Packers had multiple missed opportunities that could have swung the game. On the first offensive play of the game, rookie Christian Watson beat his man. Aaron Rodgers threw a perfect ball hitting him in stride. And Watson dropped it. That would have tied the game up 7-7. On another drive, the Packers were down 10-0 and AJ Dillon could not punch it in on 4th and goal from the 1. After the game, Rodgers admitted that he made a mistake and should have pulled the ball and walked in for the score. Other opportunities were missed throughout the game it close the gap and make it a game. One of the takeaways in the Packers loss to the Vikings was the need to take advantage of great opportunities.
The Packers Need Bakhtiari And Jenkins
David Bakhtiari and Elgton Jenkins did not play in this game and it showed. Rodgers was sacked 4 times and under pressure a lot more. If the Packers cannot protect the quarterback, it is going to be a long season. It seems like Bakhtiari and Jenkins are close to coming back but the question is when. Throughout the week there was optimism that they would play but it was announced early today they would be held out. Even if one of them comes back next week, it will be a huge for the Packers.
It’s a long season. While many will scream that the sky is falling, I think the Packers just needed a week to get in rhythm. The Packers look toward week 2 and their home opener against the Bears.
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