It may be only week 4 of the NFL season, but it is a big game in the NFC North this weekend. The Green Bay Packers will take on the Minnesota Vikings at Lambeau Field for a noon kickoff. The Packers enter this game with a 2-1 record while the Vikings are the surprising team in the league at 3-0. Both offenses have looked good to this point while the defenses are holding their own as well. Division games are very important in the NFL and one game can out you in the drivers seat. Here is what the Green Bay Packers need to do in order to secure the win.
The Green Bay Packers Offense has to make Sam Darnold Uncomfortable
After Vikings rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy went down with a season ending knee injury in training camp, they keys were handed to Sam Darnold. A veteran in this league, Darnold was taken third overall in the 2018 NFL Draft by the New York Jets. His career has not panned out the way most thought and spent last year as a the backup in San Francisco.
However, he has found his footing early with Kevin O’Connell and this Minnesota offense. He is a big reason this team is 3-0. The Green Bay Packers defense will need to get after Darnold in this game. Aaron Jones and Justin Jefferson will likely get their own on Sunday, but Jeff Hafley can dial up the pressure and make Darnold uncomfortable. I like the chnages for this defense to force a few turnovers.
Matt LaFleur Needs to Counter Brian Flores
Defensive coordinator Brain Flores has been excellent through three games. The Vikings have 16 sacks in only three games. They are making life tough for opposing quarterbacks, making them feel uncomfortable in the pockets, and confusing them. Their game plan on Sunday likely will not change regardless who is the starting quarterback.
Matt LaFleur will need to find a way to counter what Flores is doing. I think we could see a lot of quick passes and letting the Green Bay Packers offensive playmakers so what they do best. Jordan Love or Malik Willis will have to throw the ball down the field as well, but this seems like a game were we could see some end arounds and screens.
Is it Jordan Love Time?
LaFleur has not said if Jordan Love, who has missed the last two games, will be ready for this game. Personally, I would be surprised if Love was not under center this week. He practiced last week and even went through warm ups in Tennessee before the decision was made to start Malik Willis.
It doesn’t appear Love has been cleared yet and LaFleur has said nothing can happen until he is at least cleared. I hope it is Love under center as this is a huge game with division and playoff implications. Malik Willis was great in his first two starts and there will be a plan if it is him instead, but this a game where you need for $55 million a year quarterback.
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