Rodgers Superb, Green Bay Rolls Over Minnesota Vikings, 43-34

In the derby of the NFC North, Green Bay Packers sliced Minnesota Vikings on the road, 43-34. Aaron Rodgers and his crew sent a strong message that last year’s results weren’t just a lucky turn of events.

The Packs were doubted a lot before the start of the season. Even though they managed to reach the NFC Championship Game, and post 13 wins during the regular part of the season, experts and analysts claimed that Green Bay had an easy schedule.

It is why they entered the season opener in Minneapolis as underdogs according to the bookies. And apparently, that made them pretty angry. Visitors from Wisconsin trailed only once, and that happened early on, but once they caught the rhythm, there was no hope for the Vikes.

The first period ended 7-3 in Vikes’ favor, with Dalvin Cook delivering that one TD for the hosts. Meanwhile, the visitors missed a chance to level the score and take the lead pretty soon, but they would erase those mistakes afterward.

As soon as Rodgers and Davante Adams started connecting, everything became much easier for the Packs. Other WR options became more accessible, and their superb RB Aaron Jones began to crush Minnesota’s defensive line.

“I think they’re one of the best duos in the National Football League,” said GB’s head coach Matt LaFleur on two above-mentioned guys. In the end, the Packers collected 522 yards from the scrimmage.

The second quarter ended with the guests scoring 19 points, and the home team just three. Practically, it was the sequence that decided this event. Aaron Rodgers threw four touchdowns in today’s contest, and 364 yards without a sack or a pick, for a 127.5 passer rating.

“There wasn’t the need for a lot of extended plays and the couple that we had turned into pretty good plays. I’m feeling good about the tempo that we had,” said Rodgers.

Adams, meanwhile, caught 14 passes for 156 yards and 2 TDs. Marquez Valdes-Scantling had four catches for 96 yards and one score, which was fantastic. It was a 45-yarder with 14 seconds to go until the halftime, and the one that dazzled the Vikes. Jones, who had 16 TDs last year, scored one today, carrying the ball 16 times for 66 yards.

On the other side, Kirk Cousins had 259 yards, 2 TDs, one pick and was sacked twice. It was a rollercoaster game for Minnesota’s QB.

“Just a different game. You never know how each one is going to flow. We don’t have anyone to blame but ourselves for not being on the field more,” he said.

LIVE: Mike Zimmer addresses the media following #GBvsMIN. https://t.co/66leLvl1fV

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) September 13, 2020

RB Dalvin Cook, who yesterday signed an extension with the Vikings, played very well, proving that Minnesota did the right thing by offering him big money. Cook had two rushing 2 TDs, in just 50 yards though. Adam Thielen had 6 receptions for 110 yards and two TDs also, and these two guys were the only ones besides Cousins who tried to do something in the offense.

Vikings had 140 yards fewer than the opponents, 382, and were on the pitch for just 18:44. Once reaching the lead, Rodgers controlled the clock perfectly, extending his stay on the field through Jones’ rushing, and occasionally winning first downs with laser-precise passes to his receivers.

This is the third straight victory for Green Bay against the big divisional rivals, and a massive edge for the future. Up next, they have another matchup with a divisional rival, the Detroit Lions, at home next Sunday.

The Vikings travel to Indianapolis to meet Colts, and after that, await the Tennessee Titans.