GREEN BAY – Jeff Hafley was confident going into the game.
Before the Packers faced the Vikings in a 23-6 victory, the defensive coordinator discussed Green Bay’s struggling pass rush. The team had managed only three sacks over the last three games, resulting in two losses.
Hafley noticed that recent opponents, like the Panthers and Eagles, focused on short passes and runs, effectively stifling the Packers’ pressure. He emphasized the need for the defense to help the offense by getting the ball back more often. “We must play complementary football,” he said. “When teams start passing on us, that’s when the pressures and sacks will come.”
And come they did. Once the Packers stretched their lead to two scores, the defense came alive.
Zayne Anderson made a crucial play by pushing Vikings returner Myles Price into a bouncing punt. He recovered the ball at Minnesota’s 5-yard line. This set up an easy touchdown, putting Green Bay ahead 17-6 early in the third quarter.
From that point on, the Packers’ defense took charge. Here’s a look at the Vikings’ subsequent drives:
- Micah Parsons sacked QB J.J. McCarthy, forcing a three-and-out.
- Evan Williams stopped Aaron Jones for a loss, followed by two more sacks from Parsons and Devonte Wyatt.
- Colby Wooden tackled Jordan Mason, pushing the Vikings deeper into trouble. A false start and another Wyatt sack left them in a tough spot.
- Then McCarthy threw two interceptions on his next five attempts.
Once the Packers gained a two-score lead, the game felt decided. “It was a dominant defensive performance,” said Head Coach Matt LaFleur. This allowed the Packers to shift to a run-heavy game plan to protect QB Jordan Love’s injured shoulder.
The team added two field goals to cement the win. Although they struggled to convert on several third downs, the defense made sure it wasn’t an issue.
LaFleur mentioned that he considered being aggressive in the red zone, but opted for caution. Love seemed to understand, even if he was surprised by the conservative play calling. “When the defense plays this well, it influences our offensive decisions,” LaFleur explained.
Games can turn on specific plays, and this one favored the Packers’ strengths. Strong special teams and a steady lead allowed the defense to shine, showcasing what Hafley had hoped for all along.
In a league where defense wins championships, this game matched the Packers with the young Vikings team. It also highlighted the importance of a balanced attack and the impact of strategy on the game’s outcome.
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