My Dad, Yochen, during the war years. I believe this was taken in 1943 in California.

My Dad, Richard Rivard, died more than a decade ago, but there isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think about him, his love of the Minnesota Vikings and his love of life.

“Carpe Diem,” Sieze the Day, was his battle cry – and he lived up to it each moment he was on this earth.

Today is his birthday. I knew, for some reason, that this day was special. I couldn’t remember why until I was reminded through a Facebook post by my mother. Whether it’s Christmas, his birthday, Veterans Day and so many other days that were special to him, they were always special to us, his children, too.

But it was his love of the Vikings that always brought us closer. As a Green Bay Packers fan, we would go at it. “Green Bush, they’re just a bunch of hacks,” he would say. I would try to come up with something as critical of the Vikings … and the fun would continue. When the Vikings were at their best under Bud Grant in the 70s, he was in all his glory. When the Packers came back into prominence in the mid-90s, he was happy for them, but failed to show it.

And so, on his birthday, I have to revive his memory once more and bring forth this post I did quite a while back. It defines much better our relationship and describes why he was important in my life – other than the fact that he was my father.

Enjoy …

Yochen, the Vikings fan

My Dad, Richard Rivard, was affectionately known by family and friends as Yochen … Don’t ask me how or why … That’s just the way it was.

His love of the Minnesota Vikings could be viewed the same way … Nobody was really sure how or why. Living in western Wisconsin, his most ready explanation was through a question: Why should he support a team that was 200-plus miles away when he could jump in the car and be at a game in Minnesota in no time?

He had a logistical point there, but in my mind one constructed through convenience, not time-honored loyalty.
“Green Bush” is what he called the Packers with a smile.

You see, to me, I always felt he became a Vikings fan in the early 1960s because he wanted to be different. Everyone else was a Packers fan.

Fran Tarkenton was one of my Dad’s favorites

Though he would only ascribe his loyalties to the purple and gold, we all knew he had a soft spot for the Packers, especially when they won. He was not only around when the Packers were winning championships in the late 1920s and early 1930s, but he of course was pleased to see them win under Vince Lombardi in the 1960s (after all, the Vikings were a fledgling franchise at that point).

When the Pack came roaring back in the mid-1990s, he no doubt could see the greatness of those teams as well.

But he did have good reason to be a fan of the division rival to the west. He was always a big fan of Fran Tarkenton … Even cheering for him when he played those years in New York. I remember well 1969 when we attended a preseason game at the old Metropolitan Stadium and Tarkenton, then with the Giants, threw the ball all over the yard, mostly to Homer Jones … Much to the pleasure of Yochen.

When Tarkenton came back to Minnesota and led them to all those NFC championships in the mid-1970s, Yochen was ecstatic … And heartbroken when the team could never win a Super Bowl.

Nevertheless, he was a fan because … well, frankly, the Vikings were one of the best-run franchises for many years. Yochen knew excellence and appreciated it when he saw it. Clearly, the Packers could have learned a lot from the Vikings during the 1970s and 1980s. Year-in year-out the Vikings were contenders. For the Packers, winning was a distant memory.

Yochen died in May 1999, but it was on an early fall day just a few months after he left us that I felt his smile and laugh the strongest.
It was one of those clear, cool and crisp fall days – the type that Yochen would spend puttering around the yard on some needed project awaiting the start of the ball game.

This particular day also happened to be one when the Vikings invaded Lambeau Field.

The Packers, a shadow of their championship stature of just a couple of years prior, were still a threat to win … You see, the Packers had this guy named Brett Favre … One of those Packers players Yochen had come to appreciate.

It was one of those back and forth epic struggles between two teams that knew one another so well … It came down to the final minute. It was one of those games you knew Yochen would have loved … One of those that no matter the outcome, he would have greeted it with a “Wow! Holy cow! Can you believe that?!?”

I could hear his spirit yelling just as the Vikings went ahead with just seconds left in the game.

But the Packers had Brett Favre.

And in true fashion, the future hall of famer led the Pack downfield. As the clock wound down inside 20 seconds Favre hit Corey Bradford on a seam route for the winning score … Maybe you remember that game.

It was one that Yochen certainly would have appreciated.

I could hear and see him:  ”sonofabitch,” he would have said. Not out of disgust or anger … He more than likely would have been wearing that smile … Incredulous.

That’s who he was … Yes, he was an admitted Vikings fan, but more than anything he was just a fan … Happy to have been there and to have witnessed it.

Don’t ask me how or why … That’s just the way it was.

Jan 5, 2013; Green Bay, WI, USA; Football fan Will Knutson , age 9, from Atlanta throws a football in the parking lot outside of Lambeau Field before the NFC Wild Card playoff game between the Green Bay Packers and Minesota Vikings. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Two touchdowns by fullback John Kuhn and a swarming defense that kept all-world running back Adrian Peterson to 99 yards was enough to lift the Green Bay Packers to a 24-10 win over the Minnesota Vikings in the first round of the NFL Playoffs Saturday night.

Aaron Rodgers
Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Aaron Rodgers, who said the offense has some things “to work on,” was complimentary of the defense, saying they were playing at a championship level. Charles Woodson, who had been out since Oct. 21, came back for this game and seemingly brought a new energy and stability to the unit.

“The defense played at a championship level; offensively we’ve got some things to work on,” Rodgers said. “We’ve got a tough test next week in San Francisco; had some guys go down tonight; we cut it off in the third quarter … we’ve gotta put a team away.”

Woodson was thankful for the win and felt like the team is ready to roll. “I felt good,” he said. I thought I moved around well. We wanted to continue the ride; the energy level was at an all-time high; this week we made the tackles; kept putting the heat on (Peterson).”

Coach Mike McCarthy also thought the defense played the way they had anticipated.

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Joe Webb (14) is tripped up by Green Bay Packers safety Charles Woodson,
Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

It comes down to playing with discipline, trusting the guy next to you … I think our defense was extremely disciplined tonight. We didn’t do whole lot of work on (Webb) … it didn’t change the game plan a whole lot. It’s a game of football, and we play whoever they line up with. The players and coaches did a hell of a job.”

Though Rodgers only threw one touchdown tonight, he was 23 of 33 for 274 yards and moved the team sharply in the first half to build what would be an insurmountable lead. The Packers did have to settle for a field goal when the Vikings shut them down inside the 10 yard line, but that was one of the few missteps by the Packers.

They took the air out of the ball in the second half and the Vikings scored a garbage touchdown late in the game on a broken coverage pass to make it a two-possession game, but it wouldn’t get any closer than that.

Vikings head coach Leslie Frasier said his team “played hard … and we’re extremely proud of the football team the way they represented the organization; these guys didn’t put limitations on what they could achieve. Because of the character of the men on this football team there’s a lot we can learn from 2012 season.”

In looking ahead to next Saturday night’s game in San Francisco, Rodgers said,  ”It’s going to be fun to go back to the West Coast. hopefully get a lot of cheeseheads from Chico coming down for the game.”

Here’s how we started the day:

Wild Card weekend is here as the Green Bay Packers host the Minnesota Vikings in Saturday night’s nationally televised game. For the second time in as many weeks, the Packers play the Vikings, thanks to Minnesota’s 37-34 win in the final game of the regular season. The win kept the Chicago Bears out of the playoffs and made a place for the Vikings who turn around and have to travel to Green Bay.

The signs were out early in Green Bay.

The story of the night could come down to several things: Aaron Rodgers, Adrian Peterson, and whether Vikings QB Christian Ponder plays. He had been struggling with elbow bursitis all week and was questionable going into Saturday night’s game.

Stopping Peterson will be key as will slowing whoever plays QB for the Vikings. The Packers also need to get out to a quick start on offense, establish their run game and play defense like it’s the last game of the year – which it is if they can’t do any of those things.

• A full house of about 73,000 is expected for the 7 p.m. game at Lambeau Field. Gametime temperature was to be around 29 degrees and dropping slowly through the night.

• Packers team-elected captains for today: James Jones, Aaron Rodgers, Clay Matthews, Charles Woodson, Jarrett. Bush and Jamari Lattimore.

Joe Webb
Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Packers vs. Vikings First half 

Joe Webb starts for the Vikings; Ponder out.

Clay Matthews in an interview just before gametime: “Have to be disciplined, hold up the edge.”

Packers won the toss and deferred to the Vikings

Beginning of the first quarter

Packers kickoff to Vikings – Sherels returns to the Vikings 33 – way too much yardage on opening kickoff

First and 10, Webb under center, hands off to Adrian Peterson who takes it up the middle for 3

Second and 7, Peterson for four off right tackle

Third and 3, Webb is caught in backfield, but gets away picks up first down breaking tackles. Is this a picture of what he will bring to this game?

First and 10 at Packers 44, handoff to Peterson for 6 off right tackle

Second and 2, Webb under center, hands off to Peterson who runs for a first down

First and 10 from Packers 29, Peterson for 11 off left guard

First and 10, Webb fakes handoff to Peterson and rushes for 5 off right tackle

Second and 5, Handoff to Peterson, Woodson hits Peterson in backfield for loss of 2

Vikings timeout – first

Third and 7, from the Packers 15, Webb in gun, under pressure Webb throws it away

The Donald Driver seems to be over in GB.

Tonight’s inactives.

WR Jarrett Boykin, CB Davon House, RB James Starks, LB Frank Zombo, WR Donald Driver, DT Jordan Miller, DE Jerel Worthy

FG By Blair Walsh GOOD from 33 yards

Drive: 10 plays, 53 yards in 5:34

Vikings kickoff to Packers

Jeremy Ross returns it to the Packers 31 up the right sideline

Packers first possession of the first half

First and 10 from the Packers 32, Rodgers from the gun, quick pass left to Randall Cobb for 7

No huddle, second and 3, handoff to DuJuan Harris for 2,

Third and 1, Rodgers in the gun, pass over the middle low and away dropped by Harris. Not a good pass by Rodgers who thought about running and then tried dumping it off to Harris.

Fourth down punt by Tim Masthay, Sherels returns it from the 16 to the 33

Adrian Peterson
Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Vikings second possession

First and 10 from the 33, Webb fakes handoff to Peterson and rolls right and gets the edge for 11 yards

First and 10, handoff to Peterson who shuffles right and gets tackled after 2 yards by Morgan Burnett

Second and 8, play action pass to the left side to TE Kyle Rudolph for 6

Third and 2 from the Vikings 48, Webb tackled by Walden, Webb throws a duck into the air and it falls incomplete. Clay Matthews was the closest player to the ball.

Fourth down punt by Chris Kluwe to Randall Cobb who returns it four yards to the Packers 17

Packers second possession

First and 10 from the Packers 16, Rodgers under center, handoff to Harris for 4

Second and 6, Rodgers under center, pitch to Harris to the left, breaks a tackle and takes the ball for 5

Third and 1, handoff to Ryan Grant, but Vikings are offside, lined up in neutral zone – first down

First and 10, ball at Packers 31, Rodgers nowhere to go, runs it up the middle for 3

Second and 7, soft screen to Harris for 16 yards and a first down

First and 10, ball at 49, inside handoff to Harris for 1

Second and 9, ball at the 50, pass over the middle to Jermichael Finley for nine and a first down

First and 10, Rodgers in gun, hands off to Harris up the middle for 2

Second and 8, Rodgers dumps ball over the middle to Harris for 15 and a first down

First and 10, ball at Vikings 24, pitch to Grant left, hit, turns it back inside and loses 1

DuJuan Harris
Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

Second and 11, Rodgers under center, Screen right to Grant who takes it down to the Vikings 10, gain of 17

First and 10 from the eight, pitch to DuJuan Harris who cuts it back left and takes the ball down inside the 1, might be a touchdown – McCarthy challenges and the call on the field is overruled – Touchdown

Crosby with the extra point

Drive: 11 plays, 82 yards in 6:11

Packers 7 Vikings 3

Packers kick off to Vikings – Crosby kicks through the end zone

Vikings third possession of the first half

First and 10 from the 20, handoff to Peterson off right tackle for 1, Dezman Moses with the tackle

Vikings

Packers

End of the first quarter

Second and 9, Webb drops back to pass, nothing open and runs up the middle for 10

First and 10, Peterson for 4 to the 35

Second and 6, Webb under center, Webb is forced to the outside and sacked by Clay Matthews

Third and 15, Webb under pressure tosses the ball away and is called for intentional grounding

Fourth down punt by Kluwe, Cobb catches it at the 30 and returns it 6 yards to the 36

Packers third possession

First and 10 from the 36, Rodgers under center, handoff to Harris for 8,

Second and 2, Rodgers dumps ball to Harris over the middle for first down

First and 10 ball at Vikings 49, pitch to Harris who runs right and is hit by S Harrison Smith with the nice tackle

Second and 11, Rodgers under center, nobody open and the Vikings sack Rodgers for loss of 8

Third and 19, pass over the middle to Jennings, but he is five yards short of the first down

Fourth down punt by Masthay and fair catch by Sherels to the 14

Vikings possession

First and 10 from the Vikings 14, Webb under center, pass toward Michael Jenkins knocked away by Sam Shields

Second and 10, Peterson hit at line of scrimmage, dances around and is hemmed in for no gain

Third and 8, Webb in gun, pass to Jerome Simpson two yards short of the first down, Tramon Williams on the coverage

Fourth down punt to Cobb at the 18, returns to the 26. Cobb runs 50 yards to get 8.

Packers fifth possession

First and 10 at the Packers 26, Rodgers in gun, inside handoff to Cobb off right tackle for 4

Second and 6, Rodgers in gun, Rodgers fakes handoff left, rolls right and then hits Tom Crabtree who hurdles for the first down

First down and 10, Rodgers has lots of time and hits James Jones for 20

First and 10, another inside handoff right for 2

Second and 8, pass to Jones for 3

Third and 5, ball at Vikings 34, Rodgers in the gun, thows toward Nelson who was nowhere near the ball

Greg Jennings
Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

Fourth and 5, Packers go for it, Rodgers passes to Jennings who breaks tackles and rumbles to the 3 for first down to the 3

First and goal Rodgers hands off to Kuhn for 2,

Second and goal, pass to Finley falls incomplete

Third and goal, Rodgers under center, quick handoff to Kuhn goes nowhere

Crosby for FG – GOOD

Drive: 11 plays, 82 yards in 6:11

Packers 10 Vikings 3

Packers kick off to Vikings – Sherels returns to the 33, but Vikings called for holding

Vikings possession

First and 10, ball at the Vikings 12, Peterson up the middle for 5,

Second and 5, long pass toward Jerome Simpson well overthrown

Third and 5, Webb in the gun, Webb under pressure first by BJ Raji and then forces him up in the pocket and Erik Walden gets the sack

Two-minute warning

Fourth down punt by Kluwe to Cobb – line drive rolls to a stop and downed by Vikings

John Kuhn
Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Packers Sixth possession

First and 10 at the 38, Rodgers in the gun, pass over the middle to Jordy Nelson for 23 over the middle

First and 10, Rodgers passes to a wide open Jennings to the 26 and another first down

First and 10, Rodgers fakes handoff left, rolls right and hits Nelson to the 3

First and goal, Rodgers thinks about running, backs up and throws incomplete

Second and goal, Rodgers in the gun, inside handoff to Kuhn for the touchdown

Crosby extra point

Packers 17 Vikings 3

Vikings possession

First and 10, Webb throws over the middle to Peterson for 8

Vikings timeout -second

Second and 2, Webb airs it out with nobody in the zip code

Third and 2, 22 seconds left, Peterson gets a first down and runs out of bounds to stop the clock

16 seconds left, first and 10, ball at 44, Webb under pressure throws ball over the middle low and nearly picked by Williams

10 seconds left, Webb throws to left sideline incomplete

Last play of first half, Webb throws incomplete

End of first half

Packers 17 Vikings 3

Packers

Vikings

Packers

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Vikings

1st Quarter

Blair Walsh 33 yard field goal, 9:26 Drive: 10 plays, 53 yards in 5:34
Minnesota 3-0

DuJuan Harris 9 yard TD run (Mason Crosby extra point is GOOD), 0:00 Drive: 11 plays, 82 yards in 6:11
Green Bay 7-3

2nd Quarter

Mason Crosby 20 yard field goal, 3:25 Drive: 11 plays, 72 yards in 5:01
Green Bay 10-3

John Kuhn 3 yard TD run (Mason Crosby extra point is GOOD), 0:38 Drive: 5 plays, 62 yards in 1:10
Green Bay 17-3

Read More: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/gameflash/2013/01/05/5233/index.html#ixzz2H9todQCg

Aaron Rodgers
Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Second half

Vikings kick off to Packers to Jeremy Ross – takes a knee and a touchback

Packers first possession of the second half

First and 10 at the 20, Rodgers under center handoff to Harris for 4

Second and 6, Packers in no huddle, Rodgers under center hands off to Harris for 4

Third and 2, Rodgers in the gun, quick pass over the middle to James Jones for a first down

First and 10, ball at 37, Rodgers in gun, Rodgers sacked

Second and 14, Rodgers in gun, nobody open, runs up the middle for 11

Third and 4, pass over the middle to James Jones for 19 yards and a first down

First and 10, Rodgers in the gun, dump off to Harris for 4

Second and 6, pass over the middle to Harris for first down to the 20

Rodgers under center, handoff to Harris for 6

Second and 4, Rodgers in the gun – calls timeout at 9:45 mark of third quarter – first

Second and 4, ball at the Vikings 14, Rodgers fakes handoff left, rolls right, but can’t find anyone open and throws it away

Third and 4, pass over the middle toward Finley knocked down by Harrison

John Kuhn (30) runs into the end zone for a touchdown in the third quarter.
Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Crosby FG attempt – but before the attempt 12 men on the field penalty call against the Vikings that gives the Packers and first and goal

Packers first and goal at the Vikings 10, Rodgers in the gun, pass over the middle to Kuhn over the middle for the touchdown

Drive: 12 plays, 80 yards in 5:35

Packers 24 Vikings 3

Packers kick off to Vikings – Sherels downs it in the end zone

Vikings first and 10 from the 20, Peterson stopped for 4 yard loss by Erik Walden

Pass over the middle to Simpson for 12

Third and 2, Peterson over the middle for 2

First and 10 from the 32, Webb pass over the middle for 13 yards and a first down to Rudolph

First and 10, Webb attempts pass down left sideline for John Carlson is incomplete

Second and 10, Webb under center, handoff to Peterson who is hit at the line, bounces it outside but tackled by Sam Shields for 2 yards

Pass over the middle to Wright for first down

first and 10, ball at Packers 45, Webb under pressure by AJ Hawk, ball incomplete over the middle

Second and 10, Peterson bounces up the middle for 2

Third and 8, Webb passes short to Wright, but short of first down

Fourth and 3, Webb in gun, Matthews hits Webb, Webb fumbles and Matthews recovers

Packers take over on turnover

First and 10, ball at the Packers, handoff to Harris for 3

Second and 7, Harris hit in backfield, bounces off the tackle, runs left and hit by Harrison Smith for a loss

Third and 15, passes toward Cobb low and incomplete right at the first down marker.

Fourth and 15, punt by Masthay, Sherels fair catch

Vikings possession

First and 10 at the Vikings 19, Peterson up the middle for 5

Second and 5, Webb under center, handoff to Peterson who runs left for the first down

First and 10, Peterson for 3 off right tackle

Second and 7, Webb throws incomplete

Third and 7, Webb drops back but runs for a first down with a run up the middle

First and 10, Webb rolls left, throws long down the left sideline and it’s intercepted by Sam Shields

Stats through the third quarter

Vikings

Packers

Fourth quarter

Packers head coach Mike McCarthy
Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Packers possession

First and 10 at the Packers 8, Harris gets the pitch left for 2 yards

Second and 8, Rodgers under center, Harris for 4

Third and 4, pass toward Jennings incomplete

Fourth down punt, Sherels muffs the punt and Packers recover

Packers possession

First down and 10, Harris for no game

Second 10, Harris for 1

Third and 9, pass toward Nelson down right sideline incomplete

Punt by Masthay, Sherels fair catch

Vikings possession

First and 10 at the 9, Webb passes long to nobody

Second and 10 at the 9, handoff to Peterson who cuts left, loses his balance and falls with no gain

Third and 10, Webb in the gun, under pressure, Webb runs up the middle for 8 to force a punt

Fourth and 2, Vikings were going to go for it, but punt instead, Cobb catches at the 29, runs sideways and returns it two yards.

Packers possession

First and 10, ball at the 31, Rodgers quick pass to Jennings for 2

Second and 8, Rodgers pass over the middle is tipped incomplete

Third and 8, Rodgers in the gun, hits Kuhn over the middle, but he is two yards short of the first down

Masthay punt to Sherels to the 21. Fair catch.

9:05 left in the game

Joe Webb
Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Vikings possession

First and 10 from the 21, Peterson falls again, bounces outside and picks up 17

Peterson up the middle and tackled by Woodson, but not before he picks up a first down

First and 10, Woodson nearly sacks Webb, but he throws ball away

Second and 10, pass down the right sideline nearly intercepted by Williams

Third down and 10, Webb tries to pass, is pressured by several Packers, but forced out of bounds after picking up 1

Fourth down and 9, Packers’ Mike Neal called for encroachment

Fourth and 4, 6:30 left, Webb in gun, passes incomplete – Packers take over on downs

Adrian Peterson (28) is tackled in the backfield by Green Bay Packers strong safety Charles Woodson (21) in the first quarter of the NFC Wild Card playoff game at Lambeau Field. Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Packers possession

First and 10, handoff to Ryan Grant for 7

Second and 3, handoff to Ryan Grant and a loss of 5

Third and 8, ball at the 45, Rodgers in the gun, Rodgers sacked

Fourth down punt by Masthay to Sherels. Runs it back to the 34

Vikings possession

First and 10 at the 34, Webb throws incomplete

Second and 10, quick slant over the middle to Jenkins

First and 10, Broken coverage and a 50 yard touchdown down right sideline for a touchdown

Drive: 3 plays, 66 yards in 0:36

 3:39 to play

Packers 24 Vikings 10

Vikings with a pooch kick picked up by Jeremy Ross who runs out of bounds

Packers possession

First and 10, handoff to Ryan Grant for 2

Vikings timeout

Second and 8, Grant for 3

Third and 5, 3:25 left, Rodgers in empty backfield and gun, pass to Nelson for a first down; Nelson limps off the field

First and 10, Rodgers trips handing off to Grant who loses 2

Two-minute warning

Second and 12, Rodgers under center, fakes handoff and throws complete for 1

Third and 11, handoff to Grant to the 31

1 minute left

Packers punt with 28 seconds left, Sherels fair catch at 32

19 seconds left

Vikings first and 10, Webb in gun, completes gun to Jenkins

Webb spikes ball with 1 second left, pass to Rudolph complete and tackled at 20

Final score: Packers 24 Vikings 10

Peterson kept to 99 yards

Final Statistics

Vikings

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Vikings

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Aaron Rodgers will have to point the way through the Playoffs starting next week when Green Bay will host the Vikings once again. The last time the Packers were faced with this type of quick turnaround was when they beat Arizona in the 2009 season finale and then lost to them in one of the best playoff games ever.
Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

First, congratulations for the Minnesota Vikings for defeating the Green Bay Packers 37-34 today as Blair Walsh sneaked a 30-yard field goal between the uprights as the clock ran out.

Unfortunately for Adrian Peterson, the super human fell 9 yards short of the NFL single-season rushing record.

“Ultimately, got the W. Opportunity to play next week,” Peterson told FOX TV after the game.

For the Packers, it was an uphill battle in the Mall of America Field as they fell behind 13-0 and had the bad luck just before the half when a lame duck pass thrown by Christian Ponder was tipped into the air by four Packers defenders and “caught” by Jarius Wright to extend a Vikings drive that resulted in a touchdown to give the Vikes a 20-7 lead at that point.

Another key play going against the Packers was an illegal hands to the face by CB Tramon Williams that negated a third down stop that would have forced the Vikings to kick a field goal midway through the fourth quarter. The Vikings would score three plays later on another third down play that was nearly intercepted in the end zone by MD Jennings but instead ended in the arms of Michael Jenkins – just his second touchdown catch of the season. That touchdown gave the Vikings a 34-27 lead with about four minutes left in the game.

That’s when Aaron Rodgers directed the Packers downfield for a game-tying touchdown pass to Jordy Nelson on a beautiful back shoulder throw that tied the game with just under three minutes remaining.

The Vikings came back and converted and huge third down play that would extend their game-ending drive that would feature one long run by Peterson that set up Walsh’s final game-winning kick.

Aaron Rodgers did the best he could with a 28-40-365 effort that resulted in four touchdown passes.

The Packers also got a good showing from RB DuJuan Harris off the bench who picked up 70 yards on just 14 carries.

For the Vikings, QB Christian Ponder played just well enough to balance the performance by Peterson. Ponder hit 16 of 28 for 234 yards and 3 touchdowns. He didn’t throw an interception, but the Packers had at least three shots at securing a turnover.

The Green Bay Packers traveled to Minneapolis today to play the Vikings in a season finale with all kinds of playoff implications.

We will provide a play-by-play rundown here throughout the game, as well as photos and statistics that will emphasize the action on the fieldBut you already knew that.

Packers inactives: Randall Cobb, cornerbacks Charles Woodson and Davon House, halfback James Starks, linebacker Terrell Manning, receiver Donald Driver and defensive tackle Jordan Miller.

Vikings inactives: quarterback McLeod Bethel-Thompson, receiver Stephen Burton, cornerback Brandon Burton, safety Robert Blanton, linebacker Audie Cole, offensive lineman Troy Kropog and end D’Aundre Reed.

Today’s Head Referee: Mike Carey

Packers kick off – Sherrels returns to the 23

Vikings first possession

First and 10 handoff to Adrian Peterson for no gain

Second and 10, QB Christian Ponder rolls right and throws across the middle to TE Kyle Rudolph for 10 and a first down

First and 10 at 33, handoff to Peterson who is hit at line of scrimmage, he spins and bounces to the outside for 12

First and 10 from Vikes 45, Peterson up the middle for 3

Second and 7, Ponder under pressure from BJ Raji up the middle and ball tipped by Clay Matthews – incomplete

Third and 7, pass to Simpson on sideline for 8 and first down, Tramon Williams on coverage

First and 10, Ponder with quick slant incomplete, Sam Shields on coverage

Second and 10, ball at Packers 6, Ponder rolls right, under pressure from Erik Walden, throws ball away

Vikings kicker Blair Walsh
Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports

Third and 10, Ponder rushed out of pocket, runs for 8 short of first down

Blair Walsh from 54 yards FG attempt – GOOD

Vikings

Vikings 3 Packers 0

Walsh kicks off to Packers’ Jeremy Ross – Touchback

Aaron Rodgers
Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

Packers first possession

First and 10 from Packers 20, Rodgers in gun, handoff to Ryan Grant up the middle for 2

Second and 8, Rodgers under center, has all kinds of time in pocket, runs and hits Jermichael Finley for 4

Third and 4, passes toward sideline to James Jones who falls

Fourth down punt by Masthay -59 yards, Sherrels returns 25 yards to the Vikings 40

Vikings second possession

Clay Matthews
Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

First and 10 at the 40, Ponder under center, Matthews sacks Ponder – referees call incomplete pass – Mike McCarthy challenges and ruling overruled on field

Second and 17, ball at Vikings 33, Ponder under center, handoff to Peterson for 5

Third and 12, Ponder in the gun, screen to Toby Gerhardt who rumbles for first down

First and 10, Peterson runs for 5,

Second and 5, ball at Packers 35, Peterson for 22

First and 10, ball at 12, Ponder under center, handoff to Peterson for 5, Burnett with open field tackle

Second and 5, Peterson up the middle for 5 TD

Peterson 8 rushes for 61 yards … long of 22 yards

 Drive: 7 plays, 60 yards in 3:24

Vikings 10 Packers 0

Vikings kickoff to Packers Ross – touchback

Packers second possession

First and 10 from the 20, handoff to Grant for no gain

Second and 10, Rodgers in gun, pass to Finley for 5

Third and 5, Rodgers in gun, ball tipped at line on pass toward Greg Jennings

Fourth down punt by Masthay to Sherrels gets five yard return

Adrian Peterson
Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Vikings third possession

First and 10, handoff to Peterson who gets swallowed by BJ Raji for loss of 2

Second and 12, handoff to Peterson for 2

Third and 10, Ponder in the gun, quick slant to Jenkins, short of first down

Fourth and 1, Vikings go for it, Ponder under center, Peterson runs for 6 and a first down

First and 10, Peterson runs for 2

Second and 8, Ponder under pressure from Matthews and throws incomplete

Third and 8, pass over the middle to Rudolph for first down

First and 10, Ponder rushes left for 8

Second and 2, Peterson stuffed by AJ Hawk

End of first quarter

Vikings 10 Packers 0

Packers

Vikings

Third and 4, pass toward Jarius Wright incomplete in the end zone

Blair Walsh with 37-yard FG – GOOD

11 plays, 34 yards in 4:42

Vikings 13 Packers 0

Vikings kick off to Packers – a 44-yard return by Jeremy Ross

Aaron Rodgers
Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Packers third possession

First and 10, handoff to DuJuan Harris up the middle for 8

Second and 2, Harris gets the ball again, hit at line and then runs for 8 more

First and 10, ball at Vikings 40, Rodgers under center, gets sacked by that greaseball Jared Allen

Second and 22, Rodgers under center, delay of game – wipes out huge completion to Finley

Second and 27, Rodgers in gun, passes to Jennings inside the 40 for 22 yards

Third and 7, Rodgers in gun, pass to Jones who is hit right away, bounces away and then ends up losing 4 yards

Timeout Packers – first

Fourth and 11, Masthay comes in to punt down to the 10

Vikings fourth possession

First and 10 at the Vikings 10, Peterson no gain, tackled by CJ Wilson

Second and 10, Ponder under center, pass to Brent Ellerson for 6

Third and 4, pass toward Simpson falls incomplete

Fourth down punt by Kluwe to Ross who returns it 32 yards

Packers fourth possession

First and 10 ball at Vikes 43, handoff to DuJuan Harris for 12

First and 10, Rodgers under center, pitch to Harris for 2

Second and 8, Rodgers under center then moves to gun, pass down  right sideline toward Nelson incomplete. Nelson breaks off route

Third and 8, quick slant to James Jones for first down to the Vikings 13

First and 10, Rodgers in gun, handoff to Harris for 3

Second and 7, Rodgers in gun, pass toward Nelson in the end zone incomplete

Third and 7, Rodgers in gun, short pass to Jennings who claws his way to a first down

First and goal, Rodgers under center, handoff to Harris for no gain

Second and goal, ball at Vikings 6, Rodgers in gun, pass over the middle toward Finley incomplete

Third and goal,  Timeout Rodgers – second

Third and goal from the 6, Rodgers in gun, pass over the middle to Finley – flags fly – holding on Vikings

First and goal from 3, Rodgers rolls right, hits Jennings wide open in the end zone, he juggles ball and it falls incomplete

Aaron Rodgers (12) celebrates a touchdown with wide receiver Greg Jennings
Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Play clock runs down and Packers have to use their final timeout

Second and goal, Rodgers rolls right and has to throw it away

Third and goal, Timeout Vikings – first

Third and goal, Rodgers right – all kinds of time and hits a wide open Greg Jennings wide open for the Touchdown

Drive: 12 plays, 42 yards in 5:06

Vikings 13 Packers 7

Packers

Packers kick off to Vikings

Vikings fifth possession

First and 10, Handoff to Peterson for 1

Christian Ponder (7) passes over Green Bay Packers linebacker A.J. Hawk
Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

Second and 9, Ponder under center, under pressure from Burnett throws up a duck, tipped ball by about four Packers caught by Wright – ball hits ground, but Packers can’t challenge because they have no timeouts

First and 10, Gerhardt up the middle for 3

Two-minute warning

Third and 4, Ponder to Simpson for 10 and a first down

First and 10, Peterson stopped at line, jumps around, breaks tackles and he picks up 18

First and 10, ball at Packers 8, pass to a wide open Wright for a TD

Drive: 7 plays, 60 yards in 2:54

Vikings 20 Packers 7

Vikings kick off to Ross for a touchback

Packers possession 

1:07 left in the half

First and 10 at Packers 20, pass to Jennings for 14 and a first down

First and 10, pass to Finley up the sideline for 16

First and 10, ball at the 50 pass to Nelson for first down

Rodgers downs ball

Second and 10, ball at the Vikings38, Rodgers sacked by Griffen

Third and 10, pass to Finley who gets out of bounds

Mason Crosby
Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Crosby with the field goal from 51 yards GOOD!!!

Drive: 7 plays, 47 yards in 1:07

End of first half

Vikings 20 Packers 10

• Scoring Summary

1st Quarter

Blair Walsh 54 yard field goal, 10:47 Drive: 10 plays, 41 yards in 4:13
Minnesota 3-0

Adrian Peterson 7 yard TD run (Blair Walsh extra point is GOOD), 5:44 Drive: 7 plays, 60 yards in 3:30
Minnesota 10-0

2nd Quarter

Blair Walsh 37 yard field goal, 14:51 Drive: 11 plays, 34 yards in 4:42
Minnesota 13-0

Greg Jennings 3 yard TD pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby extra point is GOOD), 4:01 Drive: 12 plays, 42 yards in 5:06
Minnesota 13-7

Jarius Wright 8 yard TD pass from Christian Ponder (Blair Walsh extra point is GOOD), 1:07 Drive: 7 plays, 60 yards in 2:54
Minnesota 20-7

Packers

Vikings

Packers

Vikings

Second half

Vikings kicks off – touchback

Packers first possession of the second half

First and 10 at 20, Rodgers under center, pitch to Harris who runs left, cuts back right and picks up 5

Second and 5, Rodgers in gun, pass to Jones who picks up 30

First and 10, Rodgers gets tripped up by Barclay, sacked

Second and 13, false start on James Jones

Second and 18, 45 yard pitch and catch to Greg Jennings … outstanding run

Greg Jennings (85) celebrates his touchdown with wide receiver Jordy Nelson. Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

First and goal, pitch to DuJuan Harris to the right for 3

Second and goal, ball at 6, pass to a WIDE OPEN  Greg Jennings for the touchdown

Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards in 3:04

Vikings 20 Packers 17

Packers kick off – returned to 19

Vikings first possession of second half

First and 10, Peterson bounces outside for 20 and goes over 2,000 yards

Third and 4, pass nearly intercepted by Casey Hayward

Punt to Ross who makes something out of nothing with a return of 10 yards

 

Packers second possessionn

First and 10, Rodgers under center, runs right, throws incomplete, personal foul on Brinkley for hitting Rodgers

First and 10, ball at the Packers 36, screen to Harris for 11 and a first down

First and 10, Rodgers hands off to Harris for 2

Second and 8, ball at the 49, Rodgers in gun, handoff in the backfield to Harris for 6

Third and 2, Rodgers in gun, false start on Barclay

Third and 7, Rodgers scrambles, starts to pass, gets hit, fumbles and Vikings recover

 

Adrian Peterson
Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Vikings possession

First and 10 at the 50, Ponder under center, drops back, hits Simpson over the middle for first down

First and 10, Peterson rushes right and loses one

Second and 11, false start on Vikings

Second and 16, Ponder in gun, pass to Felton on sideline, Tramon Williams misses tackle and he runs for first down

First and 10, Peterson stuffed, fumbles, Packers Sam Shields recovers, returns it 10 yards, laterals to MD Jennings who gets five more … Vikings also flagged for unsportsmanlike penalty of 15 yards. However, reviewed … Peterson’s knee appeared to be down before fumble … 15 yard penalty tacked on

Second and 27 from Packers 35, Ponder under center, handoff to Peterson who carries 28 yards inside 10

Vikings timeout – first

First and goal, ball at Packers 7, pass batted down by Ryan Pickett

Second and goal, Peterson up the middle for 2

Third and goal, Ponder in gun, Packers Jarron McMillian called for a hold

First and goal from the 2, Peterson for no gain

Second and goal, Peterson catches rollout pass from Ponder, Touchdown

Drive: 9 plays, 50 yards in 4:17

Vikings 27 Packers 17

 

Vikings kickoff to Ross who returns it to the 15

Packers possession

First and 10, quick pass to Finley for 5

Second and 5, pitch left to Harris who fights hard to get 2

Third and 3, long pass to Nelson for 73 yards down to the Vikings 8

DuJuan Harris
Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

First and goal, quick pass to James Jones who runs to the middle and lunges for the goal line and reaches the ball across the goal line. Referees call it a fumble, but the call is being reviewed

Review calls the play a touchdown for James Jones because he broke the plane of the goal line with the ball before it came out.

Packers kick off with 15 yard penalty because of McCarthy throwing the challenge flag

Drive: 4 plays, 87 yards in 1:46

Dec 30, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) calls a play during the second quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at the Metrodome. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Vikings kickoff to Ross who returns it to the 22

The Green Bay Packers will play the Minnesota Vikings today. Here you will find our picks.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Every game during the 16-game National Football League season are big, but when the final game between the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings comes down to a matchup between division rivals with playoff implications – well, it doesn’t get much bigger.

The Packers invade the Mall of American Field to take on the Vikings in a 3:25 p.m. start. Here’s how the staffers here at Lombardiave.com see today’s game – but before reading on, take the poll:

Jason Hirschhorn: As students of history, every so often we’re presented with grand parallels between the current day and years past. This week’s Packers-Vikings game is one such parallel.

In the final week of the 2002 regular season, the Green Bay Packers played an injury-riddled New York Jets with a chance to secure a first round bye. The Jets, 8-7 entered the game, faced a win-and-in scenario. Having won their last four games and 12 overall, it was presumed that mighty Green Bay would steamroll New York.

That’s not exactly what happened.

The Jets kept things close through the first half and exploded in the second, leaving a bewildered Packers team in its wake. That loss transformed the Packers from the top seed into the mere also-ran division winner. Adding further insult, the team would go on to lose the first home game at Lambeau Field to Michael Vick and the upstart Falcons.

This certainly does not guarantee the Vikings will defeat the Packers. It simply demonstrates how even when a team as hot as the Packers has a chance to secure a major playoff advantage, nothing is guaranteed. The Vikings can win this Sunday, and even a fully prepared Packers team may not be able to bring home a win. Such is the norm in the NFL. With much reluctance, I’ll predict the Vikings pull it off.

Vikings 28 – Packers 27

Ray Rivard: This is a must win for the Packers and a gotta win for the Vikings. The Packers are already in the tournament, the Vikings have to win to get in. Both teams have major incentive, the game is indoors and it’s a game that was moved from its noon start to the late start for good reason – it should be a great game.

Though the Vikings are playing on their home turf, come in with great momentum and have a running back looking to break the league rushing record against a hated rival, it won’t happen. If there’s one team in the league that can play as well on turf as well as they can in the elements it’s the Aaron Rodgers-led Packers. Rodgers is lights out in domes and he’ll feel right at home in the Mall of America. I see Rodgers showing why he’s the reigning NFL MVP and a candidate for that same title yet again.

Bolstered by revitalized offensive and defensive lines, the Packers will win the game in the trenches and on special teams. The Packers will demonstrate why they have swept division rivals two years straight and will show why they are one of the favorites to take it all the way to the Super Bowl.

The Viking keep it close in the second half, but using their own game against them, the Packers control the clock with a solid running attack in the second half.

Packers 28 – Vikings 20

Bill Walton: The Packers will be playing for a first round bye in the playoffs when they take on Minnesota this Sunday. I’m not entirely convinced that the bye is the best thing for them. The momentum the team has today might be lost if they end up with a week off before they start the playoffs. There are several other playoff implications associated with the game. If the Packers do lose, they’ll still be in the playoffs due to having won the NFC North. However, potential playoff berths for Minnesota and Chicago as well as the seeding for San Francicso are all tied to the outcome of Packers-Vikings and other results.

With Clay Matthews, Mike Neal, and probably Jordy Nelson back for the game the Packers will be as healthy as they have been since week six this season. Randall “Cobbernicus” Cobb and his sore ankle and enormou brain will be a game time decision. The obvious defensive priority is to control Adrian Peterson as much as possible. It will take a team commitment to tackle aggressively in order to even come close. Peterson had the majority of his yards in the first game this year after initial contact. However, I think it really comes down to red zone defense. If Peterson has a good day running only between the 30s the Vikings won’t win the game.

Wife Deneen, looking forward to watching Claymaker do his “Magic Mike” (Magic Clay?) sack dance, picks this one 23-17 Packers. Son John, who along with his father will cover his eyes when Matthews dances, sees the Packers winning big with a 42-28 outcome. I think it will be more like 33-14 Packers. Go Pack GO!

Dec 2, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith (22) is congratulated by teammates following an interception during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. The Packers defeated the Vikings 23-14. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

The Green Bay Packers play the Minnesota Vikings tomorrow, Sunday, Dec. 30 … most likely you already know that.

To get us started, I took a few minutes to answer questions from Dan Zinski, the editor of The Viking Age. You can click on over to one of the best fansided.com NFL sites or just scroll down – that’s the easy thing to do. I suggest taking a look at the Vikings site … lots of good information there.

Either way, enjoy the post …

Vikings Vs. Packers Preview:

Five Questions With Lombardi

Ave.

For the second – and possibly not last – time this season, we hooked up withLombardi Ave.’s editor Ray Rivard for five questions…

1. How’s the Packer offensive line coming along?

The Packers’ offensive line has been shuffled as much as a 20-year-old deck of cards, but it seems to have worked. When Don Barclay came in off the bench against the Vikes three weeks ago, the run game picked up immediately. He’s a fighter. Last week, Mike McCarthy shocked everyone by benching Center Jeff Saturday and replacing him with Evan Dietrich-Smith. That also seems to have reinvigorated the line and given more punch to the middle of the unit. So, the line seems poised at this point to continue to provide running room for the backs and enough time for Aaron Rodgers to hit those intermediate and long pass routes.

2. How would you rank this season for Aaron Rodgers against his previous years?

Rodgers hasn’t played the lights-out game that he showed during his MVP season last year, but he has been mightily consistent and has gotten better and better as the season progresses. If there’s any knock on him it’s that he holds the ball too long, but that’s a big part of his game. He likes to extend plays if he doesn’t get the look he wants right away. Most of the time, he is successful when he does that, but it’s also been a contributing factor in him being sacked close to 50 times this year. But as for a ranking, I think this season has got to rank up near the top of his career … mainly because he has been able to perform at a top level while many of his main targets have gone down, his offensive line has been in flux and his running game was nonexistent for nearly half the season.

3. The defense seems to be coming together now for the Packers. Is it good enough to take them all the way?

This defense reminds me a lot of the unit that won the Super Bowl in 2010. What’s really impressive is that they’ve done it with several rookies and second-year players on the field. The defensive line has also demonstrated a strong push and presence at the line of scrimmage and with the return of Clay Matthews the D has stepped into a new realm of aggression. Can they help take the team all the way? Well, that remains to be seen, but the potential is definitely there.

4. How concerned are you about Mason Crosby? He just can’t seem to shake his slump.

Very concerned. It doesn’t matter if he’s kicking indoors or outdoors – when he’s missed, he’s missed badly and when he makes it, he barely makes it. I don’t know how many times he’s hit the uprights this year, but it’s got to be a near record number. McCarthy has stuck by him the last half of the season when the pressure to remove him has been great. I guess we’ll see if that has been a good decision or not. I would just hate to see the team lose a playoff game because of a missed kick.

5. Outside of Rodgers, who has been the MVP for the Packers this year?

Without question, Randall Cobb. His all-purpose yards have been record-breaking and his ability to come up with the big play has been impressive. It seems Rodgers and Cobb have formed a chemistry that has only grown as the season progresses. Like Percy Harvin, when Cobb gets the ball in his hands good things happen.

Bonus: Here is my take on the game – Rodgers is phenomenal in domes, especially at this time of year. If the Packers can get a lead on the Vikes early, they will roll. If they don’t and allow the Vikes to stick around into the fourth quarter, the game will come down to the kickers. That scenario doesn’t bode well for the Packers. So, with that said, I feel that Peterson will get his yards, but the Packers defense will come up with just enough plays to keep the Vikes out of the end zone for most of the day. Rodgers throws for three touchdowns, Peterson runs for two touchdowns, but Ponder will make just enough boneheaded plays to swing the game to the Packers.

Packers 28 Vikings 20

(Note: the above pick is from Lombardi Ave. editor Ray Rivard, just so we’re clear. Head to Lombardi Ave. to see my pick.)

To ensure a Vikings victory Sunday, Christian Ponder will have to play better than he did two weeks ago when the Vikings played the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Dan Zinski, the editor over at our fansided.com sister site, The Viking Age, took a few moments to answer our five top questions about Sunday’s upcoming tilt between the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings.

Defensive end Everson Griffen returns an interception for a touchdown against the Rams. Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports

I chalk it up to defensive coordinator Alan Williams fully implementing his scheme. We saw flashes of it earlier in the season – the blitzes, the disguising, the varied looks – but the last few weeks it’s really come together. He’s been very aggressive in dialing up pressure and it’s been very effective. The last three weeks especially they’ve been causing nightmares for quarterbacks. I think part of it is trusting his secondary to hold up. The emergence of Everson Griffen as a terrifying pass rusher has also been a big part. And of course rookie safety Harrison Smith emerging as a terrific player in coverage and run support. Personnel and scheme are greatly improved this year and it will be fun to see what they are able to put together next season after filling a few more remaining holes on the roster (middle linebacker, nose tackle, second safety are the main issues). Of course, blitzing against Aaron Rodgers is always iffy. He has such great chemistry with his receivers and is so good with his reads and adjustments. We’ll see how aggressive Williams is. He didn’t have any problem pulling the trigger against Jay Cutler and Matt Schaub. And both those guys had terrible games.

Christian Ponder
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

The word “lead” is the key. For the most part when this team is successful it’s because Ponder plays his little role and doesn’t make any big mistakes. The defense and running game win it. Ponder contributes by converting third downs at a decent clip and, hopefully, not turning the ball over. So I guess what I’m getting at is this: If Ponder has to truly lead the team, then the plan has already failed. Adrian Peterson and the defense must lead the team and Ponder must play his part. That’s the way this team is set up.

Adrian will run tough because it’s who he is. But everyone has their limit. He pulled himself out of the Houston game late after the Vikes already had a lead. He said flat out he just couldn’t go

Adrian Peterson
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

anymore because of the pain from the abdominal injury and it would be selfish of him to stay in there. So that shows Adrian is human. Houston really knocked him around and he just couldn’t go anymore. It raises the question of whether the Vikings have put too much on Adrian this season. Maybe they should’ve given him a few series off here and there and saved him for this run. But of course no one saw this run coming. Anyway, Adrian will give 100% effort because he always does. If the Packers batter him I think the Vikes will say the heck with the record and let Toby Gerhart take some carries in the second half. The playoff run has to come before the record.

Going into Lambeau and winning is always going to be tough. Going in there with a less-than-great QB and a banged-up Adrian Peterson? It would be a long-shot for the Vikes to win. Then again, I seem to recall a game a few years back when the Vikes went into Lambeau in the first round of the playoffs as a long-shot and pulled off the huge upset. Of course this team doesn’t have Randy Moss and Daunte Culpepper. They don’t have Moe Williams either. Does the name “Moe Williams” still make Packer fans flinch?

I think the defense is in a place right now where they can make life very difficult for Aaron Rodgers. So this might come down to whether Rodgers can pull off some road magic and make a couple big plays in the second half to win it. Naturally, the Vikings’ offense will have to get it done as well. This means Adrian Peterson shrugging off his injury and running like the beast he is. From Ponder I just hope to see a sound game without any big mistakes. I don’t expect Ponder to go out there and win it. It’s all about forcing turnovers and not coughing the ball up. If the Vikes win the turnover battle, they usually win the game. They can’t fall behind early or give the ball away because they simply lack the offensive firepower to come back. The formula has worked perfectly three weeks in a row. It just has to work one more time for them to make the playoffs. Yes, they can do it. And I think they will do it. 24-21 Vikings in a thriller. Blair Walsh with the last second field goal, probably after a Mason Crosby miss.

The Aaron Rodgers to Randall Cobb connection may be interrupted this weekend.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

The 11*-4 Green Bay Packers travel to Minneapolis to take on the 9-6 Minnesota Vikings on Sunday in the final game of the 2012 regular season for both teams. The game was moved from a noon CST kickoff to 3:20 CST as the second game of the Fox doubleheader, so don’t miss it. It will be a good one.

The Vikings need to win the game to secure a shot at a playoff berth. If they lose they’re out … and Chicago is probably in. Bears fans will be horribly conflicted this weekend. They’ll be rooting for the Packers to beat the Vkings. Don’t go near Chicago on Sunday!

If the Packers win they secure the second seed in the playoffs, along with some extra time for players to heal due to the first-round bye that goes with it. If they lose they don’t get the bye, but will still be in the playoffs as NFC North Division Champion. I never thought I would (and after the Fail Mary always hoped I wouldn’t have to) say this, but thank you, Seattle, for beating the 49ers (quite convincingly, too) and putting the Packers in position to secure the two seed with a winny in Minny!

Vikings RB Adrian Peterson has been battling an abdominal injury suffered last week at Houston. He will play, but his effectiveness could be diminished. Well, probably not, but we can hope!

Nov 18, 2012; Detroit, MI, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Randall Cobb (18) during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Packers beat the Lions 24-20. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

Packers WR Randall “Cobbernicus” Cobb has been nursing an ankle injury suffered against Tennessee. If he goes at all he’ll probably be limited. Rookie WR Jeremy Ross would handle returns for Cobb if he can’t go, and perhaps even if he can. WR Jordy Nelson may be back for this game as well. The only real question mark health-wise for the Packers is DB Charles Woodson, who will definitely not play. Many are wondering just how bad his collarbone injury really is. Either way the Packers look to be healthier for this game than any over the second half of the season.

The obvious task for the Packers will be to “limit” Peterson. I didn’t think the Packers could hold Chris Johnson under 100 yards last week, but they held him to only 28 yards. However, we’re not talking about the same kind of back or the same kind of O-line blocking for him either. The Packers will definitely need everybody to bring their A games, maintain gap control, and tackle exceedingly well if they hope to keep Peterson out of the record books.

Last week the Packers showed us just what they’re capable of in all three phases of the game. This week all three phases will be tested more vigorously, but the stakes are obvious. The Packers need to go out and execute. As in years past, they should look upon this game as a tune-up for the playoffs.

There has been some discussion about the importance of momentum maintenance. Is it better to have to play in the first round of the playoffs, thereby (assuming a win) maintaining momentum built up over the second half of the season? Or is it better to grab the bye by the horns, rest up, heal up, and then come out and tear through two playoff games as opposed to three of them – but at the risk of having to kickstart momentum for the playoffs while actually in the playoffs?

What do you think Packers Nation?

Here are some things I’ll be looking for while I watch the game:

Aug 30, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) and guard Josh Sitton (71) during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Packers offensive line. It looks as if the starting O-line will be Newhouse at LT, Lang at LG, Dietrich-Smith at C, Sitton at RG, and Barclay at RT. The same thing that concerned me last week concerns me again this week. If any of these guys have to leave the game who replaces them? We’ll be looking at more rookies and practice squad guys most of us haven’t heard of before. But … they’ll have to get the job done, much like Barclay has at RT. In any case the O-line will have my attention as I look at how they do against the Vikings pass rush and the kind of holes they open for the ball carriers. In all honesty they always have my attention. It all starts with the big guys up front!

Packers run game. Don’t look now, but the Packers have run for over 100 yards in their last five games. Starks is definitely out but Alex Green looks like he can soak up some carries this week. Harris and Grant both did well last week. Add Green to that mix and the Packers don’t have one guy who can do it all, but between them they’re getting it done. I’ll be looking for a fast track and a sometimes porous run defense to add up to another 100-plus yard game on the ground this week.

Packers passing game. It looks as if Nelson will be ready to go this week. Again, the Packers get one back and they lose one. This week it’s Cobbernicus who’s questionable with that ankle. The rest of the receivers will just have to carry the load if the dangerously intelligent Cobb can’t go. I almost wish MM would hold him out even if he’s cleared to play. He’s become such an important part of the Packers O that they can’t afford to lose him for the playoffs – whether they start next week or not for the Packers.

Finley had yet another big game against the Titans. It would be great to see him keep performing at that level. I didn’t hear anything this week about anybody harping about next year or how football is a business, so I’ll be watching for the receivers to run precise routes, make big catches, not give the ball to anybody except the officials, and above all to refrain from drops.

Dec 16, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) drops back to pass against the Chicago Bears during the second quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

Aaron Rodgers historically has good games in domed stadiums. He also historically has to run for his life when he’s going against the Vikings pass rush. I think Rodgers will be handing the ball off more than he’s throwing it in this game, but when he does throw it’ll probably be on the move more in this game than in others. There is nobody better at throwing on the move than 12. Just keep your head on a swivel, Aaron!

Packers defensive line/LBs. This game will be all about stopping Peterson. Just like Johnson last week, Peterson is a threat to score every time he breaks into the clear from anywhere on the field. And just like last week the big guys up front will have to tie up blockers and let the LBs get to Peterson early enough that he can’t get into a footrace with the DBs.

Having Matthews back for this game will be huge. He missed the previous Vikings game and I believe a decent chunk of that huge day Peterson had was because 52 wasn’t there to close and finish. I’ll be looking for the Claymaker to have a big game against Peterson and the Vikings O-line.

Everybody will be getting after Vikes QB Christian Ponder. Minnesota is dead last in the league in passing offense. I’ll be watching for the Packers’ pass rush to help the Vikings maintain that ignominious statistic.

Packers DBs. The Packers secondary mission this week is to ensure that there are no easy yards for Vikings receivers. But first and foremost they have to be sound in run support and when they have to tackle they’ll have to tackle well. If Peterson gets into the open field he’ll have to be tackled after doing as little damage as possible. If Peterson is held below 100 yards it will be in large part because the Packers DBs tackled effectively.

In the previous game against the Vikings this season the DBs also closed on INT opportunities. This week I’ll be looking for them to have chances at picks again, and I’ll be watching for them to make those plays. If they do, Peterson can run all day between the 30s but it won’t matter on the scoreboard.

Packers special teams. So which Mason Crosby will the Packers get this week? The one who made everything he tried last week, or the one who has been, shall we say, inconsistent this season? This game will be indoors and Crosby historically kicks well in domed parks, but will that be enough to push the numbers in the right direction?

I’m all for loyalty. I’m all for giving second, third, and fourth chances when warranted. Crosby has, in my opinion, used up all his chances. If he doesn’t kick well in this game things might get ugly.

I still think the Packers are due for a big play on special teams. Could be a big return, could be a blocked punt … let’s just hope it’s not another lateral pass on a punt return!

Fearsome Predictions:

Dec 23, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers running back Ryan Grant (25) rushes with the football during the game against the Tennessee Titans at Lambeau Field. The Packers won 55-7. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

- The Packers will run for over 100 yards in this game, extending the streak to six consecutive games over the century mark on the ground. The O-line, especially Sitton and Barclay on the right side, has done a good job of opening holes for Grant, Harris, and Green. Expect that to continue this week.

- Somebody will get loose for a long (40-yard or more) run against Minnesota.

- At least two of the Packers TDs will be scored on the ground.

- Rodgers will throw for well more than 300 yards and at least three touchdowns. His QB rating will be 125 or better.

- The Packers will have a long TD reception off play-action – probably to Nelson.

- The Packers will sack Ponder four times. Matthews will have two of them. Neal will have another.

- The Packers will intercept three Ponder passes. Burnett will get one of them, Shields another, and one of the opportunistic LBs will snag the third.

- The Packers will have fewer penalties than the Vikings, but there will be a few pre-snap goofs due to the noise, both real and artificial, in the Metrodome. Let’s just hope the roof stays up!

- Try as they might, the Packers defense will not hold Peterson under 100 yards rushing, but they will not allow him to set the all-time single season rushing record.

- The Vikings crowd will be waving their “rally towels” and much will be made of the purple lighting vindictively turned against innocent and defenseless landmarks in the area, all in an effort to get Vikings fans to get behind their team. They haven’t done the towel thing since Favre was a Viking! Imagine having to be reminded to get behind your team!

Because the game was changed to a late kickoff we’ll probably be watching the game from the comfort of our own media center. Son John expressed reservations about that approach, stating tradition, strong Packer fan turnout, and the surprisingly good pub food to be enjoyed at Tailgators on FM1488 in Magnolia. He’s also hard in the middle of his Christmas break. One way or another we’ll be watching the game and looking for a Packers victory!  I’ll still be tweeting random thoughts on the game and the telecast to all those who dare to follow at @PackersTX.

Watch Lombardiave.com for the post game analysis.

Bring it, Vikings! This is it! Go Pack GO!

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Many expect Aaron Rodgers to exploit the middle of the field against the Vikings today, much like this 2010 pass completion to Jordy Nelson that Rodgers got around the leaping Jared Allen. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Once again, all the guys here at Lombardiave.com come together with our weekly game predictions – this week the Green Bay Packers host the Minnesota Vikings at Lambeau Field.

Take a walk around the Internet and see if you can find anyone who feels the Vikings will leave Green Bay with a win today … it will be difficult.

How do we feel here? Well scroll down for our picks …

Jason Hirschhorn
Staff writer

Jason Hirschhorn: The two biggest factors in determining Sunday’s matchup with Minnesota are injuries and pass protection. The former seems to be pretty well decided, as Greg Jennings is likely to make his return while Charles Woodson, Clay Matthews, and Sam Shields all stand to miss another week. Jennings’ return could also play a role in pass protection. One of the possible solutions to keeping Aaron Rodgers upright is making quick throws out of spread formations. Having a fully healthy Jennings on one edge with Jordy Nelson on the other will open up a lot of holes for Randall Cobb and Jermichael Finley in the middle.

With Percy Harvin likely sitting out the week, it’ll be up to Adrian Peterson to carry the load offensively for the Vikings. In the past, Peterson has rolled up big performances against Green Bay by exploiting poor tackling. That may not be the case this time around as the Packers’ tackling has shown dramatic improvement from previous seasons. That said, Dom Capers may give more snaps to sure-tackling safety Jerron McMillian just in case Peterson breaks through the first two levels of the defense.

Much like the game two weeks earlier in Detroit, Minnesota is one loss away from essentially dropping out of the playoff hunt. Expect them to keep it close through the first half with the Packers sealing it off late.

Packers 28  Vikings 23

Patrick Hughes
Staff writer

Patrick Hughes: Despite the fact that this is a week 13 contest, the Packers versus the Vikings will be a playoff type atmosphere. The Packers, as we in Packers land know, are coming off an embarrassing defeat at the hands of the New York Giants. One would have to expect that redemption is at the top of Green Bay’s agenda.

The Vikings, on the other hand, are dusting themselves off from a 28-10 defeat at Chicago. Minnesota at 6-5 needs a win to keep their playoff hopes alive. The same can be said for the Green Bay Packers.  This game at Lambeau Field has all the makings of a classic black and blue NFC North Division game.

I am confident that the Packers are going to bounce back from the hammering they received from the Giants and lay a little smack down on the Vikings. Look for Aaron Rodgers and Jermichael Finley to work out their kinks and Greg Jennings to work his way back into the offense.  I also sense that this might mark the return of Green Bay’s dink and dunk passing game, which in turn opens up both the running game and the deep ball. I hope I’m right.

Packers 35 Vikings 17

Bill Walton: The Packers host the Vikings in what many are calling a “bounce back” game. I think it’s going to be more than that. Having failed to set an acceptable tone for the rest of the season last week in New York, the Packers need to come out and establish their will to win this one early and then emphatically continue to assert their will to win. Until they do win.

The Vikings are a familiar opponent and really there should be few surprises in store for either team. In my pregame analysis piece I mentioned that the Packers are decimated by injuries and are still missing several key players. I don’t think they can allow that to matter. The players available will have to get the job done. They still have enough offensive weapons that they should be able to score points in bunches. Defensively they’ve had many of the current lineup in place for several weeks. It’s time they tackle, finish on takeaway opportunities, and in general execute the defensive scheme.

Wife and Christmas-crazed Deneen picks the Packers to win 23-17. John and primary Christmas budget-drainer John sees a 35-21 Packer victory. I see the Pack bouncing back Sunday with a tone-setting 33-17 victory.

We’ll be watching, tweeting updates and opinions, and generally making a nuisance of ourselves at Tailgators on FM1488 in Magnolia. Come on by and join us!

Ray Rivard
Wditor
Lombardiave.com

Ray Rivard: Last week the New York Giants exposed every wart and every injury that have plagued the Packers this season. Without Greg Jennings on the field, the Giants were able to concentrate more on shutting down Randall Cobb and the so-called running game. Without Charles Woodson and Clay Matthews on the Packers defensive side of the ball, the Packers pass rush was non-existent and the Giants’ running game went wild.

While the Vikings’ Adrian Peterson will probably get his yards, the Vikings are woefully short on offensive weapons, especially since it looks like Percy Harvin won’t play. The Packers will probably make every attempt to get its running game going early, but should also be able to exploit the middle of the field with Cobb and Jermichael Finley. I expect the Packers to come out angry, much like they did against the Texans earlier this year. I also expect a big game from Aaron Rodgers, who tends to lead by example in these types of games.

From here on out, all games through the end of the season should be considered all-important. In fact, the Packers Playoff season starts today. With four of their final games divisional matchups, the Packers have to win them all to have a shot at winning the Division and getting at least one home Playoff game. But I’m getting ahead of myself … something the Packers can ill-afford to do. One game at a time starts today with the Vikings.

Packers 27 Vikings 17 

Though the rivalry between the two teams has cooled since the Brett Favre-turned-traitor days, whenever the Vikings come to town it’s a big deal.

So, without further adieu, here is how Mr. Zinski handled our questions …

Adrian Peterson
Rob Grabowski-US PRESSWIRE

Q. Adrian Peterson is a beast, a one-man wrecking crew. Would the Vikings be situated where they are today without him? 

Christian Ponder
Brace Hemmelgarn-US PRESSWIRE

Aaron Rodgers
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Q. The Vikings have had issues in stopping Aaron Rodgers the past couple of seasons. Do they do it Sunday? How? And give me your thoughts on how you think Sunday’s game will go – with a final score.

Nov 14, 2011; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers running back James Starks (44) rushes with the football during the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Lambeau Field. The Packers defeated the Vikings 45-7. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

Over the course of the past day, Dan Zinski, the editor of The Viking Age, and Ray Rivard, editor of this site, lombardiave.com, took time to answer questions about tomorrow’s game between the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings.

Here are my answers as posed by Mr. Zinski. The answers to our questions by Mr. Zinski will also be offered here in a couple of hours, so stop back at your convenience tonight.

You can slide on over to The Viking Age, a fine site I might add, to read this post or of course you can just scroll down to see it.

Either way, enjoy tomorrow’s game.

Charles Woodson and the Green Bay Packers’ defense stepped their effort up a notch tonight and gave Aaron Rodgers a few more possessions as the Packers pummeled an inferior opponent in the Minnesota Vikings, 45-7, at Lambeau Field.

With rookie wide receiver and kick returner Randall Cobb jumpstaring the packers with an 80-yard punt return, the Packers led 7-0 even without Aaron Rodgers and the red hot Packers offense touching the ball.

It didn’t take the Packers long to score again as Rodgers hit Greg Jennings on a 24-yard crossing pattern to give them 14-0 lead – one that they wouldn’t relinquish beyond that point.

By the time the carnage was complete Rodgers had thrown four touchdown passes, two of them to Jordy Nelson, and Woodson and his defensive compatriots had turned in a monster performance. The end result was complete domination.
The Vikings’ Adrian Peterson finished with just 61 rushing yard – He was outrushed by the Packers’ James Starks (63 yards).

With an aggressive defense that saw an all-out effort, the Packers got after Vikings’ rookie quarterback Christian Ponder, forcing hurries. The defense also intercepted Ponder once and could have had at two other picks.

Add to that two Clay Matthews sacks and you’ve got a formula for success.

Even backup quarterback Matt Flynn got into the act by scoring on a scramble/run late in the game for the Packers.

In the end, it ended with the Packers dominating and raising their record to 9-0.

The Packers try to run their record to 10-0 when they host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday.

The Minnesota Vikings will invade Lambeau Field Monday night.

We here at Lombardiave.com took some time to answer questions from Dan Zinski of The Viking Age.

While you can see Zinski’s answers to our questions here, you can also take some time to read what we had to say about Monday night’s match-up between the Packers and Vikings.

Take a look below:

TVA: The defense has to be a concern for everyone in Packerland right now, right? Or do you guys figure you can just outscore everyone the rest of the way?

LA: Well, for anyone who follows that Packers, yes, the defense is a huge concern. How can this team continue to rely so heavily on its offense to score 30-plus points the entire season? It can’t. One of these weeks, the offense is going to throw a stinker and the team will lose because of it.

I don’t know, maybe that’s the best thing for the Packers … maybe the defense needs a wake-up call. All we know is that the right combination hasn’t been dialed up as yet on the defensive side of the ball. Yes, they are an opportune bunch and have week-in, week-out come up with the big play … the fumble recovery, the interception, the stop. But we all know the clock is ticking on this unit and this team.

Does the defense let the team down this week? Or next at Detroit? Or the next at the N.Y. Giants? We don’t know, but it’s bound to happen unless they can return to somewhat of a semblance of what they were last year.

All I know, is that we don’t want that equation to catch up to the Packers in January.

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The Viking Age's Dan Zinski (no, that's not him in the photo) answered some questions posed by Lombardiave.com. In return, we answered some of his questions. We will post those answers here soon.

We here at Lombardiave.com caught up with Dan Zinski of The Viking Age for a Vikings vs. Packers Q&A focusing on Monday night’s showdown between the unbeaten Green Bay Packers and 2-6 Minnesota Vikings.

As always, Dan’s deep insight into the Vikings provides for an interesting perspective.

Here’s how Dan sees things:

Q. The Vikings are coming off their two best games of the season against the Packers and Panthers, as well as the bye … Do you feel the team will continue to show improvement or will they go back to their old ways?

A. Hard to say. With Christian Ponder now at QB instead of McNabb you sort of feel like there should be a steady upward progression – as he improves the team should improve – but at the same time, they’ve been so inconsistent, plus they still have terrible problems in the offensive line and secondary.

Given their personnel issues I still think it’s going to be a struggle for them more often than not. Right now a 5-11 finish seems realistic. That’s only 3 more wins the rest of the way. Then again, there’s the feeling that had they started Ponder sooner, they might’ve pulled out a couple of those games they blew in the second half. I don’t know if that’s valid or not but you can’t help thinking of what might have been.

Maybe with Ponder in there they can overcome some of their other shortcomings, upset a couple teams and finish closer to .500.

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Clint Starks of The Viking Age (no, that's not him in the picture) talks about Sunday's game.

We here at Lombardiave caught up this week with The Viking Age editor, Clint Starks, to ask him about the Minnesota Vikings and especially about how they are viewing Sunday’s game with the unbeaten Green Bay Packers.

Our exchange is below.

Q. The Donovan McNabb multi-million dollar experiment is seemingly over. How
does it affect the mindset of the team the rest of the season … Or does it?

A. Adrian Peterson recently came out and said he didn’t think Donovan got a fair
shake. However, that was after, earlier in the year his coming out and saying that
everyone knows what the problem is (implying it was Donovan). I don’t believe that
the change to Ponder will be polarizing in any fashion. I think this team has been
taken to the woodshed and beat and then taken back there again to get beat again
just for good measure. This team knows who they are when they look in the mirror
and that is a non-playoff team. By and large players, are not looking at single
seasons (that the difference between fans and players) but they are trying to get
better every week. This Vikings club will continue to get better individually and so I
still look for them to compete and not roll over on Sundays.

More questions and answers after the jump …

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