Prediction: How will the Green Bay Packers fare In 2014?
By Kenn Korb
Nov 24, 2013; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers linebacker A.J. Hawk (50) during the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Lambeau Field. The Vikings and Packers tied 26-26. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Week 5: Minnesota Vikings @ Green Bay Packers
After a disappointing ending in Chicago, the Packers get to return home for a third division contest in a row, this time versus the Vikings. It should be a welcome sight with the previous four weeks stacking up to be quite rough; contests against teams that were all in the playoff hunt last year (and should be again this year), including three road games. Really though, this has potential to for a letdown.
The Vikings aren’t predicted to do well by many, but do have some things working in their favor. A new coach in Mike Zimmer and an influx of free agents and draftees has brought new life to a franchise that was pretty lackluster in 2013.
The defensive line has been completely remodeled, all the team strengths have been sustained, and injuries have had time to heal to make this a potentially formidable unit. Those improvements for now don’t include the potential new centerpiece either, where Minnesota drafted Teddy Bridgewater to hopefully take over at QB soon; depending how they fare with Cassel in the first four games, Teddy may already be starting by now.
Defensively, Green Bay will have to worry about the same thing anyone facing Minnesota does: Adrian Peterson. If they can stop him, it will go a long way towards taking this game. Easier said than done. Besides his well-known skills the Vikings O-line is stacked, with only one player (Charlie Johnson) who is any kind of question mark; they are great.
As pass-catchers they don’t have a top-tier guy, but plenty of capable contributors (Greg Jennings and Kyle Rudolph) and a potential break-out player (Corderrelle Patterson), so they can do enough to prevent some loading-up against the run.
Offensively, the O-line will need to prevent that new-look Vikings D-line from stepping up and making plays. Success in the run-game will go a long way towards keeping the Packers out of trouble, with it opening up play-action for Rodgers to exploit the suspect back seven Minnesota has. If they don’t, they can still make plays through the passing game, but there will be greater chance for mistakes with the offense stuck in one facet of attack.
Minnesota can put up a fight and stopping Peterson is rough, but until I actually see it I don’t see that defense making an impact at stopping the Green Bay offense. As we’ve seen in most seasons of his career, Peterson can only do so much. and the Packers secondary will nullify any help the WRs would be hoping to provide.
Green Bay 38
Minnesota 20