Packers: Top five performers in Week 2 tie vs. Vikings

1. Kevin King

Kevin King makes this list for as much that happened when he wasn’t on the field as when he was.

King is showing he has the potential to be the shutdown corner the Packers have been lacking. With the Vikings facing a third-and-five in the second quarter from the Packers’ 42, King had perfect coverage on Stefon Diggs 20 yards downfield.

Cousins tried to fit the pass in perfect position giving Diggs a chance to make the catch. But King used the sideline as an aid then reached up for the ball, blocking Diggs’ view of the pass.

The pass fell incomplete and the Vikings had to punt.

King was only thrown at one other time in the game, a pass on the second drive that resulted in a touchdown. King still had good position, but just wasn’t able to make the play.

Then King left the game late in the second quarter with a groin injury and did not return. Cousins, at that time, was 13-for-17 with 131 yards and a TD. Those are decent numbers, but they could have been a lot worse. After King left, Cousins and the offense found their rhythm, throwing for two more touchdowns and 294 more yards.

The defense really could have used King in the second half. King had his side of the field locked down and allowed the Packers to use creative blitzes to get pressure. Once he was out of the game, Davon House took his spot and gave up a 75-yard touchdown to Diggs.

King has had injury problems in his young career. But when he is on the field, he is a willing tackler with great coverage skills.

The task next week versus the Redskins won’t be as daunting, but having King healthy and available will make the defense better.