Packers: Top three storylines vs. Vikings in Week 2

3. Can Packers defense build on Week 1 performance?

It was the kind of defensive performance that Packers fans have waited years to see. This team has had good games on defense in recent years, such as shutting out the Buffalo Bills last season, but this one felt different. While the Bears’ offense made mistakes, many of them were forced by Mike Pettine’s defense.

The Packers sacked Mitch Trubisky five times, had 11 quarterback hits, allowed only three points, only 46 rushing yards, and also made an interception.

But for this defense to prove it’s among the best in football, they now need to play at a high level consistently. They’ll face another tough challenge on Sunday against the Vikings’ run-first offense.

Talk about a commitment to the run — Minnesota had 38 rushing attempts in last Sunday’s win against Atlanta. Compare that to just 10 passing attempts.

The Packers don’t want that to happen again this week. If the Vikings are running the ball that often, chances are that they’re ahead in the game and are also having success on the ground. Green Bay’s defense needs to stop the run and make Minnesota’s offense one-dimensional. Make Cousins throw the football often.

Pettine’s defense has earned a lot of praise after last week’s win, and it’s well deserved. Can the Packers now build on that momentum and continue to play at an elite level on defense? If they do, the Packers will win a lot of games this season.