Packers: Tyler Ervin could make a difference vs. Vikings

Tyler Ervin has made a fast start in Green Bay, and he could be a difference-maker against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 16.

Tyler Ervin was brought in to help fix the Green Bay Packers‘ biggest weakness on special teams, which was the return game. The unit had struggled so much in punt returns that it was crashing towards an all-time NFL low.

But Ervin has quickly changed that and, based on his performances so far, you could argue the return game has become a strength for this team.

Ervin made a difference against the Chicago Bears a week ago, returning two kicks for 71 yards. His long of 45 yards set the Packers up beautifully to score points, something the offense failed to make the most of.

In two games for the Packers, Ervin has returned five punts for 63 yards, averaging 12.6 yards per return.

In what could be a close game on Monday night against the Vikings, the battle for field position will play a major role. Ervin has the chance to keep the Packers ahead of the eight ball and play a key part in the game.

Few teams have respected the Packers’ return game so far this season. They’ve kicked short to force Green Bay to bring the ball out.

The Vikings might have to think better of that on kickoffs. Minnesota ranks fourth-worst in kickoff return yards allowed this season, according to The Football Database, giving up an average of 25.42 yards. The longest kickoff return they’ve allowed is 52 yards.

Ervin has shown the impact he can make already, and if the Vikings opt to not boot the ball out of the end zone, Ervin has the talent to make them pay.

We’ll talk a lot about Green Bay’s defense matching up against a talented Minnesota offense, and other key matchups, but Ervin could be a difference-maker on Monday night.