Defense dominates as Packers crowned NFC North champions
The Green Bay Packers are NFC North champions.
The Packers defense dominated all night long, leading the team to their first victory at U.S. Bank Stadium, and a win that clinches the NFC North.
Za’Darius Smith led the way. On a national stage, Smith showed why he should’ve been selected to the Pro Bowl, making 3.5 sacks, five quarterback hits, seven tackles and five tackles for loss. As a team, the Packers made five sacks and dominated the Vikings’ offensive line all game.
Minnesota’s only points came from turnovers. Kirk Cousins threw for just 122 yards with one touchdown and an interception. Without Dalvin Cook and Alexander Mattison, they rushed for just 57 yards.
Let’s take a look back at the game.
It couldn’t have started off any worse for the Packers. On the opening possession, Aaron Jones fumbled to give the Vikings the ball at Green Bay’s 10-yard line. The defense began a strong performance with a quick stop, restricting Minnesota to a field goal.
The defense maintained their dominance throughout the first half, but they weren’t helped by the offense which turned the ball over three times. Following Jones’ fumble, Aaron Rodgers made an uncharacteristically bad pass which was intercepted, and later on, Davante Adams fumbled on what would’ve been a first down catch-and-run.
Despite turning it over three times, the dominance of the defense ensured the Packers only trailed 10-9 at the break.
The defense continued to control the game in the third quarter, first forcing a punt before Kevin King intercepted Cousins to set up the Packers in good field position. Jones then scored his 18th touchdown of the season with Geronimo Allison catching the two-point conversion to give Green Bay a 17-10 lead.
Mike Pettine’s defense continued to do its job, and it was time for the offense to play its part.
Jones was happy to do so with a 55-yard rushing touchdown. Mason Crosby missed his first PAT of the season, but importantly, Green Bay’s lead was up to 13.
And that was more than enough. The defense closed out the game and a dominant Packers win.
With that, Green Bay clinches the NFC North and with a win next week, will have no worse than the number two seed. Should Seattle defeat San Francisco, it would be the number one seed.
Go Pack Go!