3 takeaways from Packers’ Week 8 loss vs. Vikings

1. It’s time for a change at defensive coordinator

Mike Pettine is running out of excuses. The Packers knew what the Vikings wanted to do. They continued to hand the ball Dalvin Cook’s way and almost every time he picked up a big gain. It’s been a frustrating season for the defense, but Sunday’s loss to Minnesota might’ve been the most disappointing performance to date.

Kirk Cousins has struggled this season but was rarely under pressure. He attempted just 14 passes, completing 11 for 160 yards and a touchdown. The Vikings rarely needed to throw the ball.

Green Bay has a lot of talent on defense after investing many high draft picks on this side of the ball, as well as big free-agent additions such as Za’Darius Smith, Preston Smith, and Adrian Amos.

The Packers almost certainly won’t make a change at defensive coordinator this week with a short turnaround to Thursday’s game. They might not even make a change until after the season. However, if this week’s performance is replicated against the 49ers, which as we’ve already seen in 2020 is possible, the Packers might have no choice.

Until there are some significant improvements on defense, the Packers have no chance of winning the Super Bowl. The Vikings showed how to beat the Packers. Expect the 49ers to try to replicate it next week.