3 takeaways from Packers’ Week 8 loss vs. Vikings

2. Sloppy performance all around

The blame can’t all go on Mike Pettine, however. There were times when defenders were in position to make a play, whether it was a tackle for loss, a pass breakup, or simply saving a first down.

Missed tackles have been an issue all season long, and it proved to be true again on Sunday. Along with that, Green Bay continued to get in its own way with penalties, being flagged nine times in total. That included penalties that handed Minnesota first downs twice when Green Bay had made a stop on third down. Instead of a stop and field goal, it became a touchdown.

Matt LaFleur also made a big mistake at a crucial moment of the game. Down by seven halfway through the third quarter facing fourth-and-10 on Minnesota’s 37-yard line, LaFleur opted against a long field goal or punt and instead went for it.

It’s understandable not to kick a FG; Mason Crosby wasn’t 100 percent and the wind made kicking difficult. But with 10 yards to go, it was a big risk. The pass was incomplete and it set up the Vikings with good field position. Four plays later, Dalvin Cook caught a 50-yard touchdown.

From missed tackles to penalties to dropped passes, this game was a mess for the Packers.