Packers defense struggles in disappointing loss to Vikings

The Packers were outplayed by the Vikings in Week 8.

With a game against the San Francisco 49ers only four days away, the Green Bay Packers‘ run defense didn’t given much reason for optimism.

The Packers defense was dominated on the ground by the Minnesota Vikings in a surprise loss, with Dalvin Cook rushing for 163 yards and three touchdowns, while also catching two passes for 63 yards and a touchdown.

There were some similarities to the NFC Championship Game loss to the 49ers last January. Minnesota ran the ball 34 times and only attempted 14 passes.

That alone tells the story.

The Vikings scored touchdowns on each of their opening four drives, all scored by Cook. The Packers started in similar style with Davante Adams scoring touchdowns Green Bay’s opening two drives and then finding the end zone again later on.

But bad decisions, poor tackling, penalties, and a lack of defense led to a disappointing day for Green Bay. The Packers continued to make mistakes throughout the game, including nine penalties.

This defeat was Matt LaFleur’s first against a division rival as head coach.

A blip? Perhaps. But there’s little time to turn things around. The Packers need to avoid losing twice in a row in what would be their third defeat out of four. It will be a huge challenge on the road against the 49ers on a short week.

Kyle Shanahan will look to run the ball early and often. Little has changed for Green Bay’s defense since Raheem Mostert found the end zone four times against them in January. No matter who lines up at running back for the 49ers on Thursday night, the same could be true again.

In a close NFC North race, this is a tough loss. The Packers now need to bounce back quickly to avoid falling out of the race for the top seed.