5 biggest takeaways from Packers’ huge win vs. Vikings in Week 17

Packers defense dominates

The Packers gave up 20 points in the first half against the Miami Dolphins. Since then, Joe Barry’s defense has dominated against two of the league’s top offenses. Green Bay shut out Miami in the final two quarters last week, then allowed just three points before garbage time against the Vikings on Sunday.

Even Minnesota’s first-half field goal can’t be blamed on the defense. A blocked punt gave the Vikings possession on the Packers’ two-yard line. The defense held firm, not allowing a touchdown.

Green Bay held Minnesota’s running backs to 65 rushing yards from 17 carries, which is 3.8 yards per attempt. Kirk Cousins threw for 205 yards and one touchdown with three interceptions and a passer rating of 49.2.

Darnell Savage, Adrian Amos, and Rudy Ford each had interceptions — Savage’s a pick-six — while Kenny Clark forced a fumble. That’s four takeaways from Green Bay’s defense.

According to NFL Next Gen Stats, Clark made an impressive seven pressures and forced two turnovers.

Most importantly, the defense held Minnesota’s excellent offense to just 17 points, 14 of which came in garbage time when many of the starters were out of the game. Until midway through the fourth, the Vikings had only scored three points.

A truly dominant performance from the defense, a great sign ahead of another must-win game against the Detroit Lions. If Green Bay makes the playoffs and puts in defensive performances like this one, they can make a run.