If ever there were a week for a conservative, run-the-ball, bleed-the-clock game plan, this was it. The Green Bay Packers eased past the Minnesota Vikings with an emphatic 23-6 victory in Week 12, an important win for two key reasons.
One, it gives the Packers a 2-0 record in the NFC North. Two, it allowed them to take the sting out of the game and save themselves for a heavyweight battle with the Detroit Lions in four days.
Green Bay leaned on its rushing attack, even without Josh Jacobs, running 42 times for 146 yards and two touchdowns. Both scores belonged to Emanuel Wilson, who carried the ball 28 times for 107 yards. They proved they could run the ball effectively even without Jacobs. Matt LaFleur made a shift to the offensive line, too, with rookie Anthony Belton getting some reps at guard, as seemed likely.
Packers' defense dominates in statement victory over Vikings
The defense set up the win and allowed LaFleur to take his foot off the gas in the second half. Per Pro Football Focus, rookie Warren Brinson tied Micah Parsons for a team-high four pressures. Brinson had half a sack with Isaiah McDuffie. Parsons continued his dominant season with two more sacks, while Devonte Wyatt enjoyed a return to form with two of his own.
Add in second-half interceptions for McDuffie and Evan Williams, and it was a perfect day for Jeff Hafley's defense. They made life miserable for J.J. McCarthy.
Minnesota managed just 52 passing yards and 93 rushing yards in the game.
It allowed LaFleur to take pressure off of Jordan Love, who is dealing with a sprained left shoulder. He appeared to hand the ball off with his wrong hand throughout the game, a sign he isn't feeling 100 percent. Love didn't need to throw too often, which was the smart call with the Lions up next.
Green Bay missed Jacobs and Matthew Golden, while Jayden Reed isn't quite ready to make his return despite practicing this week.
Importantly, the Packers found a way to improve to 7-3-1 to stay on the Chicago Bears' heels. They get the chance to take control of the NFC North with matchups against the Lions and Bears over the next two weeks.