5 Things to Watch in Packers at Vikings: Jayden Reed Returns
Reed figures to be a vital part of Green Bay's offense in a must-win game.
By markoldacres
Jaren Hall vs Joe Barry
After the struggles Minnesota has endured at the quarterback position since Kirk Cousins’ season-ending injury, bouncing from Josh Dobbs to Nick Mullens thereafter, with mostly poor results, making another switch to Jaren Hall is a gamble which could just pay off.
Assuming the embattled Packers defense will not know how to handle an athletic quarterback whom they have little tape on, is a smart bet.
Hall ran a 4.62s 40-yard dash at the combine, and the Packers have had a tough time containing even semi-mobile QBs this season. Green Bay has very limited NFL tape to study on Hall, and the rookie has the benefit of an excellent offensive mind in Kevin O’Connell at his side.
Of course, Hall may simply not be up to snuff and turn in an incompetent performance on Sunday night, but Packers fans are rightly fearing the worst after Joe Barry made kings out of Tommy DeVito, Baker Mayfield, and Bryce Young.
Justin Jefferson
With T.J. Hockenson out for the year, Jordan Addison’s status up in the air and no consistent running game to speak of, the Vikings should look to channel their offense through Jefferson even more than usual.
Unfortunately for the Packers, they will be severely undermanned at the cornerback position due to Jaire Alexander’s suspension and Eric Stokes’ hamstring injury.
That leaves Keisean Nixon, Carrington Valentine and Corey Ballentine – as has often been the case this season – as the top three corners on Green Bay’s depth chart.
Expect a heavy dose of zone defense this week, as Barry cannot trust any of these corners to consistently hold up versus Jefferson. Preventing him from taking over the game is easier said than done, but has to be priority number one for the Packers on defense.
What impact does Alexander’s suspension have?
Besides the obvious absence of his talent from the field, it is worth questioning what effect Alexander’s suspension could have on the Packers locker room.
Alexander said his teammates “backed him up” on the decision to anoint himself a team captain in Carolina, and there may be some players who are not too pleased to see a suspension handed out.
Aaron Jones appeared to show support for Alexander on his Instagram account this week, but specifically on defense, where some players may already be discontented with the scheme they are running, there could be some unhappy campers.
Ultimately, the players are professionals and should give their all on Sunday night regardless of what is going on with Alexander, but if the Vikings start racking up points, how much fight does this defense have left in them?
Brian Flores’ defensive gameplan
Flores has shown the impact of a good defensive coordinator in Minnesota this year, turning a cast of relatively average defenders into one of the better units in the league.
The unpredictability Flores unleashes, sending all-out pressure one minute then dropping near-everyone back in coverage the next, puts opposing quarterbacks and offensive play-callers in a bind.
October’s meeting was arguably the low point for Green Bay’s offense this season, scoring just 10 points, and receivers dropping passes all afternoon. In a must-win game, this is another big test for Jordan Love and this young offense.
Jayden Reed
Reed is off the injury report and good to go for Sunday night, and the Packers will need him to be a focal point of their offense this week, with Christian Watson doubtful to play and Dontayvion Wicks questionable.
Minnesota’s starting slot corner, Byron Murphy, is out this week, meaning Reed will see a lot of backup Josh Mettelus, who has not performed anywhere near as well when called upon.
When he has been available, Reed has been a consistent playmaker for the Packers in his rookie season. He, Romeo Doubs, and Aaron Jones will be Love’s most important weapons this week as the Packers look to keep their playoff hopes alive.
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Mark Oldacres is a sports writer from Birmingham, England and a Green Bay Packers fan. You can follow him on twitter at @MarkOldacres
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Comments (37)
RedMN
December 30, 2023 at 03:29 pm
Eric stokes is again out with a hamstring injury and back on IR so I don't know how this is gonna work. Not that he has ever been all that good. Just another speed guy who can't do his job effectively.
The only good thing this year has been the rookies and Jordan Love.
The veterans have all crapped the bed.
Disappointing year in that regards and all the injuries.
Even though the vikings are dealing with a bunch of injuries also, I don't have good vibes going into this game. The defense has collapsed entirely and the viking D is relatively solid.
SpikeHyzer
December 30, 2023 at 03:56 pm
It's a good thing that they went into mini rebuild mode last year (especially if they do make the play offs).
I see a lot of expensive contracts and not all that old of veterans being traded or cut.
The O should be better than the last time out, but the biggest test for the D should be the Vikes OL and the WRs. If they let an unknown or under performing QB get the best of us again....
jannesbjornson
December 30, 2023 at 05:06 pm
If he stays in off coverage, Jefferson and Osborn will each have over 100 yards. Let Valentine get in Jefferson's grill and bring heat 80% of the time. If P.Smith and Gary cannot hold the edge contain, it will be a long day at the Office.
SicSemperTyrannis
December 31, 2023 at 02:37 am
It's a question if Valentine can keep up with Justin Jefferson, or if he'd just get smoked and a soft zone JB special is actually better. I suppose we'll find out? Ja took him out of the game, but we have to think he wouldn't be able to do that in this game even if he were playing.
jannesbjornson
December 31, 2023 at 08:22 am
Dbl him all game long. Blitz Owens. Will Nixon be able to play clear-headed for an entire game? The D line has to take charge, but in reality, this Game is all about the Offense putting up more points than the defense bleeds.
If the #22 pick was a playmaker things may be different for this Defense.
Coldworld
December 31, 2023 at 08:47 am
Jefferson made fools of Barry’s soft zone in the 2022 opener. He’s not a guy you want running free after the catch. Nor is Addison as he proved earlier this year.
Barry has to trust his corners. They may not be good enough, but neither excel off and the best defense may be QB inaccuracies in this game. The best we can do in the secondary is to try to impede the catch or at least get the WR in contact immediately and allow others to rally.
The truly stupid thing to do would be to play to how they’ve burnt us previously. They will succeed at times if the QB can get them a decent ball, but better that than a continual succession of chunk plays all game.
Coldworld
December 31, 2023 at 09:06 am
Valentine has a 9.29 RAS. He’s best using his length to contest at the tackle. He ran a 4.44 to Jefferson’s 4.43 40. He had a better vertical to compensate somewhat for the height differential. Ballentine is a similar athlete (slightly higher RAS) and again of similar speed with a better vertical. On paper, their best chance is by sticking to the receivers.
Minniman
December 31, 2023 at 01:32 am
The veterans have all crapped the bed."
Rodgers is already agitating that they need o-line help - if the Packers land a good OT talent from the deep draft pool, then deal Bakh.... but keep Jones.
"The defense has collapsed entirely"
I just watched Dallas almost lose a game by giving a mediocre QB too much respect - and playing off secondary coverage. Attention Joe Barry - you've lost many games these past 3 seasons with this flawed strategy. Given that you are professionally a "dead man walking", why not be aggressive?
4thand10
December 31, 2023 at 10:18 am
It’s like i’ve been saying all year…Valentine and Ballentine are just better. Both were pivotal in wins over Detroit and KC..Everything they showed in preseason translated to regular season. I just with they would throw Sapp Jr out there because i didn’t see him miss too many tackles and seemed to keep up with Wrs down field at the safety position. But GB will trot out the high draft picks rather than best player for a good 2 seasons before they figure shit out it seems like.
splitpea1
December 30, 2023 at 03:47 pm
Stokes out again? Watson doubtful still? So what else is new? We can win without both of them.
Reed being back is very good news. I like having him as an important part of the offense as long as he isn't being run into a thicket of defenders; that what Jones and Dillon are for.
If containing Jefferson is priority number one, then pressuring Hall and not letting him beat you on the ground is number two. Maybe the defense would like to surprise us by forcing a couple of turnovers.
Hall is a rookie 5th round pick who has thrown 10 passes in the NFL. If he has a big game against us which results in a win for them, it might not be safe to bring Barry back to Green Bay for the season finale unless the team uses an armored vehicle for transport. I know the home fans have a reputation of being welcoming, but everyone has their breaking point....
MainePackFan
December 30, 2023 at 07:53 pm
If the Packers get smoked by Hall and lose this game, Barry will be gone on New Years Day. He's pre-packed, and the cab is waiting. There will be no need for an armored vehicle.
dblbogey
December 31, 2023 at 12:21 am
He better keep his dog inside the house until he moves.
NickPerry
December 31, 2023 at 06:43 am
His Dog?
That's fucking horrible. Anyone who messes with a man's Dog needs to be shot himself.
SicSemperTyrannis
December 31, 2023 at 02:41 am
I expect #11 Reed to not be 100%. He wasn't 2 games ago, at the opening kickoff. He only got hurt worse in that game. He's tough but less than 100%. I can't believe they didn't sign Bo Melton to the 53 man roster, somebody's liable to snipe him.
How's Wicks?
Lphill
December 30, 2023 at 04:39 pm
Apparently by trading Douglas when Alexander and Stokes were injured ,Murphy and Gute had no expectations of making the playoffs , now look what the secondary looks like.
jannesbjornson
December 30, 2023 at 05:09 pm
" We're not Idiots."
Houndog
December 30, 2023 at 08:04 pm
Liars!
Duneslick
December 30, 2023 at 06:57 pm
Never understood the Douglass trade unless it was salary cap. Trade a starting corner for a swap of 3rd and 5th round draft picks. Are you kidding me !. And the Gute says it was a deal they could not pass up. Really. Yet everyone seemed to agree with the greenbay PR Machine
Houndog
December 30, 2023 at 08:15 pm
Duneslick,
The Packers got Buffalo's 3rd rounder for 'Douglas and a 5th',
not sure I read your description correctly.. I'm with you, I think Douglas was more valuable than that, he was a Team Player with experience.
SicSemperTyrannis
December 31, 2023 at 02:46 am
A third round pick will likely NEVER contribute what Rasul does, and is almost certain not to as a rookie.
Gave him away for nothing.
Guam
December 31, 2023 at 08:32 am
Not sure I agree with your logic SST since Douglas was a third round choice when he was drafted. Whether the Packers make good use or not of Buffalo's third rounder is open to question, but Douglas was a third round talent when he was drafted. He also played for a half dozen teams before he found his niche on the Packers so he was not an instant success.
It's possible the Packers might even do better than Douglas in the third round (think Tucker Kraft) although given Gute's track record in the third that may be a long shot.
Coldworld
December 31, 2023 at 08:56 am
Douglas had one year left on his deal and will be 30 when it ended. He was also the most vocal in his frustrations, which, given subsequent issues may have been a factor. He was clearly a locker room leader. I didn’t want the trade, but it’s a reasonable one value-wise if we have genuine young talent in Valentine.
Douglas would not have saved this D in recent games. He might have helped somewhat, but putting it in perspective, while he certainly wasn’t the cause, he wasn’t a solution capable overcoming Barry. It would have been interesting to see how he responded to the rubbish served up by his coordinator had he stayed.
SicSemperTyrannis
December 31, 2023 at 02:44 am
Dune,
Gutey gave Rasul Douglas away for nothing. Went a long way towards losing the locker room with the boneheaded way he handled Rasul, which was worse than the trade itself. Told everybody no matter how well they play, they're worthless to this organization.
Did save $6.5MM on next year's cap. Will still carry $5MM dead cap.
Guam
December 31, 2023 at 08:38 am
While it certainly weakened this year's team, I suspect salary cap, age and the young players behind him caused the trade of Douglas. Douglas will be thirty next year with a fairly good sized contract. Given Alexander, Stokes, Valentine and Ballentine, I think Gute went with youth over age and money. Not the best for this year but prospectively better in the long run.
dblbogey
December 31, 2023 at 12:27 am
That did seem like a "give up on this season" kind of deal. We got a late 3round pick for an early 5th rounder and Douglas. I don't see how Gute felt that was too good to pass up. I guess come draft time it will seem like a good move. This team needs a rebuild of the secondary, OL and RB. There's a lot of holes to fill and 7 picks in the first 4 rounds will hopefully help fill them.
ricky
December 30, 2023 at 05:07 pm
Barry plays a soft zone and Jefferson catches at least five passes with no Packer closer than four yards away. If DeVito can run for over 70 yards on the Packers, Hall should be able to at least equal that, if not exceed it. Meanwhile, expect Flores to dial up the pressure on Love, doing his best to disguise his coverage/blitzes like he did last time. Love needs to have a safety valve receiver ready to catch a short pass if Love feels pressured. Quick passes and an up-tempo offense might be able to cause the Vikings some trouble defensively. Try to put them literally on the defensive, limiting their ability to communicate and substitute. And do what Rodgers used to do- if you see a guy running off the field, snap the ball immediately. It should be a "free play" as the Vikings are caught with 12 on the field, so let it fly and see what happens.
SicSemperTyrannis
December 31, 2023 at 02:49 am
Checkdowns to Kraft, Musgrave, and #33 would be good :)
People have talked about deep ball accuracy, I just want to see JL10; make the easy layups.
4thand10
December 31, 2023 at 11:00 am
MN DL are banged up…if there was ever a game to pound the Rock and play solid defense this is it. Clock management and keep Jefferson off the field. If Jones is good to go…he could have a field day both in running and receiving . I hope they use him but i doubt it , but Emanuel Wilson practiced all week. Dillon is good to go for short yardage.
The Vikings will try to pound it with Alexander Mattison and use play action for Jefferson and Osborne…But Barry’s gotta figure out a way to spy the QB and be proficient in run stopping
Houndog
December 30, 2023 at 08:22 pm
To think the Packers could have hired Flores last January makes this whole discussion more painful.
SicSemperTyrannis
December 31, 2023 at 02:52 am
That's exactly what I said at the time, it will really hurt to see him on the Viqueens' sideline. Here we are, and he predictably has them playing above their talent level, whereas as JB? Not so much.
Coldworld
December 31, 2023 at 08:59 am
He’s probably gone next season. He should get a Head Coaching opportunity unless his law suits against the league intervene.
Boneman
December 31, 2023 at 07:16 am
Missing Stokes and Alexander probably won't make much of a difference against the Vikes, they haven't played very well this year anyway, especially not tackling. Let's see what the youngsters can do with their careers on the line. I'm going to predict that Barry and the D has learned their lessons. Watch for a more focused game plan with aggressive zones and more blitzes with a focus on contain. Speed up Hall but don't give him escape lanes. The offense is rolling and with Reed back I expect them to score plenty. Love statement game and the Packers playoff hopes stay alive 34-24 Pack!
4thand10
December 31, 2023 at 11:15 am
I’ve been totally happy with Valentine….seems to be an absolute steal. Picking up Ballentine as well. Both played lights out against Detroit and KC. I’ll take heat, but yes…. both are faster and better than douglas. douglas was good on short , medium coverage…but anything beyond 20 yrds he’d get burned deep.
Idont think Alexander suspension is a big deal. Last game he basically gave up on goal line defense…I watched him stop..and the RB ran right past him. Instead of at least making a half assed effort to tackle he made a business above team decision. Him and Stokes got repeatedly burned by Chark. Maybe Valentine and Ballentine are just hungrier at this point right now? who knows. Stokes seemed to keep his speed and maybe he’ll have a turn around next yr. But for a Draft and develop team GB absolutely can’t wait until year 3 before guys turn a corner, stay healthy or play better.
GregC
December 31, 2023 at 07:17 am
Not having Alexander and Stokes is almost irrelevant. Neither of them have played much this year, and when they've played, they mostly haven't played well. The defense has played best with Valentine and Ballentine starting. The way the defense has looked the last couple of weeks, it's hard to have any kind of confidence in them though. Can they hold Justin Jefferson to under 200 yards receiving?
Renllaw
December 31, 2023 at 08:57 am
If Joe Barry were a construction foreman.
By Jaire Alexander, Rasul Douglas, and De’Vondre Campbell
We are carpenters, been doing it for a few years. Pretty dang good at it too. Our head contractor brought in a new foreman, and the foreman showed us the new blueprints. We said but boss, we get open concepts are cool, but this plan needs a load bearing wall here, or at minimum 4 load bearing posts to hold this house together… "Yeah Yeah… just do your job as directed" he says. So we started building the house. 1st quarter of that house was not stable. Creaking and moaning, the head contractor comes in and says to the foreman “Hey, we need to aggressively fix this issue!” So, the foreman changes the plan and we start aggressively building some solid supports… We are nearly finished, it’s all looking good. Foreman says… "No, nope, can’t do it. I need to leave this last area open. Don’t care what I was told. It’s cool. Leave that open." We have 85% of the home complete. But the crew is looking at each other like, WTF is up with this? We go forward executing the changed plan when we start to hear creaking and snapping… GET OUT! That 4th quarter of the house didn’t hold up. And the whole house came crashing down. One of the crew started talking to inspectors, they fired him.... But for some reason, our damn head contractor kept this dipshit foreman on, and this happened over and over on several of our builds! As a crew we had enough, we also started complaining to the inspectors and walked off the next site….
Cheesey51
December 31, 2023 at 09:56 am
Winning the next two games and making the playoffs is not going to save Joe Barry from being DC in 2024
4thand10
December 31, 2023 at 10:37 am
Alexander Mattison is nothing to sneeze at, he is a powerful back…I would just stop the run and pressure the QB. Use an LB to spy since he is a mobile QB, then man up on Jefferson and Osborne with safety help. Course Joe Barry will do none of this because he is an absolute moron.
On the positive side is: Love is playing well, kraft is playing well , Jones is playing, Dillons thumb should be getting better and still is effective on short yardage as evidenced by his goal line TD last week. Emanuel Wilson was a full participant in practice. Now , I don’t know if they’ll use him or Patrick Taylor more but I’ve always thought of Wilson having upside. But MN DL is pretty banged up so if I was MLF I would pound the rock and use TEs and pick spots for Doubs, Reed and Heath. Keep Jefferson off the field by using a lot of clock.
As usual, it’s a winnable game. But Joe Barry will make everyone’s blood pressure go up. If anyone has a chance to screw up this game …..it’s Barry.