Behind the Numbers: Green Bay Packers v. Vikings
Here is a look at the stats and figures you need to know from the Green Bay Packers win over the Minnesota Vikings.
By Paul_Bretl
The Green Bay Packers cruised to an easy win over the Minnesota Vikings and, for the second straight season, clinched homefield advantage throughout the NFC playoffs.
As we do following each Packers game this season, it's time to go Behind the Numbers, taking a look at the stats and figures you need to know from Green Bay's performance.
13
The Green Bay Packers run defense came into this game really struggling, especially these past two games, and had a difficult test against Dalvin Cook. However, it turned out that Cook ended up being a non-factor.
The interior defensive line was able to generate steady push, while the edge rushers sealed the edge. With Sean Mannion at quarterback, Joe Barry had more players close to the line of scrimmage more frequently, and even though the game was within two scores for much of the first half, Cook only had seven carries at halftime.
With the Packers up three or four scores for much of the second half, the Vikings became very pass-heavy. Cook finished with only nine carries for 13 yards.
3.7
Sean Mannion at quarterback went about as you'd expect it to. Minnesota was unable to push the ball downfield and instead tried to get the ball out of Mannion's hands quickly with some easy completions in space; however, the Green Bay defense was ready for that--as they should have been.
Prior to the final drive, Mannion was averaging just 3.7 yards per pass attempt. And as a result of Mannion's play, Justin Jefferson wasn't much of a factor either.
3/7
Green Bay had been faring better in the red zone as of late, scoring a touchdown on nearly 77 percent of their red zone visits over the last three games. After a slow start to the season, they were up to 14th with a success rate of 60 percent.
But against Minnesota, they really struggled again, converting just three of their seven red zone trips into touchdowns, including an 0/3 start, which made this game way closer than what it should have been early on. I imagine it is in the red zone where this Green Bay offense is really missing Robert Tonyan.
5.4
The Green Bay Packers offensive line absolutely dominated this matchup with Minnesota. Aaron Rodgers wasn't sacked at all, while as a team, the Packers averaged 5.4 yards per rush, including a few plays where the Green Bay offensive line was moving Viking defenders into the second level.
Despite all the injuries, this unit has continued to hold its own, and last night, they were very impressive.
4.0
Cook and Jefferson were held in check, the Minnesota offense was also just 3/15 on third and fourth downs, and they averaged a measly 4.0 yards per play. The Green Bay defense played well, but at the end of the day, they did exactly what they should have done.
21
Did the Green Bay Packers find a reliable return man? With Amari Rodgers and Malik Taylor both unavailable -- and underperforming -- the Packers signed veteran receiver David Moore to the practice squad this past week, and he took over returning duties on Sunday.
He did not have any kick return attempts, but he finished with 33 yards on three punt returns, including a long of 21. Moore was decisive, he fielded the ball cleanly and showcased good vision as well.
"I thought he did an outstanding job," Head Coach Matt LaFleur said of Moore via Packers.com. "He had a lot of success it looked like, from my vantage point. I was really impressed by him."
12 & 17
What else can be said about Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams? I mean, the connection that these two have is incredible, and after all these games together, I still catch myself saying "wow" quite often.
Rodgers capped off what should be an MVP season completing 29 of his 38 pass attempts for 288 yards and two touchdowns. Adams had 11 receptions for 136 yards and a touchdown.
72
In Randall Cobb's absence, Allen Lazard has really shined. In the three games prior to this one, Lazard had 10 receptions for 143 yards and two touchdowns. Against Minnesota, he added six more receptions, 72 more yards, and another touchdown. Not to mention that he continues to play a key role as a blocker as well.
5 & 2
Rashan Gary and Preston Smith were both oh so good on Sunday. As I mentioned above, both played the run very well, and the two would combine for two sacks, five quarterback hits, and four tackles for loss. Gary led the team with eight pressures, according to PFF, and he now has the second-most pressures generated this season among all edge rushers.
This was a Vikings offensive line that entered the game ranked 26th in ESPN's pass-block win rate metric, and Smith and Gary made sure to take full advantage.
6
De'Vondre Campbell was all over the field just as he has been for much of the season. As he often has, Campbell led the Packers in tackles with eight, and while that can be a hollow stat, that wasn't the case for Campbell, who made many of those plays underneath to limit any sort of YAC opportunities for the Vikings. Per PFF, he led the team with six defensive stops.
1
Once again, the Green Bay Packers are the NFC's top seed, and the playoffs will run through Lambeau Field.
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__________________________
Born and raised in Green Bay, WI and I still call it home. After my family, watching the Packers, sharing my opinions on the team through my writing and interacting with other fans is my greatest passion. You can find me on Twitter at @Paul_Bretl.
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Comments (31)
dblbogey
January 03, 2022 at 11:48 am
Vikings fans are sad again.
10ve 💚
January 03, 2022 at 01:54 pm
🕺🕺🕺🕺🕺
LambeauPlain
January 03, 2022 at 04:15 pm
The vyqueens trophy case will continue to collect dust. Every week two teams have to win...the Pack and whoever is playing the 'queens. And twice a season it is the same team.
Of all teams, a butt kicking of the ugly purple is most rewarding for me.
Since'61
January 03, 2022 at 11:02 pm
Why do the Vikings even needs a trophy case?
Thanks, Since ‘61
Fubared
January 03, 2022 at 12:12 pm
Just read some viking blogs and many are pissed not at the team but the refs, the world, the cheating. Did you know that if it wasn't for 8 plays the Vikes would have been undefeated this year. Only 8 plays.
and other teams can also point to one play here, one play there that made a difference too.
Talk about sore losers. They should be burying their heads as to how a guy could forego a vacine and screw the team out of the playoffs.
scullyitsme
January 03, 2022 at 12:25 pm
Think I heard cousins cap hit is 45 million next year and most guaranteed. They aren’t even blinking and people here complain about that number for rodgers. Funny both ways. I hate the vikes, and cousins making 45 million is hilarious, but anyone that thinks the pack is better without Aaron Rodgers cap hit next year is delusional.
Coldworld
January 03, 2022 at 01:11 pm
Cap hit isn’t about whether theirs is bigger for their QB than ours but about how much we have for who we have. Since that’s been explained ad Infinitem by many and on many occasions, I presume you are just determined not to get it.
scullyitsme
January 03, 2022 at 01:25 pm
There isn’t a scenario where we are a better team next year without Rodgers, even at 45 mil( which it wouldn’t be after a extension) think that’s the thing you and others actually don’t understand. Hopefully Gute now understands that also.
Thegreatreynoldo
January 03, 2022 at 05:08 pm
I agree: GB is a better team with AR at QB. He is the best player at the most important position in pro football.
Unfortunately, these things are interconnected. If Gute and AR can make it happen with a reasonable contract structure that doesn't force cap casualties next year, great.
LambeauPlain
January 03, 2022 at 04:23 pm
Who are you going to cut, or not re-sign to sign Rodgers? I think fans who think they can without a complete destruction of the roster is delusional.
If Rodgers wants to play for the Pack next year, it is up to him. Gutey has worked too hard to build this roster and he is not going to erase 4 years of hard work to placate one player. Adams and Rodgers would have to agree to deep discounts to return next year. They won't.
Enjoy the playoffs. A new era begins next season.
MainePackFan
January 03, 2022 at 07:39 pm
"Who are you going to cut, or not re-sign to sign Rodgers?"
as much as I love David Bakhtiari, the Packers are 13-3 without him. I'm not saying that signing him was a mistake but I'm pretty sure that the Packers would not be 13-3 if BakhtIari was healthy all year and AR hadn't taken a snap,
MainePackFan
January 03, 2022 at 07:30 pm
It's almost funny that praising Aaron Rodgers in here get's you down votes. Wow!
Coldworld
January 04, 2022 at 08:22 am
Depends on the context. It is possible to have differing views of Rodgers in the context of play, off field, contract, longevity, cap, long term franchise interests etc. If all you see is Rodgers the player in his most recent game, I don’t see much complaining but also you must be blinded by his aura to have got this far and still ask that question. Just got the record, none of those down votes are mine.
13TimeChamps
January 03, 2022 at 02:44 pm
Why would Packer fans be reading Viking blogs?
Straya
January 04, 2022 at 07:35 pm
schadenfreude
/ˈʃɑːd(ə)nˌfrɔɪdə,German ˈʃɑːdənˌfrɔydə/
noun
pleasure derived by someone from another person's misfortune.
MainePackFan
January 03, 2022 at 07:25 pm
" They should be burying their heads as to how a guy could forego a vacine and screw the team out of the playoffs."
Why go there? Come on man!!
packer132
January 03, 2022 at 12:53 pm
There were many good things that came out of the Packers win over the Vikings.
Offense: Very solid job by mostly backup linemen giving up zero sacks. No fumbles or interceptions, which is huge almost every game. Rodgers and Adams make plays most others can not. Good running back combo with Jones and Dillon controlling the clock and getting first downs.
Defense: Holding Cook to 13 yards on 9 carries when he usually runs at will against Green Bay. Better tackling and swarming to the ball. Clark beating double teams while Gary and Preston getting good pressure.
Special Teams: Longest punt return all season (21 yards) by a player just brought in a few days before kickoff.
Crosby looked confident, and even had some decent kickoffs on a cold night.
I see the Packers peaking at the perfect time, and would love to get Cobb or Alexander back in 3 weeks for the first playoff game.
Swisch
January 03, 2022 at 04:02 pm
As I remember it, our new punt returner showed a quick little move of misdirection after catching at least one of the punts. It was sweet.
Maybe other fans can help me recall what he did, perhaps like a sideways jab step one way, then spurting the other way.
In any case, David Moore showed a presence of confidence and competence at punt returner that was really encouraging. He seemed strong and fast with the ball.
Minniman
January 03, 2022 at 12:55 pm
Another stat for the number 1:
1 more sack this year and Preston Smith earns another big bonus (can't remember if it's 500K or 1M). 100% he plays this week (if he has anything to say about it!).
scullyitsme
January 03, 2022 at 01:26 pm
Good point, there could be millions of reasons for a lot of our starters to play next week.
10ve 💚
January 03, 2022 at 01:57 pm
He gets $750,000 more if he gets one more sack. He already earned $1,250,000 in incentives to date.
LambeauPlain
January 03, 2022 at 04:27 pm
Preston and Packers arrived at a deal that was win-win. I hope he puts sacks in sacks and sacks and sacks during the remaining 4 games of the season.
Thegreatreynoldo
January 03, 2022 at 05:10 pm
That info is in the Snap Counts article!
Minniman
January 03, 2022 at 08:40 pm
Thanks TGR - I’m playing catch-up football on the articles this week 👍
Swisch
January 03, 2022 at 04:04 pm
Leaping lizards, it's Allen Lazard!
LambeauPlain
January 03, 2022 at 04:34 pm
This was the most satisfying win of the season. The Vyqueens are the Packers #1 rival and to see a beat down was a true pleasure. The game was an encouraging indicator the Pack is rounding into a solid team in all three phases (finally?!).
Even better, with the extra week off, more players will get healthy for the SB quest.
Starrbrite
January 03, 2022 at 08:07 pm
Just when I complain that Mason can no longer kick it out of the endzone, he does it several times on a cold night. What do I know!
The players and order I want them to return:
1) Z Smith (I believe we need an additional pass rusher more than anything else;
2) J. Alexander —a shut down corner for Kupp; Evans; Lamb; Hopkins; et al;
3) Bak: the best left tackle in football;
4). Meyers: allows the guard position to improve, i.e., Patrick moves to guard;
5) Cobb: comfort for ARod.
Since'61
January 03, 2022 at 11:16 pm
At this point we are getting good pressure every game without Z.
My #1 guy I want to return is Alexander. Alexander can shut down our playoff opponents #1 receiver. Put Stokes on their #2 and Douglas on their slot guy. Sullivan can cover the TE.
#2 for me is Bak. Protect AR against our opponents best pass rusher.
#3 Myers. Improves the rest of the OL.
#4 Z. He can rush the QB up the middle. He’s done it before.
We could have a pass rush with Gary, P. Smith off the edges and Clark and Z through the middle. That would give opposing OCs a few headaches.
#5. Cobb for his experience and his clutch hands on 3rd downs.
Let’s not forget Turner. He solidifies the right side and leaves us with plenty of OL depth for the playoffs.
GPG! Thanks, Since ‘61
Coldworld
January 04, 2022 at 08:58 am
We are getting good pressure with P and Gary. In the last game that was pretty much all we needed due to the D being off the field so quickly when it mattered. What comes behind those two is perhaps the greatest area of weakness though
Thanks to Douglas, we’ve held up well without Alexander. Nijman has done a very good job too. Garvin has not, for whatever reason he’s less than he was mid season (perhaps the bye will help him), Galeai has no business being in the rotation as anything other than a 5th option and STer at this point.
Getting Z back would dramatically improve our depth in the event of any injury, but it will also help prolong effecteness throughout a game. P and Gary can’t play all snaps and playing too many produces diminished returns.
Myers I’m not sure about at this point in his career. He probably helps in the run game but is a step back in pass pro. I don’t see Myers as being a big upgrade this season except in terms of depth.
Bakh is obviously going to help if he’s truly in game shape. Against the best he makes a difference. I doubt he’s much of an upgrade in the run game though. However, Jenkins and then Nijman have been very good. Will he allow Rodgers to hold the ball longer? Is that a good thing? If not, Nijman hasn’t given up much. The difference will be minor for most plays but it’s the critical ones that count.
Turner is a better T against true speed than Kelly. His feet are quicker. Depending on whom we play, that could be critical. Teams know how to attack Kelly: good teams may have the talent to overwhelm with speed.
Cobb is going to be surprisingly important. He’s the guy who can add a dimension when the going is most difficult on O. It’s that ability to sense where to go to find space and to know what Rodgers will do. We don’t have another player like that, although I’m hoping they experiment with Moore their this week too (if he’s off Covid reserve).
So I see a truly healthy Z as likely the biggest upgrade visible in routine play and Bakh as a man for the critical play if fully ready. After that it’s Cobb for me, then Turner.
Having said all that, depth is the key. To get back quality vets. Even as depth initially, will be a massive boost, especially in this time of Covid musical chairs.
Now that Kelly is healthy, he may well be our best option at G if there is an injury and our plan is run heavy. He is a plus run blocker. Nice options to have. Early in the year he was a shadow of himself, but clearly some physical issues now overcome. Great pick up and I see why they hung on to him for weeks while he was hurt early.
The one guy I wish we had back most but won’t get this season isn’t Tonyan on reflection, but Mercillus. OLB depth is a looming trap. Z is perhaps the easiest to slot in if he does return but the most uncertain to do so.
Since'61
January 04, 2022 at 11:38 am
Good post Coldworld. I think that we need Alexander back. To me he is the most important defensive player that needs to return. He is our best defensive skill player and he take away our opponents’ best skilled receiver. That is critical when playing against some of the best QBs in the game which we will face during the playoffs.
I just hope that he is ready to go 100% in 3 weeks.
GPG! Thanks, Since ‘61
Starrbrite
January 04, 2022 at 08:32 pm
I like your list ‘61, but I continue to believe Z is the most critical game wrecking- game changing player on out list —one of the best at his position imo.