
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.
Filed Under:
———————
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.
NFL Categories: