For the first time since week one, the Packers faced a divisional opponent. In week one, the Packers defeated the Lions. On Sunday, the Minnesota Vikings came to Lambeau Field. The Vikings are coming off a 14-3 season; one led by Sam Darnold.
However, this game was much different than the matchups last year. It was the first time with JJ McCarthy under center, and the Packers defense had their hand on the throttle. Two former quarterbacks for the Vikings are now thriving with other teams. Both Daniel Jones and Sam Darnold are leading the Colts and Seahawks, respectively.
Minnesota seems to be at a quarterback crisis. The one position in the league that you have to get right. The position that can lose coaches and general managers jobs. While it is only McCarthy’s rookie season, the Packers showed that they can rattle a first time starter.
The Packers played this game pretty conservatively and still came out with a three-score victory. This is a success, and I believe Matt LaFleur called a decent game for the circumstances. The Packers will be facing the Lions in only three days on Thanksgiving, a game that will certainly be played more aggressive.
Turkey Legs on the Line: Packers look to Lions on Thanksgiving
After a dominant defensive performance and an impressive performance on special teams, the Packers have plenty to build off of. The Lions are coming off an overtime win against the Giants, this is exactly what you are hoping for if you are the Packers.
The Giants played 77 snaps and had 512 passing yards of offense. This notably takes a huge toll on a defense and the team overall on a short week. Meanwhile, I described this Packers win as boring, but dominant. The offense did not need to do anything fancy, and the defense was able to get off the field.
Both the Lions and Packers have had games where they look like the best team in the league. They also have games where you are puzzled, and you cannot figure out what the team’s identity is. Nonetheless, both teams are led by two smart head coaches in Dan Campbell and Matt LaFleur.
There is no doubt both teams will come ready to play. This has been a matchup in recent years that has been a must watch. In 2023, Jordan Love made his ascendance known as the Packers upset the Lions. The Lions won both games last season. This is a perfect opportunity for the Packers to get a win against a divisional foe.
With the NFC North race tightening up, this game might tell us all who the best team in the North is right now. The Bears also have a challenging matchup on Black Friday against the Eagles. There is still a lot of season left, but Thanksgiving is the perfect time to start playing your best brand of football.
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