Dan Powers-Imagn Pictures.
The Minnesota Vikings are set to play the Inexperienced Bay Packers for the second time this season. Kevin O’Connell’s group has already knocked off Jordan Love and Matt LaFleur’s squad as soon as this 12 months. If they’ll do it once more, they’ll want a distinct gameplan. This time round, they’ve an entire tandem.
It’s a New Check for the Inexperienced Bay Packers
This season, the Minnesota Vikings have had the most effective rush defenses within the league. That hasn’t been as true currently, however they utterly shut down the Seattle Seahawks. Working again Kenneth Walker III managed simply 31 yards, and the group contributed solely 59. That occurred regardless of not having Ivan Tempo Jr.
Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Pictures.
Blake Cashman missed time this 12 months, and Tempo Jr. has missed time, too. The primary time Minnesota confronted Inexperienced Bay, they did so with out their 2023 standout. Cashman has been an awesome free agent signing for Minnesota, however he hasn’t constantly been given the assistance of Tempo Jr. That appears like it should change on Sunday.
Minnesota introduced that the observe window for his or her beginning linebacker has opened, and he has an opportunity to begin in opposition to the Packers. That’s an enormous enhance, given the expertise of Inexperienced Bay operating again Josh Jacobs. Minnesota held him in test the primary time round, however this was largely as a result of sport move dictated by an early deficit.
Packers operating again Josh Jacobs (8) celebrates after an extended reception and run within the fourth quarter in opposition to the Miami Dolphins throughout their soccer sport Thursday, November 28, 2024, at Lambeau Discipline in Inexperienced Bay, Wisconsin. © Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin / USA TODAY NETWORK through Imagn Pictures.
In the previous couple of weeks, Inexperienced Bay has had Jacobs rolling. If they’ll beat the Vikings, it will likely be partly as a result of LaFleur can use the overall complement of his offense. Love was injured the primary time round and performed by it. This time, he ought to anticipate nearer to 100%, and any assist Jacobs can present might be a considerable enhance.
Minnesota have to be locked into Jacobs and Inexperienced Bay’s potential to run the soccer. Each Cashman and Tempo Jr. with the ability to play collectively is kind of a pleasant actuality for Brian Flores. If the Vikings wish to end the 12 months as the most effective run defenses within the league, then slowing down Jacobs on this contest is a should.
Kirby Lee-Imagn Pictures
It may be the Cashman and Tempo Jr. present, and Minnesota will in all probability want it to be if they’ll emerge victorious.
Ted Schwerzler is a blogger from the Twin Cities that’s centered on all issues Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings. He’s lively on Twitter and writes day by day for Minnesota Sports activities Fan. As a former school athlete and avid sports activities fan, protecting our professional groups with a ardour has all the time appeared like such a pure outlet.
