Momentum is an illusory thing, especially in the NFL where there are so few games and so much time between them. The Green Bay Packers’ losing streak technically started four weeks ago -- or, what feels like ages -- but a three-game losing streak isn’t that big a deal in the grand scheme. It certainly wouldn’t be cause for concern, say, in baseball.
Packers vs. Vikings 2015 final score: Green Bay asserts place atop NFC North, 30-13
The Packers looked like we thought they would before the season started.
The Packers’ 30-13 win over the briefly NFC North-leading Minnesota Vikings felt like a momentum shift, but really all they did was everything they had done well to start the season. The running game was solid for once, and the Packers’ defense did what always does when it has the luxury of a lead: Blitz the hell out of the quarterback. Teddy Bridgewater was sacked six times, and pressured countless more. They held Adrian Peterson in check, too, seemingly dissipating concern about a leaky run defense.
The Packers were so good across the board, they did something that was unthinkable after their last three games: Weather a mediocre game from Aaron Rodgers. The two-time NFL MVP went just 16-for-34 for 212 yards and two scores. There’s still some evidence that the Packers are desperately missing Jordy Nelson. However, the bigger lesson may be that the Packers can still be the team we thought they would be before the season started.
Now the question is whether they can maintain this level. The Packers took first place in the division thanks to a head-to-head advantage over the Vikings. They still have to face the Vikings again in Week 17, and Minnesota has been a good and improving team throughout most of the season.
And despite the seemingly lopsided loss, there were still signs that Minnesota is a very good team. When Bridgewater wasn’t getting taken to the ground, he went 25-for-37 passing for 296 yards and a score. He also ran smartly, rushing four times for 43 yards. The Vikings should be able to count on Peterson not fumbling the ball in the fourth quarter, and they should smarter than to commit eight penalties for 110 yards, and a hoodie-fueled James Jones isn’t going to catch six passes for 109 yards and a score every week.
But the Packers are back on top of the heap for now, and deservedly so. The Vikings were the best team they’ve beaten this season -- otherwise, they don’t have a win over a team with a record better than 5-5. Sunday was the best we’ve seen Green Bay look this season.
That doesn’t mean things will stay that way, of course.
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