The main takeaway from the Packers vs. Vikings game on Sunday was the injury to Aaron Rodgers, and how could it not be, right? The NFL’s best quarterback went down with a season-ending injury. Nothing else really matters beyond that.
Vikings’ 1st-and-40 was the longest first down since 1997
They didn’t convert.
Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images
However, the first-and-40 (that’s not a typo) the Vikings were faced with was the longest of its kind since 1997 when there was a first-and-44, according to Pro Football Reference.
So how did the Vikings get there?
The Vikings were in two-minute-drill mode, looking to extend their 14-10 lead going into the half. After a Jerick McKinnon first down with just over a minute to go and the clock ticking, the Vikings had 48 seconds before the end of the half to make a go at the end zone from the Green Bay 30.
First-and-10
On their first first down play at the Green Bay 30-yard line, the Vikings were called for a facemask, tacking on 15 yards.
First-and-25
On their second first down play, Case Keenum completed a pass to McKinnon for no gain. However, another Vikings penalty — an illegal blindside block — on Laquon Treadwell cost them another 15 yards.
And that’s how we got to ...
First-and-40
The Vikings would still get five more plays off after being moved back to their own 40. However, they wouldn’t cross the 50-yard line again.
McKinnon rushed for no gain on first down. Their second down attempt was trimmed to second-and-35 with a Packers neutral-zone infraction, where Keenum then threw an incomplete pass. On third down, McKinnon rushed for 10 yards, and on fourth, Keenum threw an unsuccessful Hail Mary to Adam Thielen.
Somebody make the Vikings a plaque for that first-and-40, though Mike Zimmer might not appreciate it.
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