Packers vs Vikings- Game Recap

Ties are never fun, but it’s the sad reality of the Packers-Vikings game yesterday. A hobbled Aaron Rodgers threw for 281 yards and a touchdown. Green Bay’s defense held up for most of the game but appeared fatigued late after being on the field for most of the fourth quarter. Critical penalties prevented the Packers from beating Minnesota with the most questionable being a roughing the passer on Clay Matthews with under two minutes remaining.

Here’s the full recap:

1st quarter

It was another slow start for the Packers offense who gained only 23 yards on the first seven plays. The defense then forced the Vikings to attempt a punt. Wide receiver Geronimo Allison came through the line virtually untouched and was able to get a good piece of the ball as it came off the punter’s foot. Rookie corner Josh Jackson then corralled the football in the end zone for his first career touchdown. Minnesota quickly tied the game with a 57-yard drive of their own. Kirk Cousins found Laquon Treadwell who was able to beat Kevin King in the red zone.

2nd quarter

The Packers owned the second quarter scoring 10 points while holding the Vikings scoreless. To start the quarter Rodgers capped off a long drive finding Davante Adams for a 13-yard touchdown. Green Bay’s defense forced two punts and a missed field goal. Mason Crosby made a 37-yard field goal just before halftime to make the score 17-7.

3rd quarter

Mike Pettine’s defense came up big again in the third not allowing Minnesota to score. Meanwhile, the offense produced a so-so field goal at the end of a 67-yard drive. A touchdown to tight end Jimmy Graham was nullified due to a holding penalty on guard Lane Taylor. Up 20-7, Green Bay had all the momentum going into the fourth.

4th quarter

Cousins and the Vikings offense scored three touchdowns in the fourth thanks to a little help from the refs. The game appeared over after safety HaHa Clinton-Dix intercepted Cousins right before the two-minute warning. The Packers were up five and needed a touchdown to seal it or kick a field goal to essentially put the game on ice. Minnesota’s top-ranked defense got a stop while only surrendering 20 seconds of clock. Cousins now had to lead the offense the length of the field in under two minutes and no timeouts. It appeared the Packers had completed the win following an interception by first-round pick Jaire Alexander. However, Matthews was called for a brutal roughing the passer penalty that is now the subject to much debate. Cousins found Adam Thielen for a 22-yard touchdown and then Stefon Diggs on a two-point conversion to tie the game. Despite the chaos, the Packers actually had a chance to win the game in regulation but Crosby pulled a 52-yard field goal.

Overtime

Like much of the second half, overtime contained more ugly football. The Vikings missed two field goals and the Packers were unable to capitalize on their one drive to end the game. Though the win seemed in hand, Green Bay had to settle for a tie with their division rival. Their first since 2013 also against Minnesota.

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