The 3-0 Minnesota Vikings visit Lambeau Field this Sunday. The Packers are coming off back-to-back wins against the Colts and Titans with Malik Willis as the starting quarterback.
The Packers have built momentum since Jordan Love’s MCL sprain in Brazil against the Eagles. Love was limited in Wednesday’s practice, but there’s optimism he could return Sunday.
Regardless of whether Love or Willis starts, Matt LaFleur needs his best game plan to counter Brian Flores’ blitzes. Flores’ defense pressured C.J. Stroud 20 times, recorded 5 sacks, and held the Texans to seven points last week. Moreover, Minnesota pressured Brock Purdy 23 times in Week 2.
Love and the Packers struggled against Flores at Lambeau last year, scoring only 10 points. He completed just 37.5% of his passes under pressure. However, Green Bay’s offense dominated the Vikings in their most recent matchup. Love completed 9 of 11 passes for 92 yards and two touchdowns while under pressure. When blitzed, he finished 18 of 25 for 200 yards, three touchdowns, and three big-time throws.
The Vikings enter Week 4 with the top-ranked defense in DVOA and a top-10 overall grade per Pro Football Focus. This is the toughest defense the Packers will face so far, by a wide margin.
Establishing the run early will be crucial to keep the Vikings’ pass rush hesitant. The Packers have the fourth-most rushing yards to start a season in Super Bowl history. Josh Jacobs ranks sixth in the league for rushing yards, while Jayden Reed has been a versatile weapon on jet sweeps. However, the Vikings boast the top run defense according to Pro Football Focus, which makes this task much easier said than done.
Expect the Packers to continue using motion pre-snap, as they lead the league in this category. It helps the offense decipher the Vikings’ coverage and blitz disguises.
Matt LaFleur will need to include quick-developing plays in his playbook this Sunday. Jordan Love (or Malik Willis) must get the ball out fast to let playmakers gain yards after the catch. Green Bay cannot allow Minnesota’s defensive line to build momentum with their pass rush. Jonathan Greenard has 12 total pressures in the last two games, so the Packers will likely use a running back or tight end to chip him and slow him down. Quick throws frustrate the defense and disrupt their rhythm.
The Packers’ offense has been on fire lately. They enter Week 4 ranked third in DVOA and top ten in EPA/play. With the right personnel and scheme, they can match up against Flores’ defense. We could witness a beautiful chess match at Lambeau this week.
