The tie broke in the favor of Minnesota. The Vikings (6-4-1) beat the division rival Green Bay Packers (4-6-1) on Sunday night, and thus won the season series over the struggling Pack.
Green Bay has perennially found ways to lose games in a myriad of ways, on every stage and on every field. This time, it came against the Vikings, who have similarly struggled as of recent, especially on the national stage. It was the last hope for survival on the crumbling Packers reign over the NFC North, as they now hold a 3 percent chance to make the playoffs and sit half a game ahead of last place. Detroit (4-7) is fourth in the division.
Just a few weeks ago, the Packers were in the mix along with the rest of the division, and several other NFC contenders. Now, the team’s play raises questions about roster construction, management, and the future of quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
“We’re gonna need some help,” said Rodgers about the bleak road to the playoffs. They’ll have to win each of their remaining five games with the miraculous aid of several other teams to have a chance of sniffing the final wild-card spot.
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The Packers didn’t give much support to Rodgers, as the offensive line was punctured several times, with defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson sacking Rodgers twice. Down the stretch, the Packers struggled offensively the entire game and couldn’t tie the game down a score. Green Bay’s offense was 2-for-10 on third downs with only 14 first downs all game.
The win now gives the Vikings the keys to their own destiny for the remainder of the season. Just when Minnesota fans needed a spark of hope, the Vikings and quarterback Kirk Cousins delivered big time after another disappointing loss Sunday night against the Bear, who lead the NFC North at 8-3. Cousins, coming off of his worst game as a Viking with two picks and two touchdowns, stepped up for 342 yards off of 29 of 38 passes with three touchdowns. The Vikings offensive line remained rigid and protected Cousins, who returned the favor with crucial scores in the third quarter.
The Vikings’ next game is one of the premier contests of the late season against the Patriots, while the Packers will have a rebound opportunity against the Cardinals.
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