Aaron of L.A. Photography / Shutterstock.com
Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love returned to the field just three weeks after suffering an MCL sprain in Week 1.
Green Bay was hoping their franchise quarterback would give them a much-needed boost in a pivotal divisional game against the Minnesota Vikings. Instead, the team seemed to abandon the winning approach they had established over the past two weeks with backup quarterback Malik Willis.
Over the past two weeks, the Packers leaned heavily on their rushing attack. The Packers rushed for 261 yards in Week 2, including 151 rushing yards on 32 carries from running back Josh Jacobs. Against the Tennessee Titans in Week 3, the Packers combined for a total of 188 rushing yards.
A continued emphasis on the running game could have been beneficial in Week 4, regardless of whether the team started Love or Willis.
Packers abandoned the run too early against Vikings
Love returned from his injury quicker than anticipated, and it’s unlikely he’s operating at full health. The second-year starter could have benefited from a continued emphasis on the running game as he deals with the mental and physical hurdles of returning from an injury.
Against the Vikings, however, Green Bay became a bit too pass-happy. The Packers compiled just 86 rushing yards against the Vikings — less than half of their total from Week 3. Jacobs led the team with nine carries for 51 yards, and his average of 5.7 yards per carry suggests there may have been some opportunity for success on the ground.
An early deficit played a part in the game script, but the Packers still could have remained patient and run the ball more early in the game. Instead, Green Bay put pressure on Love.
In their opening drive, they had five rushing plays and got into field goal range. But their second drive ended with an interception after just one run and two consecutive passes. From there, rushing attempts dwindled significantly.
The game wasn’t as close as it seemed by the final score.
The Vikings led 28-7 at halftime. Sam Darnold completed 11-of-15 pass attempts for 136 yards and three touchdowns in those first two quarters against a depleted Green Bay secondary.
Love didn’t fare nearly as well in that first half. He was hit six times, intercepted twice, and had six passes defended. Two of his three interceptions came in the first quarter itself! Green Bay’s lone first-half touchdown happened only because Vikings wide receiver Jalen Nailor muffed a punt, giving them possession at Minnesota’s 3-yard line.
Love did better in the second half with three touchdowns and one interception, but it was too late to secure a win.
Green Bay fell to a 2-2 record after losing 31-29 at Lambeau Field on Sunday.
With this loss and seeing their rivals improve to a perfect record of 4-0, they now face a significant deficit for claiming NFC North crown.
Former Packer Aaron Jones shined for Vikings by compiling 93 yards on his return to Lambeau Field.
