Packers-Vikings: Keys to the Game

No Jordan Love, no problem right?

Well, the Green Bay Packers probably are not thinking that, but they have to be over the moon with the fact that they’re undefeated in the two games that Malik Willis has been asked to start.

After a 16-10 win in Willis’ debut behind a dominant performance on the ground, Willis was asked to make more plays through the air in the team’s 30-14 win over the Tennessee Titans.

He made more than enough, and the Packers’ defense did the rest.

They sacked Will Levis eight times, and forced three more turnovers, and the Packers cruised.

This week, they’ll face an NFC North opponent, the Minnesota Vikings.

Minnesota is one of the early surprises for the 2024 season. They’re 3-0 with wins over the San Francisco 49ers and Houston Texans early in the year.

This game could have major implications down the road, so the Packers must protect their home field.

Here are the keys to them ending Minnesota’s perfect start to the season.

Jaire Alexander vs Justin Jefferson

This is the marquee matchup of all marquee matchups.

Justin Jefferson is probably the best player in the sport at his position.

Jaire Alexander is in the top-tier of defensive backs in the NFL as well.

In the first week of the season, Alexander got the assignment he’s often asked for.

He shadowed AJ Brown.

Brown got the best of Alexander for a deep touchdown that night.

Jefferson is just as capable of something like that. He scored from 97 yards out against San Francisco.

These two have locked horns often, and Alexander’s antics have often annoyed Jefferson.

Alexander is as good as anyone at talking trash. Jefferson has not handled that well in the past.

If Alexander can get the best of Jefferson early in the game, he could take him out of it completely.

However, if Jefferson gets going early, Sam Darnold is going to gain confidence, and it could be a long day for Jeff Hafley and Green Bay’s defensive backs.

Aaron Jones Revenge game

We all watched it happen this offseason, and we were all surprised.

Aaron Jones was referred to by Brian Gutekunst as the heartbeat of the football team.

Less than a month later, Gutekunst released Jones.

Of course, he replaced Jones with Josh Jacobs, who has been off to a good start this season.

Jones has scored a touchdown in two of his first three games in Minnesota, and you know he’ll be motivated as he faces his former team.

Jones has been active on social media during the offseason, and appears jaded that the Packers let him go.

The Packers have also struggled early in the season against the run.

They did do a better job last week against Tony Pollard and the Tennessee Titans, but Jones is much better than Pollard, and the offensive line in Minnesota is better than that of the Titans as well.

If the Packers are going to have a chance at slowing down the Vikings’ offense, they cannot allow Jones to get going.

Jones getting going opens up opportunities in the play-action passing game, which is lethal under Kevin O’Connell.

Jones has probably had this game circled on his calendar the moment the schedule came out. IT’s up to the Packers to ensure he does not have a happy homecoming.

Re-Run:

The Green Bay Packers were adamant that their pass rush was going to get on track. They were not attacking opposing quarterbacks, and it was by design.

Anthony Richardson and Jalen Hurts’ running ability were what had them shying away from trying to hunt.

The Packers got an immobile quarterback in Will Levis, and teed off.

Their defense was in Levis’ face throughout the day, and finished the day with eight sacks, two interceptions, and a forced fumble.

This week, they’ll face another quarterback that is immobile in Sam Darnold.

Darnold’s offensive line, however, is much better than the group that was asked to protect Will Levis.

Christian Darrisaw is a standout player at left tackle. Brian O’Neil is off to a good start this season as well.

That tackle tandem is much better than the trio the Packers faced a week ago.

With the weapons the Vikings have in the passing game, getting pressure on Darnold and disrupting his rhythm is a massive component in this game.

If Darnold has time, he can pick any secondary apart.

Related: The Morning After: Packers 30 Titans 14