Game Recap: Jaire Jolts Jefferson in 41-17 Domination

The Packers, led by a turnover-happy defense and tremendous kick return by Keisean Nixon, kept the season alive whilst embarrassing their divisional foe on Sunday at Lambeau.

This game was one for Comedy Central. The Packers made the Vikings look completely inept, further aided by ill-timed pettiness by the likes of Za'Darius Smith first snubbing (I use this word intently) Adrian Amos on the coin toss, then bailing for the locker room after the game like a child. As for the game itself, Keisean Nixon made the need for his forth-coming statue widely known, and the defense picked off Kirk Cousins time and again to cement the embarrassment for Minnesota. It's as much fun as we could have watching the Packers play football. And, as luck should have it, the Pack got their help with Cleveland beating Washington meaning the Packers need to defeat Detroit next week to get into the playoffs. No small feat, but one they should feel confident in. Now, on to the beatdown.

The Packers defense takes down receiver KJ Osborn in the Packers 41-17 win Sunday.

The Packers defense takes down receiver KJ Osborn in the Packers 41-17 win Sunday.

 

First Quarter

After forcing a 3 and out to start the game, the Packers were forced with one of their own. But on the fourth down punt from Pat O'Donnell, the Vikings managed to block it and after the recovery, had a quick first and goal at the Packers' 1. But the Green Bay defense showed up huge with three straight stops forcing a Vikings field goal to limit the damage to 3-0. The ensuing kickoff by Keisean Nixon was one Packers' fans aren't exactly used to. Nixon fielded the ball from inside the end zone and found a seam up the middle for the score to electrify the crowd and put the Packers up 7-3. After another 3 and out by the Packers defense, Aaron Jones got his name called early with a first down run, then another 9-yarder to bring up second and 1. But two straight stops brought up 4th and 1, and Aaron Rodgers couldn't find a receiver and was sacked to give the ball back to Minnesota. Taking over at the Packers' 45, Kirk Cousins and the Vikings were quickly faced with a 4th and 3, when Cousins threw to tight end TJ Hockenson and the batted pass was picked off by safety Darnell Savage, who found room on the outside to make a house call for the defense and a 14-3 lead early.

Minnesota's next possession started at its own 40, where Cousins used some pocket savvy and just enough speed to convert a 3rd and long run for a first down. After a Dalvin Cook screen pass inside the Packers 30, the defense clamped up forcing another field goal from Minnesota. This one, however, was pulled wide to keep the Vikings off the board and give the Packers some nice field position. On the 3rd and 10 play for Green Bay, Rodgers found Lazard over the middle for 13 and a conversion, but just missed Christian Watson deep for what would have been a touchdown.

Second Quarter

Rodgers was able to find Lazard again for another conversion, and Aaron Jones took a carry up the gut for another down to the Vikes' 24. Two more Jones carries of 7 and 15 respectively, and it was first and goal. But Minnesota's defense clamped it up, shutting down AJ Dillon runs and a Rodgers-to-Lazard attempt, forcing a Mason Crosby chip shot to make it 17-3 good guys. Minnesota's bad luck continued on the next drive, after the Vikings were able to move the ball a bit after a nice conversion to KJ Osborn aided by an unnecessary roughness penalty. Justin Jefferson fell down on the next play, leaving Adrian Amos wide open for the interception, returned to the Green Bay 40.

Aaron Jones popped a 30-yarder down to the Vikings 20 to get the drive going, but a holding call made the 1st and 10 a 1st and 20. But Randall Cobb got back some of the yardage and on the next play Rodgers was able to buy enough time to find tight end Robert Tonyan in the end zone for the blow-the-game-open score and a 24-3 lead. Green Bay's defense forced another quick stop and another Minnesota missed field goal, giving the ball back to Green Bay. And after Rodgers connections to Lazard and Tonyan, Mason Crosby came in and drilled a 55-yard field goal off the cross bar and through to make it 27-3 at half.

Third Quarter

Starting with the ball, the Packers went back to Aaron Jones who was able to convert a first down near the Green Bay 40. But after Rodgers was unable to connect with Watson, Pat O'Donnell was out to punt. Minnesota now at their own 15, passes to Hockenson and Theilen plus another timely Cousins run put the Vikings in business. But Kenny Clark made his presence known with a strip sack of Cousins and recovery to end the threat. The Packers, with the lead and the momentum, continued to spread the ball around deep into the red zone. An AJ Dillon run got the Packers back inside the 5 yard line to wrap up the third.

Fourth Quarter

To open the fourth, Rodgers handed to AJ Dillon who powered in for the touchdown and all but end the game, giving the Packers a 34-3 lead. To add to the pure enjoyment of everyone in green and gold, on Minnesota's next possession, Cousins was intercepted by safety Rudy Ford for the QB's fourth of the day. Dillon converted a 3rd and short, then Rodgers connected with Tonyan again inside the red zone. Then Rodgers, rolling out, made just enough of a move to wiggle his way into the end zone, properly belt his opponent, and extend the lead to 41-3.

Minnesota punched in a couple garbage time touchdowns to make it somewhat respectable, but this was a total laugher from start to finish, the final 41-17 Pack.

What Went Right

Turnover-happy defense. When it rains, it pours and it did that on a rainy day in Green Bay. The Packers were as opportunistic as they've been all year picking off Cousins, forcing fumbles and all-in-all dominating the division winner and potential Wild Card opponent. They made huge plays and it's how they're going to have to play next week if they want to take the 7th and final playoff spot.

What Went Wrong

You cannot allow a blocked punt in a game like that. While it didn't end up mattering, that's film for upcoming opponents and still a weakness with this team. Special Teams giveth, Special Teams taketh away.

Offensive MVP

Aaron Jones rushed 14 times for 111 yards and was the running back the Packers need him to be. He was borderline unstoppable and when he was taking breathers, AJ Dillon picked up the slack with another pound-it-out game. The backs are the strength of this team, and it finally seems like the offense is based around that.

Defensive MVP

Jaire Alexander took over responsibility for Justin Jefferson and griddied all over his face on Sunday. Jefferson finished the game with 1 catch for 15 yards in a dominating effort for the defense. The griddy was Ja being Ja and we need more of that.

 

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Tony Wilson takes pride in journalism training from 2/3 of directional-Michigan MAC schools. A former Sporting News writer, Tony now focuses on the Packers from his home in Toledo, OH. His beer of choice is a Miller Lite from the bottom of the cooler. You can find him on Twitter @GlassCityPack.

__________________________

9 points
 

Comments (23)

Fan-Friendly This filter will hide comments which have ratio of 5 to 1 down-vote to up-vote.
PackyCheese500's picture

January 01, 2023 at 08:08 pm

Wow. What a turnaround by this Packers team.

Also, JJ’s lone reception did not come against Ja. He really had a tremendous game today.

I give a game ball to everyone (except the punt protection unit), but the guys who especially performed well were OLB Juston Hollins (he had some great pressures and the sack), DT T.J. Slaton (he has a GREAT night, made some key tackles and pressures and even deflected 2 passes) RB Aaron Jones (was his usual incredible self), and S Adrian Amos (he had some great PBUs, tackles, and the pick on Cousins).

Also, we held Dalvin Cook to averaging 3.0 yards per carry. Incredible from our normally bad run defense. Way to them to step up.

9 points
9
0
BAMABADGER's picture

January 01, 2023 at 08:42 pm

Leavitt got plowed under by a larger Viking D-lineman. Need to get some bigger blockers on the interior for punts. Leavitt will be embarrassed when he watches that block on film.

Fix it and let's move on to the Lions.

5 points
5
0
gvtspook's picture

January 02, 2023 at 01:41 am

It was a bad play but I don't blame Levit. 2 Vikings came free and he had no choice but to try to take on both because if he lets one go free it's a guaranteed block punt. Even after getting blown up by two Vikings he has the awareness to get the ball and save them from getting 7 points off of that play. Still a bad special team play way more the lines fault than Levit's.

2 points
2
0
BAMABADGER's picture

January 02, 2023 at 08:39 am

Just watched the replay this morning. Leavitt took on only one Viking which was his man to handle. He was totally off balance with his blocking technique and got steam rolled. I agree, he did make up for it with the recovery.

1 points
1
0
Alberta_Packer's picture

January 01, 2023 at 08:42 pm

This game was D (defense) - Day for the Packers. For me, it was how I envisioned that this season would unfold from the outset - with a dominant D and an adequate O - based upon a strong running game. I'm still perplexed why it has taken so long to manifest - which will only increase my disappointment should the team fall just short of the playoffs.

6 points
6
0
edp1959's picture

January 01, 2023 at 08:46 pm

Watching this beat down was priceless. What is just as entertaining is getting to see the meltdown by all the haters. It’s like watching a child throw a tantrum when they don’t get their way. I am enjoying the hell out of it. By the way Jordan Love is still not starting next week no matter how much you cry about it.

Rock On Real Packers Fans!!!

-2 points
7
9
Leatherhead's picture

January 01, 2023 at 09:04 pm

I hoped you liked the pathetic defense, edp.

The "hater" meltdown is yet to come, IMO. Only two things can possibly happen. We'll either win the Super Bowl, or we won't. If we do, then all the people who went on ad nauseum about the incompetence of the 1265 brass, and coaches, and personnel department, etc. are going to have to take a hard look at how they could have been so wrong.

If we don't, they'll feel vindicated. Murphy, Gutekunst, LaFleur, Barry, Rodgers, etc. etc. etc. all have to go. We didn't win it all.

This is a great ride right now. A classic, one-for-the-books, beatdown of the Vikings. They're the 2nd best team in the NFC, division champs. But they got their asses handed to them today, and they know it, and we know it, and they know we know it. Their season's hopes ended today. They know they aren't that good.

7 points
7
0
SinceLombardi's picture

January 01, 2023 at 10:32 pm

What’s a real Packers fan? I always thought it was a person that followed the team intently, spent their hard earned money on tickets, travel and apparel.
Voicing an opinion on personnel matters, coaching decisions or front office moves doesn’t make you any more or less of a fan.

6 points
6
0
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

January 01, 2023 at 11:20 pm

SL,
This forum is a melting pot for all Packer fans to share their views. Someone's view doesn't make them less, or more a GBP fan. I enjoy reading most everyone's views and always amazed at the overall knowledge and passion of Packer fans here. I'm confident there isn't anyone on here regardless of their opinions about the team this year who is rooting any less than another regarding a victory against Detroit.

4 points
4
0
edp1959's picture

January 02, 2023 at 05:23 am

I have to disagree with you. There are several on here that want the Packers to lose just so they can bash Rodgers. They have commented this desire for a loss multiple times in previous posts. Is this "someone's view and passion" you are referring to? Does a real fan hope the team loses because they hate one player?

Rock On Real Packers Fans!!!

3 points
3
0
Leatherhead's picture

January 01, 2023 at 08:55 pm

The final scoreboard said 41-17, but this was a good, old-fashioned, 40-0 pounding. It's amazing how well the offense works when the big eaters are pushing people around. Also, you could tell from the start that the defense was fired up, and they took advantage of opportunities to put hard licks on people when they got a chance. Hockenson took a number of hard shots, and we were physical with Jefferson all day.

Statistically, you lose 90% of the games where you turn it over 4 times. And kudos to the offense, for doing exactly what they need to do.

1) Protect the ball (no turnovers)
2) Chew the clock (win time of possession, stay on the field, keep our defense on the sideline)
3) Put some points on the board, and we did. 24 points, three TDs and a FG. Yes, we had some good field position to start with. But we're going to win damn near every time we have 0 turnovers, win time of possession, and score 24 points or more.

To me, it looks very much like we're peaking, on both sides of the ball. This was our best 60 minutes, on both sides of the ball, all season. It looks like our walking wounded are healthy enough to still play well.

5 points
5
0
bjkdad44's picture

January 01, 2023 at 09:31 pm

likes of Za'Darius Smith first snubbing (I use this word intently) Adrian Amos on the coin toss, then bailing for the locker room after the game like a child. … yes… like a flippin’ child!!!

9 points
9
0
BirdDogUni's picture

January 01, 2023 at 10:33 pm

Z being a jerk to Aaron Jones on the field. My whole opinion of that POS changed.

7 points
7
0
pantz_bURp's picture

January 01, 2023 at 09:54 pm

Wow, what a fun game! I loved the intensity and flying to the ball (great energy) on D. The offense did a good job of using up the clock with runs and the TD toss from #12 to Tonyan was sweet. They didn't flinch after the blocked punt. Nix, you make it look so easy and fluid with your decisions when running it back (congrats on your first TD)...there will be more. Kenny, you are a beast. Loved to see #2 hit the field goal. Great to see Bahk in there and he appeared to be healthy. Now, I hope we can get others to heal up and get ready for the Lions. Who knows how it plays out but what a game coming up.

Buckle up your chin strap and keep your head on a swivel...

2 points
2
0
Fubared's picture

January 01, 2023 at 10:09 pm

I do believe the grass being a little wet helped a lot. The Vikes have a lot of speed and it works well for them at home on a fast track but the grass really slowed down guys like jefferson. He found himself covered all day because he couldnt use his speed for separation. Good for us.
As they say "Paybacks are hell".
I still think a little voice in my head says this was not a Jo Barry defense but one the coaching staff put together for him. I think they reliazed his wasnt working and he had no clue on to make it work and maybe Bisacia was brought on board to create this becaue its nothing like Jo Barry's doing.

-4 points
1
5
Bure9620's picture

January 01, 2023 at 11:23 pm

They all play on the same field. If you are fast on turf you should be fast on grass.

0 points
1
1
Leatherhead's picture

January 01, 2023 at 11:30 pm

Yeah, but field conditions do make a big difference, and turf fields are faster than grass fields. I'm not sure why, but it's true.

0 points
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0
Coldworld's picture

January 02, 2023 at 12:30 am

Turf surfaces (aside from slick conditions not being a factor), are generally a tighter grip, less give, though it varies. That’s the main reason, one also related to the greater risk of some injuries, particularly with certain types.

0 points
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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

January 01, 2023 at 11:30 pm

You keep mentioning the Vikings speed. The Pack have multiple very fast players at LB, DB, and Safety. The grass was as green...and slippery for each team/player. The Pack exerted superiority and a will to win. Had nothing to do with speed or a slippery field. Simply put...the Packers kicked their ass in every facet of the game.

4 points
4
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Tundraboy's picture

January 01, 2023 at 11:57 pm

Yes they did! Best game in a looong tine. And against those snug #_#$##. Was waiting since Sept for this game!!

2 points
2
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jvole's picture

January 02, 2023 at 07:00 am

The turf vs grass speed differences affects the timing of pass routes for the offense. The defense reacts and so is not affected.

Of course, it does not matter since a good team is not affected by it one way or the other. The Pack was the better team yesterday!

0 points
0
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Coldworld's picture

January 02, 2023 at 12:25 am

Bad surfaces are usually thought to help receivers more than defenders because the receiver knows where he’s going supposedly. I didn’t see others struggle too much cutting either. Certainly not Jones.

1 points
1
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PatrickGB's picture

January 02, 2023 at 08:48 am

I love seeing Nixons returns. Yet we should also recognize that he had some really nice blocking in front of him and nobody makes a penalty.

0 points
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