One week the Packers (1-0-1, 1-0-1 NFC North) score 21 points in the fourth quarter. The next week they give up 22 points in the fourth quarter and tie with NFC North rivals, the Minnesota Vikings (1-0-1, 0-0-1 NFC North), 29-29 after both teams failed to score in overtime at Lambeau Field.

Heading into the fourth quarter, the Packers led 20-7. It was a complete and utter collapse for Green Bay in the fourth quarter, and they were lucky not to lose the game in overtime, as Vikings’ kicker Daniel Carlson missed two field goals that would have won the game.

Despite the many negatives, the positive of this game was that Aaron Rodgers was a lot more mobile than anyone really expected him to be. According to ESPN, Rodgers completed 30 of his 42 passes for 280 yards, 1 touchdown, and no interceptions.

A big controvery in the game occurred late, which many believe would have won the game for Green Bay. With about two minutes left in regulation, it appeared that rookie cornerback Jaire Alexander may have sealed the game with an interception, but there was a very questionable roughing the passer call on linebacker Clay Matthews, which ultimately gave the Vikings the ball back and allowed them to tie the game.

What we learned: The rookies are legit.  

Rookie cornerbacks Jaire Alexander and Josh Jackson were once again, the first two subs off the bench for the Packers defensive back unit Sunday against the Vikings. The duo continued to come up big for Green Bay and showed immense maturity in their play.  On the first Viking’s drive of the game, Alexander flew through Minnesota’s offensive line to assist linebacker Reggie Gilbert on 3^rd and 10 for a loss of 6 yards and the sack. The rookie finished the day with 8 tackles, 7 of which were solo, and an assist on the sack. 

Jackson, with the help of the special teams unit was able to make a huge play in the first quarter to put Green Bay up 7-0. Wide receiver Geronimo Allision stretched his 6-foot-3 frame to block the Minnesota punt and Jackson, was there to catch it in the end zone for the score.  According to Packers’ writer Wes Hodkiewicz, it was the first Green Bay blocked punt for a touchdown since October 2012 by Dezman Moses. Jackson had four tackles on the day in addition to his first career touchdown.  

What went right: The offensive line protection.

It is always important to protect your quarterback, but with Aaron Rodgers playing through a compression knee injury from blunt force while bent, it is especially important. The offensive line struggled at times week one against the Bears but appeared to look much better against the Vikings this week, especially in the first half. Offensive tackle David Bakhtiari was a monster throughout the afternoon, allowing an injured Rodgers to dance around in the pocket for multiple seconds at a time, before finding an open man.

What went wrong: Losing Kevin King

Not that this is what anyone on the Packers hoped for but losing Kevin King was a killer for Green Bay in the second half. The second-year cornerback played tremendous in the first half before exiting the game with a groin injury. King, who was covering Viking’s star receiver Stefon Diggs did not return after his injury in the first half. He played every single snap last weekend against the Bears and was critical in pass protection for the Packers. His absence certainly was felt, especially when the Vikings dropped a whopping 22 points in the 4^th quarter. Cornerback Davon House stepped in for King and struggled to contain Diggs. Diggs burned House down the field late in the game for a 75-yard touchdown to put the Vikings within two after storming back from being down 20-7.

Offensive Player of the Game: Davante Adams

Wide receiver Davante Adams proved once again that he is a top receiver in the league with his performance against the Vikings. Despite being covered by one of the NFL’s best, Xavier Rhodes, Adams still put up 64 yards on 8 receptions and a touchdown. He even put Rhodes on skates as he shimmied by him for his 9-yard touchdown.   

Defensive Player of the Game: Blake Martinez  

Packer fans, trust me, this was by far the hardest section to write about. After the complete collapse of Green Bay’s defense there really was not a lot of positives to pick from at all. Ha-Ha Clinton Dix came up big with an interception late in the game, but still looked shaky at times, especially on the Vikings first touchdown of the game. Dix left King to scramble alone in coverage in the end zone which ultimately resulted in a Minnesota touchdown. Linebacker Blake Martinez just proved to be consistent, and he lead the team in tackles with 9, 5 of which were solo tackles.

Up next, the Packers hit the road next Sunday, September 23rd, for the first time this season, to face off with the Washington Redskins. Kickoff is set for 1 PM EST.