For yet another year, the road to the Super Bowl in the NFC runs through Lambeau Field.
Facing the rival Minnesota Vikings on Sunday night, the Packers put a bow on a dazzling regular season that included head coach Matt LaFleur recording his third straight 13-win regular season and Aaron Rodgers striving toward a second straight MVP award. In a game that could spell the end to Mike Zimmer's time in Minneapolis, the Packers decimated the Vikings 37-10.
Securing the conference's only postseason bye comes with great benefits. The Packers are able to sit key starters like Rodgers, Davante Adams and Aaron Jones next week against Detroit, while also potentially giving reps to healing starters like Jaire Alexander, Za'Darius Smith and David Bakhtiari. Best of all, the front office will have a chance to see more of Jordan Love, who may be passed the torch as starting quarterback next September.
On Offense
The Packers' dominant offensive performance got off to a slow start on Sunday night as they culminated the first quarter with just a field goal. Mostly to blame was questionable play calling that prevented the offense from converting on several third and fourth downs. On limited productivity on the ground, Rodgers leaned on security blanket Allen Lazard to finally get in the end zone in second quarter.
But, in what might have been their final regular season game together, Rodgers and Adams shined brightest. The duo showed off their special chemistry on several downfield connections against air-tight coverage and quickly put the game out of reach for Minnesota.
Aside from the damage done by 12 to 17, it was encouraging to see the offense wear down Minnesota's defense with A.J. Dillon in the frigid climate. Having clinched homefield advantage for the playoffs, the Packers are likely to play at least one more game in freezing temps. With a dynamic ground game powered by Dillon and Jones, the Packers will finally be able to use the cold weather to their advantage.
On Defense
With Minnesota missing starter Kirk Cousins, defensive coordinator Joe Barry was afforded a single task: stopping running back Dalvin Cook. On nine carries, the former Florida State phenom amassed just 13 yards. The 27 total rushing yards allowed was a remarkable improvement from Green Bay's recent struggles versus the run - even if Minnesota's approach became one-dimensional in the second half.
Against the pass, the defense also showed signs of improvement. Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson was largely held in check while Rashan Gary and the Green Bay pass rush found a way to get to backup QB Sean Mannion twice. Despite not having to account for Vikings receiver Adam Thielen, the Packers' secondary turned in an respectable performance, led by rookie Eric Stokes.
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