NFL14 Sept 20262 minute read

Green Bay Meltdown Continues With Tough Loss to Minnesota

Green Bay blew another second half lead in a 39-22 defeat against the Minnesota Vikings to open the season.

The EagleEyeOdds deskWritten from the match data, checked against our model before it goes out

Another late collapse

The Green Bay Packers fell 39-22 to the Minnesota Vikings in their season opener. It marked their sixth straight loss dating back to last season, including the playoffs. In four of those six defeats, Green Bay held a lead of more than one score before letting it slip away.

Green Bay led 22-10 early in the third quarter and held a 22-17 lead early in the fourth quarter. The Vikings then took complete control, finishing the game with 29 unanswered points. The Packers were outscored 22-0 in the final quarter alone.

Costly decisions and penalties

A key moment arrived early in the fourth quarter. Rookie kicker Trey Smack made a 40 yard field goal to extend the lead to eight points. However, a Minnesota offside penalty gave the Packers a fourth and 1 situation. Head coach Matt LaFleur chose to take the points off the board and go for it.

Quarterback Jordan Love was stopped on a quarterback sneak, leaving the score at 22-17 against backup quarterback Carson Wentz. LaFleur explained that he wanted to be aggressive because it was only an eight point game rather than a two possession lead.

Defensive penalties hurt Green Bay soon after. Third down stops were wiped away by an illegal contact call on Javon Bullard and a roughing the passer penalty on Chris McClellan. An end zone interception by Evan Williams was also called back due to defensive holding on Xavier McKinney.

Offense under heavy pressure

Love finished with 389 passing yards and two touchdowns, both caught by Christian Watson. Still, the Minnesota defense brought constant pressure throughout the day. Love was sacked four times, lost a fumble, and took 15 hits.

Tight end Tucker Kraft noted that the defeat came down to a series of errors and stated that each player has to take it upon themselves to correct the mistakes.

What it means for the next game

Green Bay Packers at New York Jets (NFL, Sun, 20 Sep): New York Jets win 32%, Green Bay Packers win 68%; projected score New York Jets 20, Green Bay Packers 25. Our safest pick: Packers to win.