Packers vs. Vikings Q&A: Game planning against Minnesota

On Sunday, the Green Bay Packers can either pump new life into their season or effectively end it when they take on the Minnesota Vikings. The two teams faced off in Week 2, a game which resulted in an overtime tie and set up this week’s do-or-die contest.

With the rematch holding such importance to both teams, we have expanded our weekly Q&A exchange to dive into Sunday’s game in greater detail. Ted Glover of the Daily Norseman kindly answers our questions and provided insight into the Vikings’ strengths and weaknesses.

APC: If you were game planning against the Vikings, how would you attack them on offense? On defense?

Offense: If I’m throwing the ball, I’m finding who Trae Waynes is covering, and I’m going to pick on him until he can stop it, and I’m not scared of Xavier Rhodes this year, either. Then I’m going to look and see who you have isolated on a linebacker, and I’m throwing it to him. Don’t run or throw a screen to Danielle Hunter’s side, though, because he’ll track it down and end the play before it begins. The Vikes are pretty good at stopping the run on the perimeter, but I think you can get a consistent 3-4 yards between the tackles. The Bears made money doing that the whole game on Sunday, and were in very manageable down and distance situations most of the night.

Defense: Stop the run. It shouldn’t be too hard as teams have done it all season. Once the Vikes are one dimensional, bring heat and get Cousins out of his comfort zone. If you can get home, there’s a chance he’ll cough it up as he’s being tackled. If you speed up his internal clock, there’s a decent chance he’ll throw a ball or two that’s interceptable. Accept the fact that Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen will get their numbers, just keep them out of the end zone by rattling Cousins at key moments and picking your spots to bring pressure, and I think you’ll be in good shape.

We’d like to thank Ted for providing insight into the Packers’ upcoming opponent. Acme Packing Company will publish the rest of the Q&A exchange over the course of the week. Make sure to also check out all the Daily Norseman’s Vikings coverage leading up to Sunday’s tilt.