The Minnesota Vikings and their fans had many reasons to celebrate after their 23-7 victory over the Green Bay Packers last Sunday. In an important early battle against their division rival, the Vikings dominated on both sides of the ball. The U.S. Bank Stadium crowd was roaring from start to finish and the Vikings’ inaugurated the tenure of new head coach Kevin O’Connell in royal fashion.
Highlights of the Minnesota Vikings Win
What a start!! @JJettas2 @KirkCousins8
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) September 11, 2022
?: @NFLonFOX pic.twitter.com/12ey2CMyPH
Some of the highlights of the game included:
The Kirk Cousins to Justin Jefferson ariel circus led to two touchdowns, with Jefferson logging 184 receiving yards.
The improved play of the offensive was evident as they time and again opened holes for Dalvin Cook. They also ensured that Cousins had plenty of time to locate his receivers.
The aggressive play of Ed Donatell’s defense produced four sacks, one interception, and a forced fumble and recovery. They also held future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers to just 195 yards through the air.
The Minnesota Vikings had a highlight reel of film to look at post-game as they prepared to play the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday night. But there was one sequence of plays that was undoubtedly the turning point of the game. A sequence that will take older Vikings fans back to the days of the Purple People Eaters and Alan Page and Carl Eller.
Epic Goal-Line Stand
Access denied, @Vikings stand strong. pic.twitter.com/KpoH9YvFBs
— NFL UK (@NFLUK) September 11, 2022
With the Vikings up 7-0 with a little over 10 minutes left in the second half, the Packers had a first down on the Vikings’ nine-yard line. The Packers first tried a run to the left by Aaron Jones. But he was only able to gain two yards. From the Vikings’ seven, Rodgers again called Jones’ number and threw him a short pass that was stopped immediately by Harrison Smith.
On third down Rodgers again threw to the left, this time to AJ Dillion. He caught a six-yard pass to bring the ball down to the Vikings’ one-yard line. On fourth down, the Packers called for a dive up the middle. But Dillion was stuffed for no gain by the Vikings’ defense. The charge was led by recent Minnesota Vikings additions Za’Darius Smith and Harrison Phillips.
On to Philadelphia
FINAL: @Vikings start the season with a win! #GBvsMIN #Skol pic.twitter.com/Q3wsegRfzp
— NFL (@NFL) September 11, 2022
The Packers turned it over on downs and the Vikings kicked a field goal and they added another touchdown to lead at halftime 17-0. The complexion of the game completely changed with that defensive stand.
As the Minnesota Vikings prepare for their next contest with the Eagles in Philadelphia. The major roadblock this time will be the Eagles’ mobile, agile quarterback Jalen Hurts. The Vikings hope to use their win against the Packers as a springboard to a successful season. A 2-0 start would keep the Vikings fans happy and give Coach O’Connell some breathing room as he navigates his first season as an NFL head coach.
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