The Minnesota Vikings maintained their undefeated record with a thrilling 31-29 victory over the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on Sunday afternoon. The Packers rallied from a 28-0 deficit in the second half but ultimately fell short.
The Green Bay Packers' hopes of extending their winning streak were dashed as they fell to the Minnesota Vikings 31-29 at Lambeau Field on Sunday afternoon. The Vikings' offense, led by Sam Darnold, put on a dominant display in the first half, scoring four touchdowns to build a seemingly insurmountable lead.
However, the Packers' defense stepped up in the second half, forcing three turnovers and holding the Vikings to just three points. Jordan Love, making his second start in place of injured starter Malik Willis, threw for 389 yards and four touchdowns, including two in the fourth quarter to bring the Packers within two points.
Green Bay Packers Blow Massive Lead, Fall to Minnesota Vikings 31-29
But it was not enough, as the Vikings recovered an onside kick attempt with just over a minute remaining to secure the victory. Darnold completed 20 of 28 passes for 275 yards and three touchdowns, while Love went 32 of 54 for 389 yards and four interceptions.
The Packers' offense struggled early on, with rookie kicker Brayden Narveson missing two field goals in the first half. The Vikings, meanwhile, looked unstoppable, scoring touchdowns on their first three possessions. Jordan Addison hauled in two touchdowns, and Josh Oliver added another to give the Vikings a commanding lead.
Green Bay Packers Blow Massive Lead, Fall to Minnesota Vikings 31-29
In the second half, the Packers' defense came alive, sacking Darnold and forcing two turnovers. Love found Jayden Reed for a touchdown pass late in the first half, and then connected with Dontayvion Wicks twice in the fourth quarter to close the gap.
With the Packers trailing 28-22, Love found Tucker Kraft for a 13-yard touchdown pass to make it a one-possession game. The Packers then converted the two-point conversion to cut the lead to 28-24.
Green Bay Packers Blow Massive Lead, Fall to Minnesota Vikings 31-29
The Vikings responded with a field goal to extend their lead to 31-24, but the Packers kept fighting. Love drove the Packers down the field and found Wicks again for a touchdown to make it 31-29 with just over two minutes remaining.
The Packers attempted an onside kick, but the Vikings recovered and were able to kneel out the clock for the victory. The Packers' defense forced four turnovers and held the Vikings to just three points in the second half, but it was not enough to overcome the early deficit.
The Vikings improved to 4-0 with the win, while the Packers dropped to 2-2. The Packers will face the New York Giants next Sunday at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, while the Vikings will host the New Orleans Saints at U.S. Bank Stadium.
* The Packers' offense struggled to generate consistent offense in the first half, with Love throwing an interception and Narveson missing two field goals.
* The Vikings' pass rush was relentless, sacking Darnold four times and forcing three turnovers.
* Aaron Jones led the Packers' ground game with 93 yards on 22 carries, while Justin Jefferson had eight catches for 93 yards and a touchdown for the Vikings.
* The Packers have now lost two straight games at Lambeau Field, and their offense has struggled in both games.
* The Vikings' defense has been dominant in the first half of their games this season, allowing just 10 points in the first two quarters of their four games.
* The Vikings are off to their best start since 2016, when they went 5-0.
* The Packers are now tied for last place in the NFC North, while the Vikings are in first place.
* The Packers will need to find a way to generate more offense in the first half if they want to get back on track.
* The Vikings will face a tough test next week against the New Orleans Saints, who have one of the best defenses in the NFL.
