The Vikings closely beat the Packers in Week 4 by 31-29. It was truly a nail-biter to the end. The Vikings are now 4-0 and will face the New York Jets next week, before heading into their bye week.
The offense was lights out in the first half, scoring a whopping 28 points.
“Our attacking schemes, on offense, defense, special teams, and then the players we’ve got, it’s a really good formula for success in this league, but at the end of the day, we believe in each other more than anyone else believes in us,” Quarterback Sam Darnold shared on the basis of his confidence, “It’s a really good formula.”
However, the Vikings could only score one field goal in the second half of the game and committed 3 turnovers, but their lead from the first half narrowly held off the Packers from winning the game.
“Lotta things still to clean up,” Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell said, “[It] starts with me. We’ll make sure we keep refining this football team. […] What happened today means absolutely nothing moving forward, other than we’ve gotta go back to work and continue to improve as a football team; because I absolutely love this team.”
Some top Vikings players during the game were Darnold and wide receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. Darnold scored 3 touchdowns, went 20/28 for pass completion, and 275 yards passing. Jefferson had 6 receptions for 85 yards and one touchdown Addison had three receptions, 72 Yards, and two touchdowns.
As for the Vikings’ defense, the same can be said. They played lights out, as well, only allowing a single touchdown in the first half.
“I know what we have in this room is special,” Cornerback Byron Murphy said, who had one of the Vikings’ three interceptions, “So all that outside noise, I keep saying, ‘Stay off the (band)wagon. Don’t try to jump on it now. You all can stay over there, whatever you all do, but we’re going to keep this thing going.’”
In contrast to the first half of the game, they allowed 22 points in the second half and almost cost the game for the Vikings. But one player that stayed consistent for the defense was Murphy. He had one interception, one forced fumble, 2 passes defended, and 7 tackles.
Vikings running back Aaron Jones is also a Former Packer, so coming back to Lambeau Field was special for him as he wanted to do the Lambeau Leap, a special tradition in which a Packer leaps into the bleachers after scoring a touchdown at Lambeau. Although he did not score a touchdown, Jones did the leap anyway, leaping into the stands.
“It was just a full-circle moment,” Jones said, “knowing that everything I do on the field is cool, but I’m remembered for what I’ve done off the field for this community. I think that says a lot about me and I think that’s one of the things I’m happiest about.”
Vikings fans remember to set your alarms for this Sunday morning. The Vikings will take on the New York Jets in London at 8:30 a.m.
