The Packers headed to Minnesota to kick off the 2022 NFL season in hopes of starting off on a better foot than last season’s week 1 matchup against the Saints. Those hopes were quickly dashed in the first half as the offense struggled to find their identity and Justin Jefferson simply dominated the Packers secondary to the tune of 158 yards and two touchdowns. After a wide-open drop by Christain Watson that likely would’ve been a 75- yard touchdown on their first offensive play from scrimmage, the Packers offense struggled outside of one good drive that ended on a failed 4th down-conversion at the Vikings one yard line. A Harrison Smith interception on a deep shot to Randall Cobb erased any hope of the Packers getting on the board in the first half, going into the half down 17-0.
The second half was more of the same for the Packers. After a rough start to the second half with a Rodger’s sack-fumble leading to another Vikings field goal, the offense looked like they were finally getting on track with a great drive that ended with a AJ Dillon touchdown. However, that would be the highlight of the day as the offense would continue to struggle to score as the weakness of the wide receiver room continued to rear its ugly head. Despite the defense only letting up a field goal in the second half and despite the best efforts of AJ Dillon, questionable play calling and constant pressure from the vikings front seven kept stalling the offense. The Packers not only missed Davante Adams today, they also missed David Bahktiari and Elgton Jenkins on the line. The offensive line was absolutely beat today, letting up four sacks and pressure on almost every drop back. Coupling a struggling offensive line with a receiving corps that struggles to get open is a recipe for disaster, and that’s exactly what happened to the Packers today. Despite a better effort from the defense in the second half, the damage Jefferson did in the first half was too much for the Packers offense to overcome as they fell to Minnesota 23-7.Player of the Game
AJ Dillon: AJ Dillon was the lone bright spot in an offense that really struggled against the Vikings defense, racking up 91 total yards on 15 touches and having the Packers sole touchdown.
