In the 62-year illustrious history of the Vikings-Packers rivalry, only six Green Bay offenses have ever put up more yardage than what Packers quarterback Jordan Love and company hung on the Vikings in Minnesota's 33-10 loss on Sunday night.
The Vikings' injury-thinned and weary defense surrendered 470 yards. Love picked apart the soft edges. And with some well-timed deep balls, Love broke open coordinator Brian Flores' group that had kept the Vikings above water for much of this season.
"We had some missing pieces," linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. said, "but we're going to bounce back. It's just heart. It's the brotherhood we've built."
Packers receiver Jayden Reed was the first of many wide-open Packers receivers running downfield when he caught a 33-yard touchdown to jump out to a 10-0 lead. Reed, who had six grabs for 89 yards and two scores in the first half, later left with a chest injury.
The Vikings were down two defensive starters in cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. (knee) and outside linebacker D.J. Wonnum (quad), who was placed on injured reserve this week.
Cornerback Mekhi Blackmon, the third-round rookie, started again for Murphy, who missed a second game because of a knee injury. Love threw for 356 yards and three touchdowns.
"Too much space in the secondary," said Blackmon, who played through a shoulder injury. "We just got to be more sticky in coverage."
Outside linebacker Patrick Jones II started for Wonnum. Flores got creative on third downs, when an extra edge rusher is typically subbed in for pass rush. Instead of rookie Andre Carter II, who played sparingly and struggled, rookie safety Jay Ward entered the game, which allowed linebacker Jordan Hicks or Ivan Pace Jr. to rush the passer from the line.
