The Green Bay Packers took advantage of an underwhelming showing from Kirk Cousins to claim a 21-16 win over the Minnesota Vikings in Week 2.
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Final Score
Green Bay Packers 21, Minnesota Vikings 16
Green Bay Packers
Kenny Clark was easily the most impressive defender on the field in this game. He seemed to be living in the Vikings' backfield, as he picked up a sack and multiple hits and hurries. But he was equally impressive in the run game with multiple disruptive plays and solo stops.
Linebacker Blake Martinez was all over the field for the Packers' defense, as he led either team in tackles and defensive stops. Martinez looked really good in coverage, as well. He locked down the middle of the field and was targeted just one time all game.
Aaron Rodgers bounced back from a tough game to open the season with a solid performance in this win. While he didn't have a ton of overly impressive throws, he came up clutch time and time again as he picked up huge first downs with good throws. He didn't have any throws in danger of being picked off and operated well in the pocket considering how often he was under pressure.
The Vikings seemed to pick up a weakness with left tackle David Bakhtiari, as they used the bullrush to drive him back into Rodgers over and over again. Bakhtiari gave up a lot of hurries in this game, and pretty much all of them came with a straight rush by the defender. He also didn't fare much better as a run blocker, either.
Rookie Takeaways
Rashan Gary and Darnell Savage had forgettable performances in Week 2. Neither rookie defender had a huge impact on the game.
Minnesota Vikings
Dalvin Cook looked impressive all game, as he ended up with a career-high in rushing yards. He forced multiple missed tackles and gained a ton of yards after contact. His 75-yard touchdown run was the highlight play of course, but he was impressive throughout
Kirk Cousins was all over the place, throwing two interceptions and multiple turnover-worthy plays on top of two fumbles. His touchdown throw to Stefon Diggs was a thing of beauty, but that was about the only good throw he made all game.
Everson Griffen was a beast up front for this Vikings' defensive front, as he worked his way into the Packers backfield seemingly at will. He may not have finished with a sack, but he had a ton of hurries and even added a few stops in the running game.
The Packers went into this game with a clear intention to pick on cornerback Xavier Rhodes, and it worked. Almost every time they threw to his coverage, the receiver not only picked up a first down but was open by multiple steps. Rhodes didn't break up a single pass thrown his way and was the biggest issue for the Vikings' defense in this game.
Rookie Takeaways
Rookie NC State center Garrett Bradbury struggled in pass protection for the second consecutive week. In Week 1, it was Grady Jarrett. This week, it was Kenny Clark winning the matchup.
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