I think what suprised me the most was how well Minnesotas senconday stayed together when they needed to. I don’t think they played great but in the fourth quarter I thought they stepped it up. There were times Rodgers had some time to make a throw or he scrambled to give himself some more time, but he didn’t seem to be able to find an open receiver. The 52 rushing yards Rodgers picked up were a direct result of the coverage downfield being pretty good.

Minnesota did a great job too of responding when Green Bay was starting to get something going. Some teams would have buckled under that kind of pressure, being on the road and all the other factors that made that game so important. The Vikings were able to get back on track when they wavered a little bit, just like they did against Baltimore a few weeks ago. That’s the sign of a good football team for sure.

Green Bay needs to step back and take a look at where they’re at right now. I don’t discredit Minnesota but there were times where they just seemed to shoot themselves in the foot. The best it’s looking for them at this stage of the season is a wildcard spot. That’s gonna be tought when you look at what’s going on in the NFC East right now as well as the NFC South, especially if Atlanta can find a way to beat New Orleans tonight.

The Packers need to find an identiity. I really couldn’t figure out what their plan was yesterday offensively. They got into a rhythm at times but it didn’t last. Sometimes they seem like they want to establish a running game and then they give up on it right away. If they can’t get it figured out I don’t like their playoff chances. As for the Vikings, they look like they’re right up there with the Saints in the NFC. I’d bet on them to be in the Super Bowl representing the NFC. So far though my predictions don’t seem to hold too much weight.

Technorati Tags: Aaron Rodgers, Brett Favre, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, NFL

I think most important for the Vikings is to come out of the gate fast, they want to stiffle the crowd. This game is going to be emotional for Brett and I don’t think they want to fall behind, especially right away. If the Vikings can get a touchdown or two on Green Bay right away their defense can start teeing off on Rodgers. This will also add a little protection to their secondary, they’ll be without Antoine Winfield again. Minnesota likes the big play so I’d be looking for them to be attacking right off the bat. Percy Harvin could be a factor early in this game.

For the Packers it’s important to get that running game going right away, or at least try to get it going. Easier said than done for sure. They have to find away to punish Minnesota for the amount of pressure they bring. Finding a way to run the ball will force Minnesota to ease up on their pressure from their front 7 and maybe even start forcing them to put an eighth man in their. Baltimore was able to do a good job of it in the second half of their game against the Vikings, the only problem is Green Bay doesnt’ have a guy like Ray Rice. They need to allow Rodgers time in the pocket, if they can he’ll pick apart their secondary all night.

On defense the Packers want to make Favre beat them. Force pressure up the middle on him, make him make throws when he’s not ready. They’ve got to keep the pressure on and keep him running around out there. When he sits back in the pocket with all kinds of time he looks like good. When he starts having to run around and make quick decisions, he’s gonna make mistakes. Peterson’s gonna do his thing, but keeping him from breaking that big touchdown run is what’s important.

I’m looking for a big game from Green Bay. I’m getting the sense they’re going to want it more. Plus Minnesota won the first game between these two, but they had to hold off a late surge by the Packers to do it. It’s always tough to sweep a division opponent. For what it’s worth I think Green Bay comes out on top 31-24.

Technorati Tags: Aaron Rodgers, Brett Favre, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, NFL