I may put a little money line on this but not a whole lot..
The Vikings and Packers played probably the two worst pass defensive teams in the NFL. Falcons and Bears are just pathetic and they lack a solid pass rusher as well. Both teams could do whatever they wanted on offense without question, but both teams had frustration on defense. The Vikings third down defense was horrible at times, Atlanta has a ton of weapons and spread it out well, Vikings even gave up a 3rd and 20. The D line was around Ryan but they just couldn't get to him. The Packers defense was shredded in the first half and Cutler and company shot themselves in the foot. They were gashing the Pack's middle but Cutler and Co choked and left 14 points on the field and then the second half started and once the Pack took the lead Cutler and team imploded probably cause they new the defense wasn't going to stop them. Hell with the Bears ahead in first half they even tried and onside kick. Desperation.
Onto Thursday Night.... The Vikings interior line is going to try and push around that thin middle of the Packers Defense but the Vikes can also run a 3 WR spread with Patterson, Wright, and Jennings. I know Patterson hasn't showed up on the stat sheet but he is sucking a ton of coverage and keeping the middle wide open. I watch the kid McKinnon pick up all kinds of blitzes on third down and you can bet your ass Capers will be sending a bunch of blitzes the rookie's way. See if he can pick them up and it will be key as I see the 3- 4 defense trying to disguise their blitzes and confusing the beast they call TEDDY.
On the other side of the ball the Packers have had trouble getting that running game going and to be honest the Vikes have done well for the most part stopping the run but have allowed a few too many long runs. The Packers got Cobb and Nelson cooking and Rodgers had a field day against the Bears defense. I think the Vikes will probably play base and not blitz too much early, try to get pressure from the front four. As always pass protection is going to be the key, cause Rodgers will kill em with time.
I have this one being 23 - 20 Green Bay, I think this is a one score game. Usually when the Vikes come into Lambeau they get trucked when #12 is behind center but this is different. The Vikings are just such a physical team now, they don't play 10 yards off, they do get penalties but it's better than getting nickle and dimed to death. I like the match up they brought in Captain Munnerlyn who has played excellent and specializes against a slot receiver type and expect him on Cobb. Don't expect a soft zone like the Bears gave up, plus when you catch the ball you are going to get hit. I truly expect the Vikings defense in Rodgers face, like I said this isn't a soft zone defense they get after it. It does leave them very open to a big play and that scares the hell out of me. A difference from last year, is the Packers do not have a middle of the field killer at tight end, say what you want about Finley but he demanded attention, one less headache.
The Pack will be blitzing and I expect them to really run blitz that middle. As much as I rip the Packer's defense I think they have good outside corner and a good outside edge defense. The middle is how you gash them and they will be trying the middle traps and draws and running play action out of it. I think the Vikings overall toughness and battles against Brees, Brady, and Ryan will have them ready. I also think a big difference this year from past years is the VIkings coaching especially Norv Turner make them so much more dynamic. It does scare me that you have a rookie QB going into Lambeau on a short week, but I love my chances if they are giving me 10 but I think the Vikes fall a little short, and ultimately #12 is why
