The Minnesota Vikings looked like true Super Bowl contenders against the Green Bay Packers during week 4 of the 2024 NFL season. That is until the second half came around.
Recap Of Week 4 Matchup
The Vikings scored in droves during the first half and went into the locker room at halftime with a 28-7 lead. Unfortunately for the Vikings and Vikings fans, they only scored three points via a field goal in the second half. The Vikings did almost everything they could in the second half to lose this game. They came out on top but with a 31-29 score much closer than it should have been.
Sam Darnold played out of his mind in the first half, he had three passing TDs and no interceptions. In the second half, however, he threw an INT which led to a punt from the Packers, and lost a fumble which led to a Packers touchdown. The Vikings also punted three times and had a turnover on downs.
Second Half Positives
The good news for Vikings fans is that all of these mistakes that were made in the second half are fixable. It makes sense that the defense was gassed when they were put in bad spots all of the second half and had to fight for their lives.
This Vikings team has gotten a reputation for winning or losing games at the last minute in recent years. However, this 2024 Vikings team is one of only two 4-0 (Kansas City Chiefs are 4-0 as well) NFL teams as this recap/takeaways article is being written. The Seattle Seahawks are 3-0 and playing the Detroit Lions on Monday Night Football. Minnesota’s win/loss record is something to be proud of even if their 2nd half collapse was embarrassing.
Takeaways From Vikings vs. Packers
Sam Darnold is going to be fine: Darnold came back to reality in the second half with his INT, fumble, and lack of movement with this offensive group. It was good to see that he connected with eight different receivers in the first half. He did show some signs of regression in the second half, but Kevin O’Connell can get him back on the right track. The Vikings defense is also going to be fine. They may have appeared to be a lesser defense in the second half, but DC Brian Flores should be able to get the defense going again. Minnesota did surrender 22 points in the second half though.
Kicker Will Reichard is still playing great as well. Will Reichard has been consistent and accurate all four weeks of this season thus far. He has made all six of his field goal attempts as well as all 14 of the extra points that he has attempted.
More Takeaways
A great sign for the Vikings through four weeks is they are still healthy. The only regular starter who was not able to suit up against the Packers was Ivan Pace Jr. His presence has been missed on the defensive side of things. However, all of the offensive starters were able to play most of the game. Brandon Powell was out for a little while after taking a hit on an incomplete pass, he was able to return to the field later in the game (not before Jalen Nailor muffed a punt filling in for him though.)
Minnesota’s next matchup will be across the pond in London against the underwhelming New York Jets. Although the Jets come into this matchup 2-2, it feels like any team with Aaron Rodgers at QB has a chance at defeating the Vikings with the track record he had on the Packers. It will be exciting to see if they can get to 5-0 before their bye week. Tight End T.J. Hockenson should be back after the bye as well.
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