VIKINGS PACKERS GAME PREVIEW

Another Hound-dog Homecoming

GREEN BAY PACKERS (3-3)
2nd NFC North
Offensive Rank: 13th
Defensive Rank: 15th
Noted Stat: 21 Def Sacks

MINNESOTA VIKINGS (2-3)
3rd NFC North
Offensive Rank: 24th
Defensive Rank 5th
Noted Stat: Just 6 Def Sacks

The Packers are treading some dangerous waters in this week’s home bout with the Minnesota Vikings. Last year, Favre was a man on a mission, looking to stick it to Ted Thompson and prove that he was still an elite quarterback. By and large, Green Bay never found an answer for Favre, giving up a season sweep to Minnesota. This year Brett is back, but his agenda may be clouded by domestic woes (#doghouse). Green Bay should look to rattle his cage early and see how he responds. Fans, I’m looking at you here as well. Additionally, Favre’s career high stats last year are thus far proving to be an anomaly, with the Vikings struggling to generate more than 14 points per game this season (14.4 to be exact). That number is misleading, though. The Vikings have been dinged up at receiver, but have recently reacquired WR Randy Moss, who was unhappy with his diminishing role in New England. Favre to Moss for the TD at Lambeau? Say it ain’t so! Packer fans should note that, contrary to popular opinion, Green Bay’s defense is doing okay. Hard to believe given the extent of injuries sustained so far, and the 3 notches in the loss column. Overall, they rank 15th, but are near the top at two important categories: Sacks and Points Allowed. The Packers have sacked the quarterback 21 times this year and will look to pressure Favre, especially with the return of sack-savvy Clay Matthews at outside linebacker. Green Bay is giving up 18.7 points per game while averaging 23.2 points scored. Theoretically, this is a formula for success, but the team will have to see sustained drives and stout late-game defense in order to reverse the trend of giving up the close ones. Obviously, RB Adrian Peterson will keep Packer linebackers busy, as is the case with the secondary and covering stars like WR’s Randy Moss and Percy Harvin. Offensively, Green Bay simply needs to succeed where they have failed so far this year: Making the 3rd down catch, no stupid penalties, rush with purpose. In a nutshell, this is going to be a very tough game for our guys in green. John Madden may get a lot of grief for his simplicity of terms, but I think his philosophies are well advised for this game. The Packers need to out-score the Vikings. The Packers need to generate yards on the ground. The Packers need to get to Favre and Peterson early and often, and without relent for 60 minutes. The Packers need to dig deep, and correct the mistakes that have cost them the game 3 times already this season. You’re getting my honest side here. This is going to be a tough game. Get your rally caps on and hope for the best, but try not to let it ruin your Sunday if the Packers can’t get it done. It’s a tall order.