Houston Texans, and the Packers to start the season.
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4 — Jordan Addison makes Kevin O’Connell’s offense a first-class operation. Without him, the system is passable and pretty awesome if the defense does its job. With Addison, Minnesota can contend for a Super Bowl.
5 — The Kevin O’Connell stat remains intact: The Vikings are 21-0 when winning the turnover battle or breaking even with him as head coach. Vikings football under O’Connell is just a big fat turnover referendum,
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 looks to pass the ball against the Minnesota Vikings during their football game Sunday, September 29, 2024, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. © Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.</p>
<p>” data-medium-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/USATSI_24359786.jpg” data-large-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1180,height=722,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/USATSI_24359786.jpg” tabindex=”0″ role=”button” src=”https://vikingsterritory.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/USATSI_24359786-788×444.jpg” alt><figcaption>Green Bay quarterback Jordan Love (10) looks to pass the ball against Minnesota during their football game Sunday, September 29, 2024, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. © Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.<span></span></figcaption></figure>
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<p><strong>1 </strong>— The immediate optimistic take? The Vikings encountered their first real brush with adversity — nearly melting down after a 28-0 lead — and implemented a survive-and-advance afternoon. The pessimistic take? Minnesota probably would’ve lost the game if the NFL had five quarters. </p>
<p><strong>2</strong> — Everything tunneled south when Jalen Nailor muffed the late 2nd Quarter punt. Of course, it would’ve been sweeter if the Vikings had mitigated that gaffe sooner, but playing on the road is tricky, especially against the foremost foe in the Packers. </p>
<p><strong>3</strong> — It was quite mind-boggling that the Green Bay trotted a visibly hobbled Jordan Love onto the field. Perhaps we’re so used to the Vikings slow-rolling injury recoveries that when a different team does not, it feels reckless. Love improved in the 2nd Half, but generally speaking, he seemed to play at about 70%. Dah well.</p>
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 does a Lambeau Leap with fans following a 31-29 victory against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, September 29, 2024, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. © Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.</p>
<p>” data-medium-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/USATSI_24359741.jpg” data-large-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1180,height=815,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/USATSI_24359741.jpg” tabindex=”0″ role=”button” src=”https://vikingsterritory.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/USATSI_24359741-788×444.jpg” alt=”snap reactions”><figcaption>Minnesota running back Aaron Jones (33) does a Lambeau Leap with fans following a 31-29 victory against Green Bay Sunday, September 29, 2024, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. © Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.<span></span></figcaption></figure>
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<p><strong>6 </strong>— Aaron Jones carved up his old team for 139 yards from scrimmage, once again making the purple offense multidimensional. Sam Darnold would not be achieving his current success without Jones’ production. The former Packer keeps opposing defenses honest, setting up the pass with his six yards per touch.</p>
<p><strong>7 </strong>— Minnesota’s breakneck sack numbers finally fell back down to earth, only registering one on Sunday. However, the pressure on Jordan Love was there, and it made all the difference, particularly in the 1st Half. </p>
<p><strong>8 </strong>— Minnesota’s own Blake Cashman fired off another fantastic game, logging 11 tackles, 2 QB hits, a pass defended, and a tackle for loss. Jordan Hicks did not struggle in 2023, but Cashman is a massive upgrade.</p>
<p><strong>9 </strong>— Will Reichard remains perfect, and he’s such an asset for fans’ emotional well-being on Sundays.</p>
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