Vikes Top Packers

Minneapolis – In a game that had little more than pride on the line, the Minnesota Vikings came away victorious. The Vikings had been eliminated from playoff contention in weeks prior and Green Bay started the day locked into the NFC’s 7th seed with no chance to improve their seeding. The Packers also announced that they were starting practice squad QB Clayton Tune in place of starter Jordan Love and seasoned back up Malik Willis. In a game that felt reminiscent of a preseason game, neither team had a number of their top stars active. Packer’s edge rusher Lukas Van Ness said “We kind of knew going into this game and some of the guys weren’t gonna be on the field. It was kind of know your role and what you need to do. Help the younger guys”. When asked how it compared to bowl prep at the University of Iowa he said, “Bowl prep at Iowa is no joke. It’s almost like going back to 2-3 weeks of camp. We probably didn’t have to sweat as much as the guys in Iowa City this week”

While both team’s offenses struggled through large portions of the game, the defenses came up with a number big plays. Minnesota made it a clear part of their game plan to rush the passer with pressure in all passing situations. They were able to sack the first time starter four times in the game, holding him to 22 yards passing. The Green Bay offense mustered a mere 121 yards of offense, the lion;s share of which came on their final drive. The Packers broke the shut out with a 24 yard field goal on the final play of their regular season.. The Vikings offense looked, statistically, better.  They netted 363 yards of total offense, but scored only 16 points. Their redzone struggles continued in this game, scoring a touchdown only once in four redzone trips. The game’s lone touchdown coming on a one yard CJ Ham plunge into the endzone. While Packers quarterback expressed frustration with a 6/11 completion, 34 yard performance he did say “Any time you get to play in the NFL its a huge blessing. So, it was awesome, regardless of what happened. It was a lot of fun” in reference to making his first NFL start.

Likely the biggest story line of the day was Vikings safety Harrison Smith and fullback CJ Ham. It was presumed that they were both playing in their last game. With just under four minutes to play the Vikings called a timeout to specifically honor Smith, who completed his 14th, and likely final season. During the two minute warning Ham was honored on the sideline, and both Ham and teammates could be seen congratulating each other, some with tears. Emotion poured a Ham’s children joined him on the field after the game. “I can’t put into words what you mean to us. We couldn’t do it without you”, Ham said when asked what the fans mean to him.

The Vikings finish their season 9-8 and will look to reload a defensive secondary that has struggled in the past few seasons, including replacing their top safety. The Packers will head into the playoffs to face NFC rival Chicago in the wildcard round. Game time will be set at the conclusion of games today.