Green Bay Packers’ Defense Shows Up in Victory Over Minnesota Vikings

By Chris Langton @Langtron57 on October 2, 2014

Julius Peppers Green Bay Packers Interception

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Christian Ponder looked rough in the first half of Thursday night’s game between the Minnesota Vikings and the Green Bay Packers.

After two great looking touchdowns thrown by Aaron Rodgers to Randall Cobb and Jordy Nelson, Julius Peppers caught a pass after Ponder’s arm was hit in the act of throwing. The defensive end briefly looked like he was going to run the ball back for only a short return, but then looked left and turned on the jets. Peppers has clearly still possesses the speed that he has shown throughout his illustrious career. His 49 yard pick-six was his fifth career touchdown and stands as proof that the 34-year-old may not be exactly what he once was, but he is most definitely not done with the league yet.

Only a few short plays later, inside linebacker Jamari Lattimore, who normally backs up the injured Brad Jones alongside AJ Hawk, caught an interception from Ponder. This turnover led to a small drive by the Packers’ offense, which culminated in a pass from Rodgers to rookie Davante Adams for his first NFL touchdown. Adams was the Packers’ second round pick in 2014, who led the NCAA in receptions and receiving touchdowns in 2013 while in his final year at Fresno State.

While Rodgers and his offense looked great on Thursday, the defense showed a level of dominance that has not been seen yet this season. The defensive line has been getting through, as Datone Jones was all over Ponder before he was taken out due to injury. Clay Matthews and Peppers penetrated the line on a few plays and Mike Daniels and Letroy Guion combined for a few sacks as well. The Packers recorded six sacks in the game, matching their total from the previous four games. The team also had two interceptions and a forced fumble by safety Morgan Burnett.

The Packers’ defense looked completely different than the squad fans have seen until this point in the season. However, this should not be a sign to anyone that their defense is top tier. They just played like they were top tier against the Vikings.

Until it becomes consistent, this performance should be viewed as an anomaly rather than the norm. They were playing a team with injury problems and a notoriously mistake-prone quarterback, while playing a very disciplined game. Fans should be ecstatic at this victory, but shouting about the Packers being a team of Pro Bowlers would be premature. In short, enjoy the afterglow of a brutal victory, but don’t start betting the house or kids just yet.

Chris Langton is an NFL writer for www.RantSports.com. He also contributes to the MMA page. Follow him on Twitter @Langtron57, “Like” him on Facebook, and add him to your network on Google.