The Packers finally broke their scoring drought right at the end of the first half, but it was the Vikings who ran the show, dominating the first 30 minutes to march into halftime with a 28-7 lead.
Sam Darnold’s Aerial Exploits
Sam Darnold was the maestro orchestrating the Vikings’ offense, throwing three touchdown passes that had the crowd on their feet. One to Jordan Addison, another to Josh Oliver, and yet another to the dynamic Justin Jefferson. Talk about sharing the wealth!
Addison did not just rest on his laurels; he dazzled with a brilliant 7-yard jet sweep early in the second quarter. Darnold ended the first half in stellar form, completing 11 of 15 passes for 136 yards and those three dazzling TDs. In a show of supreme command, he spread the ball around to eight different receivers. Jefferson chipped in with two catches for 19 yards, including a touchdown that had the fans roaring.
Jordan Love’s Return: A Rough Go
Jordan Love, making his much-anticipated comeback since his knee injury in Week 1, had a tough first half. He completed 12 of 24 passes for 118 yards with a single touchdown overshadowed by two critical interceptions. Both interceptions led directly to Vikings touchdowns, adding salt to the Packers’ wounds. The second pick was like a scene out of a comedy of errors, bouncing off the hands of not one, but two Packers, before finally landing in the grateful arms of cornerback Shaq Griffin.
Packers’ Late First-Half Score
It was almost as if the gods were frowning on the Packers; two missed field goals—a 37-yarder off the right upright and a 49-yarder wide right—stung. But fortune finally favored them when Minnesota muffed a punt, handing the Packers a golden opportunity on the Vikings’ 3-yard line. Despite head coach Matt LaFleur receiving an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, Love managed to connect with Jordan Reed for a 15-yard touchdown, ensuring the Packers didn’t head into the locker room blanked.
Christian Watson’s Injury
Adding injury to insult, Christian Watson had to leave the game late in the first quarter after Love’s first interception. Watson’s ankle injury leaves his return hanging in the balance, an additional blow to a Packers team already struggling to find its footing.
Green Bay will get the ball to start the second half. Can they stage a miraculous comeback? Stay tuned!
