Everyone knew Aaron Rodgers and the offense would have a big game, but it was the Green Bay Packers’ defense and special teams who stole the show this Monday Night.
Coming into the game, the undefeated Packers (9-0) were allowing 22.4 points per game, but Adrian Peterson and the Minnesota Vikings (2-7) came nowhere close to that in a 45-7 loss at Lambeau Field.
Rookie wideout Randall Cobb jump-started the Packers big win with a 80 yard punt return for a touchdown on Green Bay’s first possession. With the score, Cobb became the only rookie in Packers history to return a kick-off and punt for a touchdown in the same season.
If the Packers are to go undefeated, they will surely need the kind of aggressive play they received out of their defense on Monday Night. Linebacker Clay Matthews reverted back to his intimidating play with two sacks, something he hasn’t done since the first week of last season, and overall the tackling from a team standpoint was very good.
Charles Woodson and Tramon Williams were fantastic while limiting rookie QB Christian Ponder to 190 yards on 16-of-33 passing. Williams added an interception and at many times was blanketing his assigned receiver.
The Vikings had an extra week to prepare for the Packers, but it didn’t appear their bye week helped solve any of their problems. Ponder is still well behind the learning curve and Peterson looks to be frustrated with the lack of chemistry they have on the offensive side of the ball.
The beat continues for Rodgers in the midst of his unbelievable MVP season. He’s now thrown four touchdowns in the last two games, bringing his season total to 28. It was Rodgers’ 26th straight game at Lambeau with a touchdown which is good for a franchise record. Expect a lot more discussion regarding records as Rodgers projects to pass many more by season’s end.
Next up for the 9-0 Packers is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-5) at home. The Bucs have lost four of their last five and have given up at least 20 points in each of those games. In their last meeting, Tampa Bay beat Green Bay 38-28 in 2009.
What did you think of the Packers beat-down of the Vikings? Are the Packers destined for the mystical 16-0 season? Is Aaron Rodgers really playing like the best ever? Let me know by commenting below.
Nick Grays is a senior writer at the Sports Bank where he covers the Wisconsin Badgers, Green Bay Packers, and Milwaukee Brewers. He also enjoys to share Fantasy Advice from time-to-time. Follow him on Twitter by clicking here or visit his blog Nick Knows Best.