4 standouts from Packers’ Week 17 loss to the Vikings

Four standouts from the Packers’ Week 17 loss to the Vikings.

The Green Bay Packers have played five games against the Philadelphia Eagles, Detroit Lions, and Minnesota Vikings this season. They are now 0-5 in those games following a crushing 27-25 defeat at the hands of the Vikings on Sunday.

Green Bay’s Week 17 matchup against Minnesota was a great chance to avenge their previous loss to the Vikings and prove they are among the NFC’s top contenders. Unfortunately for the Packers, the result was eerily similar to their Week 4 matchup.

In the first game against Minnesota, Green Bay trailed 28-0 before fighting back to lose 31-29. In Sunday’s rematch, the Packers were behind 20-3 in the second half but mounted a late comeback only to lose by two points yet again.

If it isn’t obvious by now, this Vikings team is legit. And now they have a ton to play for in the season finale against Detroit, as a win will clinch the NFC North division and a first-round bye in the playoffs. Meanwhile, Green Bay may have already punched their playoff ticket but need a win and a Washington Commanders loss to improve their seed in the postseason and get a more favorable first-round matchup.

The Commanders need to lose at least one of their last two games, while the Packers must beat the Chicago Bears next week to avoid facing the Philadelphia Eagles on the road as the seventh seed.

Green Bay knows what they need to do in the season finale against Chicago, but before we look ahead, let’s look back at the standouts from their disappointing loss to Minnesota.

DT Karl Brooks

While no one along the Packers’ defensive line was extraordinary, Brooks had two of the group’s most impactful plays. First, he recorded a sack against Sam Darnold just before halftime, nearly keeping the Vikings from extending their lead. However, Minnesota kicker Will Reichard was granted a re-do and an extra five yards on his field goal attempt before the break after Green Bay was called for an offsides penalty. Reichard drilled his second attempt to put the Vikings ahead 13-3, rendering Brooks’ sack pointless. Still, it was the only sack in an extremely slow day for the Packers’ rush. Brooks’ second big play of the day came when he hustled to recover a fumble after an important takeaway by the defense.

CB Carrington Valentine

Sam Darnold had been carving up Green Bay’s defense until a leaping interception by Valentine injected life into the Packers during the third quarter. With his team up 17 points, Darnold tried to complete a deep pass to tight end TJ Hockenson to jumpstart a put-away drive but instead threw a pick to Valentine. The second-year corner made a great read to secure the takeaway but nearly coughed it up on his return. Fortunately, Brooks was there to recover the fumble after Valentine had returned it 31 yards. After failing to record an interception as a rookie, Valentine now has two in the last three weeks.

WR Romeo Doubs

Overall, it was a pretty dismal day for most everyone on offense except Doubs, who continued his steady season on Sunday with seven receptions for a team-high 58 receiving yards. His biggest catches came during the final touchdown drive, where he had two grabs for 31 yards to help the Packers get within striking distance. Unfortunately, the offense never got the ball back.

LB Edgerrin Cooper

If you don’t know who Edgerrin Cooper is by now, you need to learn. For the past three weeks, he has been the Packers’ best player on defense by a wide margin. On Sunday, the rookie linebacker was back at it, this time bringing his playmaking ways to U.S. Bank Stadium. Cooper finished tied for the team lead with 11 total tackles, including four tackles for loss, marking a new career high. On a day when many Green Bay players weren’t at their best, Cooper looked like a star and is red hot heading into the postseason.