Matthews’ resurgence bolsters defense PACKERS

Green Bay — Aaron Rodgers, Jordy Nelson and the five old reliables up front have the Green Bay Packers’ offense just where it needs to be entering the money month of January.

Now it’s about dressing up what has been a mediocre defense all season, and that’s where Clay Matthews comes in.

Matthews played his finest game in a long time Saturday afternoon as the Packers dispatched the Minnesota Vikings, 38-25, at balmy Lambeau Field.

“He was the ‘Claymaker,’ ” said guard Lane Taylor. “You know he can do it. He’s a stud.

“He was feeling a little better today and he made plays. That’s what we need. He’s a difference-maker.”

Working through what has been described as a separated left shoulder, Matthews forced the first fumble of his least productive season in an eight-year career with a strip-sack late in the first half that set up a touchdown.

He also batted down two passes, knocked down Sam Bradford two other times and drew a holding penalty.

That’s six important plays for a defense that simply isn’t good enough rushing the passer without Matthews in his old form.

“He’s a dynamic guy,” veteran guard Joe Berger of the Vikings said. “Obviously, a big part of their defense. When you’re trying to protect the quarterback you know where he is. I’m sure they’d love to be able to use him any way they can.”

The 113th Packers-Vikings game was all Green Bay and totally unlike the mid-September meeting. That was a defensive struggle, and coach Mike Zimmer’s defense got the best of coach Mike McCarthy’s offense for a 17-14 victory.

This time, Zimmer stayed with his four-man rush too long and got shredded. After the Packers’ first 15 snaps (13 passes, two runs), the Vikings had given up 167 yards and two touchdowns.

The Vikings (7-8) moved within one score, 21-13, late in the first half before the Packers went on another roll and extended their lead to 25 points before allowing two touchdowns in gar-