NFC NORTH REPORT
Packers, Vikings host AFCWest foes
Overview
As Aaron Rodgers embarks on a new interception-less streak at Lambeau Field, the Packers’ defense has its own streak going following a 24-10 win over the scrappy Rams: they’re the NFL’s only defense to record an interception in five consecutive games. Dom Capers’ group doubled its interception total against St. Louis, as second-rounder Quinten Rollins broke out with a pair in his best game yet. For all of the offseason hand-wringing over the young, rebuilt secondary, it’s been one of the team’s greatest assets – and its leader, Morgan Burnett, has been active for only one game because of a calf injury. With youngsters like Rollins and Randall contributing alongside veterans Sam Shields and Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, and with a vicious pass rush whose 20 sacks trail only the Broncos working in concert, Green Bay is playing some of its best defense of the Dom Capers era. Following their shocking, last-second loss to Pittsburgh on Monday night, the Chargers must regroup and travel on short rest to Lambeau, where the Packers have won 12 straight. Worse, their O-line is running out of bodies.
Matchup to watch
Another week, another rookie RB to challenge Green Bay’s run defense. The Packers allowed a season-high 191 rushing yards to the Rams – with 159 supplied by the 10th overall pick, Todd Gurley. Selected five spots later, Melvin Gordon returns to his home state hoping to spark a Bolts run game that’s short-circuited behind a subpar and substitute-heavy O-line. Like San Diego, the Packers might be shorthanded in their efforts with NT B.J. Raji (groin) and OLB Nick Perry (shoulder) the latest additions to a growing injury list.
By the numbers
The Packers have dominated the series, taking nine of 10. In Rodgers’ only meeting with the Bolts, a 45-38 shootout victory in San Diego in 2011, he tossed four touchdowns and recorded a 145.8 passer rating. … James Jones’ fifth touchdown, a 65-yard catch-and-run, puts him on pace to break his personal best of 14, which paced the NFL in 2012. Jones is on track for 1,260 yards. His previous high was 817, in 2013.
Overview
Minnesota emerges from the early open date with the NFL’s No. 2 ground game and sixth-ranked scoring ‘D.’ Aside from failing to show up in San Francisco to open the season, the Vikings should be pleased with their progress following a difficult opening slate. Though a Week Four bye is earlier than most teams prefer, it came on the heels of a slugfest defeat in Denver and should help QB Teddy Bridgewater mend after being sacked 13 times, including seven by the Broncos. They hope the extra rest also will benefit a banged-up-WR corps – Mike Wallace (knee), Charles Johnson (ribs) and Jarius Wright (hand) – and safety Andrew Sendejo, who was held out last game with a knee issue. As for Bridgewater, his numbers – two touchdowns, three turnovers – might not inspire confidence, but they also don’t tell the whole story for the sophomore passer who’s done a lot of positive things and drew Mike Zimmer’s praise for his poise under extraordinary pressure in a hard-fought 23-20 loss before the break. Following the trade of Gerald Hodges, second-rounder Eric Kendricks is the starting middle linebacker.
Matchup to watch
Since being rushed into the lineup following Phil Loadholt’s season-ending Achilles tear, fourth-rounder T.J. Clemmings has been unable to secure the right edge in pass protection. It doesn’t help he’s going from Von Miller in Week Four to Justin Houston, the reigning NFL sack leader, who’s been blanked in three consecutive outings. Tamba Hali will present a difficult challenge for LT Matt Kalil, but the Vikings can only give their tackles so much help from backs and tight ends – much of it likely reserved for the ultra raw Clemmings on Sunday.
By the numbers
The Vikings are 7-6 coming off the bye since 2013. In their first season under Mike Zimmer, they resumed work by falling 21-13 in Chicago. … Adrian Peterson is averaging 5.0 yards per carry, the second-best of his career, and is on pace for 1,488 rushing yards – which he’s topped just twice.