Packers hang on for 21-16 victory over Vikings

[Cheesehead]

GREEN BAY – For the second week in a row, the Packers’ defense got an interception in the end zone in the fourth quarter to preserve a one-score lead, and Green Bay hung on for a 21-16 victory over Minnesota on Sunday at Lambeau Field.


With the win, the Packers improved to 2-0 on the young season. The Vikings fell to 1-1.


The Packers jumped out to a 21-0 lead with three quick touchdowns sandwiched around a Minnesota turnover and missed field goal. But Green Bay’s offense stalled after that, committing two turnovers of its own and failing on a fourth-and-short in Minnesota territory.


The Vikings climbed back into the game on the strength of big plays, most notably a 75-yard TD run by Dalvin Cook and a 45-yard TD pass to Stefon Diggs.


But with the Vikings driving for the go-ahead score midway through the fourth quarter, QB Kirk Cousins threw up an ill-advised pass on first-and-goal from the 8, and Packers CB Kevin King made a leaping interception in the corner of the end zone, crashing to the ground and keeping Green Bay’s lead intact with 5:10 left.


After the two teams traded punts, the Packers took over on with 3:14 left, picked up two first downs, and ran the clock down to take a delay with 14 seconds left.


Statistically, RB Aaron Jones ran 23 times for 116 yards with a touchdown. QB Aaron Rodgers was 22-of-34 for 209 yards with two TDs and a 101.2 passer rating. WR Davante Adams had seven catches for 106 yards.


For the Vikings, Cook had 20 carries for 154 yards. Cousins was 13-of-31 for 213 yards with one TD, two interceptions and a 49.5 passer rating. WR Adam Thielen had four catches for 62 yards. Diggs’ TD was his only catch.


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