Vikings Focused On Defending Aaron Rodgers In Rivalry Game
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Just another Vikings-Packers game? Hardly. Not since Brett Favre torched the Packers wearing puple in 2009 have the Vikings been ahead of Green Bay in the NFC North standings this late in the season.
Of course defending Green Bay starts with Aaron Rodgers, the unflappable quarterback who has struggled the past few weeks. As Mike Max reports, there is a plan for Rodgers and what could be a cold weather Sunday.
He is Aaron Rodgers, and that by itself gives you a chance.
"I mean you've got to expect the unexpected with him. He has such a knack for moving around the pocket and doing a lot of things with his feet, not so much to make plays running the ball but really to complete the ball down the field," defensive end Brian Robison said.
But is it possible, possible of all teams the Detroit Lions left some clues as to how to defend him?
"I think they did a great job of tackling. They did a great job of tackling and disrupted the receivers. You've got to be able to disrupt the receivers, and the defensive line has to get after them, they've got to hit the quarterback," Captain Munnerlyn said. "They definitely did a great job of that and they kept them from scoring. It's kind of tough to keep these guys from scoring, but Detroit did a great job at that."
And of course this is the last season that you come to Minnesota in November and know you have to deal with the elements. The forecast suggests that could be an issue for the Packers, and maybe, for the Minnesota Vikings.
It might be numbing to the pessimist but the young rookie optimist says, "You don't get as tired as when it's hot out," Stefon Diggs said. "The heat takes a lot out of you but the cold, I like the cold. I don't really have a problem. I might go no shirt."
The Vikings might also be at an advantage with a banged up quarterback in Rodgers, who was limited in practice Wednesday with a right shoulder injury. He's been sacked 22 times this season, with half of those coming in the last three games.
