Week 1 Recap Vikings at Packers
The Vikings, down Teddy Bridgewater for the first two weeks, came in as an underdog, with many expecting Aaron Rodgers to rip their young secondary apart. Rodgers ended the day looking miserable after what was his worst game as a pro: 26 of 40 (65%), for 312 yards, no touchdowns, and 4 interceptions. For the Vikings, Tajh Boyd was the next man up at QB, and the team opted not to release any players to make room for any reserve QBs, so they were all in on him. Boyd had a solid game, finishing 29 of 50 (58%) for 345 yards, 5 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions.
Boyd was supported heavily by the ground game. Starter David Cobb carried 19 times for 109 yards (5.73 average) and a touchdown, and Denard Robinson surprised everyone with 67 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries (5.15 average). Robinson also broke 4 tackles. Mike France, returning home to Wisconsin for the second time in his pro career, had 14 yards and a TD on 2 carries. For the Packers, Eddie Lacy was held to -5 yards on 10 carries, and the Vikings switch to a 3-4 defense seemed like a success.
1st year tight end Geoffrey Hughes had 7 grabs for 94 yards to lead the Packers, and Eddie Lacy added 6 for 62, with DaVante Adams adding 5 for 46. Vincent Jackson led the Vikings with 5 grabs for 53 yards and a score, Stefon Diggs had 4 for 46, Jermaine Gresham 4 for 43 and a score, Mike France 3 for 34 and 2 TDs out of the backfield, and Michael Floyd 2 for 50 and an impressive TD.
Rookie Vikings end Taqwuan Baker made two sacks, while Eric Kendricks, rookie Tamarcus Hennings, Bruce Irvin, Leonard Williams, Anthony Barr, and Sharrif Floyd each added a sack a piece. Xavier Rhodes picked Rodgers off twice, while Harrison Smith and Captain Munnerlyn also had interceptions. Josh Boyd had a sack for Green Bay, while Ha Ha Clinton-Dix and Casey Hayward both had picks. Hayward returned his for a touchdown. Mason Crosby finished 4 of 5 with a 53 long on field goals, while Randy Bullock went 1 of 1 with a 37 long. Ty Montgomery returned a kick for a touchdown and had 151 kick return yards. Mike France returned 2 punts for 72 yards and a touchdown.
Final: Vikings 66, Packers 26
Other notable game around the league:
Oakland 27, Atlanta 21
Tampa Bay 36, Kansas City 19
Detroit 34, San Francisco 28