Jordan Love’s return to the sector Sunday was a welcome sight in Inexperienced Bay. But it surely wasn’t sufficient to beat the red-hot Minnesota Vikings.
The Vikings jumped out to a 28-0 first-half lead at Lambeau Area, then held on for a 31-29 win over the Packers. The Vikings at the moment are 4-0 with Sam Darnold at quarterback and in early management of the NFC North.
The Packers fell to 2-2 as Love confirmed indicators of rust in his first motion since struggling a sprained MCL in Week 1. He threw two first-half interceptions, each of which the Vikings transformed to touchdowns en path to the 28-0 lead.
A 3rd interception within the fourth quarter thwarted late hopes of a rally. Inexperienced Bay outscored Minnesota 29-3 after digging the early 28-0 gap. However a failed onside kick try within the closing minute secured victory for the Vikings.
Vikings make Packers pay for a number of turnovers
Within the first quarter, Vikings linebacker Kamu Grugier-Hill intercepted Love close to midfield on a move supposed for Christian Watson.
The Vikings transformed the turnover right into a 46-yard landing drive to increase their result in 21-0.
Then, late within the second quarter, a excessive move thrown by Love slipped via tight finish Luke Musgrave’s fingers. Romeo Doubs had an opportunity to corral the tipped ball, nevertheless it bounced off his fingers into these of Minnesota linebacker Shaq Griffin.
Griffin returned the ball to the Inexperienced Bay 4-yard line, and the Vikings scored three performs afterward Darnold’s third landing move of the day, this one to Justin Jefferson.
The Packers did not rating till a muffed punt set the offense up with first-and-goal on the 3-yard line simply earlier than halftime.
The Packers carried that momentum into the second half and lower their deficit to 28-22 within the fourth quarter. However the Vikings responded with a discipline purpose for a two-possession lead halfway via the fourth to maintain the Packers at bay.
Then, with 6:13 remaining, Vikings cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. intercepted Love on a deep ball into the top zone.
Love’s third interception of the day all however sealed victory for the Vikings, whose 4-0 begin with Darnold at quarterback is likely one of the greatest surprises of the NFL season. The Packers now face a two-game deficit within the NFC North 4 video games into the season.
Love off to robust begin since signing extension
Love signed a four-year, $220 million extension to his rookie contract within the offseason after breaking out late in 2023 in his first season as Inexperienced Bay’s starter following the departure of Aaron Rodgers. Sunday’s loss continues a rocky marketing campaign for Love since he signed the deal.
Love suffered a sprained MCL on Inexperienced Bay’s closing possession in a Week 1 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Brazil. Backup Malik Willis took over at quarterback for a 16-10 win over the Indianapolis Colts in Week 2 and a 30-14 win over the Tennessee Titans final week.
Love then returned Sunday on the early finish of his restoration timeline after he was initially anticipated to overlook 3-6 weeks along with his knee harm. The rust confirmed as Love made repeated errors in opposition to an aggressive Vikings move rush that saved stress on all through the sport.
If there’s any solace from Sunday’s loss, Love was in a position to transfer the Inexperienced Bay offense after halftime because the Packers threatened the late rally. He completed the sport finishing 32 of 54 passes for 389 yards with 4 touchdowns.
However Love’s three interceptions and a fourth Packers turnover on a Tucker Kraft fumble late within the fourth quarter in the end sank Inexperienced Bay’s hopes.
The Packers will look to get again within the win column subsequent Sunday in a Week 5 sport in opposition to the Los Angeles Rams (4:25 p.m. ET, CBS). The Vikings will look to increase their begin to 5-0 in a Week 5 sport in opposition to the New York Jets in London (9:30 a.m. ET, NFL Community).
