The Minnesota Vikings scored 29 unanswered points after trailing by a dozen and beat the Green Bay Packers 39-22 on Sunday in the Week 1 opener for both NFC North teams.
Green Bay led 22-10 late in the third quarter. The Packers never scored again.
Carson Wentz, who entered after starter Kyler Murray left with a concussion in the first quarter, threw three touchdown passes. Minnesota scored touchdowns on its final four possessions, not counting a kneel-down at the end.
The Packers’ last four drives ended in giveaways or turnovers on downs.
The result left Green Bay 0-1 and extended a six-game losing streak that dates to last December and includes the playoffs.
Critics immediately focused on head coach Matt LaFleur, especially a fourth-down decision early in the fourth quarter.
With the Packers ahead 22-17, rookie kicker Trey Smack made a 40-yard field goal that would have made it an eight-point game. Minnesota was flagged for offside. LaFleur accepted the penalty, moving the ball to the Vikings 17 and setting up fourth-and-1.
Jordan Love was stopped on a quarterback sneak. The Vikings took over and never looked back.
“We are watching yet another classic Matt LaFleur choke job,” 247 Sports’ Eli Berkovits wrote. “Hilarious that anyone thought things would magically change 8 years in.”
Tyler Dunne of GoLongTD.com wrote, “There are implosions in pro football. Then, apparently, there’s the Matt LaFleur experience. This Packers season has picked up right where it left off.”
Wisconsin State Journal columnist Tom Oates wrote, “An overmatched offensive line and a complete inability to finish off games. So, Matt LaFleur, what exactly has changed with the Packers since last season?”
WBAY’s Chris Roth added, “This will be the 6th straight loss for Matt LaFleur…including blown leads of 21-3 (twice) and today 22-10.”
Packers writer Michael Rodney blamed both the coach and general manager Brian Gutekunst: “Brian Gutekunst put together an abysmal offensive line, and Matt LaFleur (expletive) his pants again in the fourth quarter. Maybe Ed Policy will give them another extension.”
Love completed 21 of 42 passes for 387 yards and two touchdowns but threw an interception and lost a fumble in the fourth quarter. Christian Watson caught six passes for 147 yards and both of Love’s scores.
Wentz finished 12 of 19 for 133 yards and three touchdowns. Justin Jefferson had eight receptions for 92 yards and two scores.
Murray was evaluated for a concussion after a first-quarter scramble and did not return.
The Packers outgained Minnesota 419 yards to 239 but converted only three of 12 third downs and committed two turnovers.
After the game LaFleur said the questions about finishing will not go away.
“It’s gonna be a topic of conversation for all you guys until we do it,” he told reporters.
Green Bay has now blown double-digit second-half leads in its last three meaningful games against NFC North opponents. The Packers will try to snap the skid next week.
