Packers Defense Struggles Against Darnold’s Aerial Assault

The Green Bay Packers had a tough day against the Minnesota Vikings' passing attack. Quarterback Sam Darnold threw for 377 yards and looked sharp against a Packers defense that was missing key players like Jaire Alexander, Evan Williams, and Quay Walker. Darnold completed an impressive 33 passes out of 46 attempts, targeting open receivers on 67. 4% of his throws. His performance was particularly notable in the middle of the field, where he completed 23 of 27 passes for 257 yards and two touchdowns. The Vikings' receivers were also on fire. Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, Jalen Nailor, and T. J. Hockenson all had at least 60 receiving yards, and each made catches of at least 20 yards. The Packers' pass rush didn't help matters, sacking Darnold just once and hitting him only five times in 43 dropbacks. The Packers defense had a different story a week ago when they shut out the rookie quarterback, Spencer Rattler. But Sunday's game was a wake-up call for the Packers, showing them just how tough top quarterbacks can be. They'll need to get healthy in their defensive backfield and prepare for the playoffs.