Minnesota Vikings: Studs and duds from upset win over Packers in Week 8

Stud: Standing strong late

So far this season, Minnesota’s defense has struggled while opposing offenses have taken advantage of some youth and injuries that have filled the Vikings defensive group on that side of the line of scrimmage.

Many thought the same would occur this weekend on the road against Aaron Rodgers and the Packers, but the Vikings made a stand and held up late to pull out the win.

Minnesota did allow Rodgers and company to go out and tally 14 points in the first half behind a combination of the pass and ground game, but the Vikings shut the Packers down in the second half for the most part.

Even with the injuries and thinness of the defense right now, the Vikings stood strong late and took down a division rival on Sunday.

Dud: Limiting the passing game

One thing the Vikings will have to work on improving moving forward this season is continuing to focus on the passing game and limiting other teams’ ability to air things out on their end. On Sunday against Green Bay, Minnesota allowed the Packers passing game to haul in 27 catches for 291 yards, along with three touchdowns.

Leading the way for Green Bay was Davante Adams with seven catches for 53 yards and three touchdowns followed by Robert Tonyan with five catches for a team-best 79 yards.