My Thoughts from Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings (9/13/2026)

 Here are my thoughts from today's 39-22 Green Bay Packers loss at the Minnesota Vikings:

That first Christian Watson catch was a thing of beauty. After Jordan Love had his career-long touchdown pass, Packers' fans should be salivating about the potential that pairing offers if Watson can stay healthy.

Based solely on this game, I think Love finally has a number one receiver in Watson as well. They haven't had a true go-to guy since Davante Adams was traded Watson's rookie year. 

At minimum, I like Love's weapons. Less was more this season, reducing the number of receivers on the roster but giving him players who can make plays. Even Matthew Golden, who unfairly was criticized for not being a big enough part of the offense last year, was earning his draft status.

The PAT miss by Trey Smack brought back some bad memories of Green Bay's recent history of kicking problems. He's young so I'm going to give him the benefit of the doubt though, especially after that 59-yard field goal earlier in the game.

I'm a big fan of protecting the quarterback and wasn't quiet when the referees missed Love being struck in the head. However, I'm not sure what Javon Bullard was supposed to do to avoid a flag on that unnecessary roughness penalty. He was going low and committing to a tackle when Kyler Murray slid late. Murray hit Bullard with his head, not the other way around.

Ironically, his injury seemed to help the Vikings. The offense seemed to move much more efficiently with backup Carson Wentz despite the difference in mobility, though there were times when it was also clear why he isn't the preferred starter.

I hope Green Bay does the right thing and re-signs Bo Melton the main roster. I get why they cut him and immediately signed him to the practice squad, to avoid having his salary guaranteed. He is such a valuable member of the special teams though, demonstrating that throughout this game,and it would really stink if another team, recognizing that, stole him away.

I thought the defense played well. Micah Parsons will hopefully take things up a notch when he's healthy, but the quarterback pressures were there and the playmakers like Justin Jefferson were kept under control for most of the game. I especially liked the aggressiveness when the momentum shifted in the Vikings' favor late. It's just too bad the penalties, including a questionable roughing the passer call, negated that and kept breathing new life in Minnesota's drive.

I am concerned about the offensive line. It feels a little ironic considering how that was Green Bay's strength for so long but the turnover there was obvious, both with the penalties and the number of times Love was running for his life and taking some ugly hits, especially when they fell behind and Minnesota was able to be extra aggressive.

Special teams had their ups and downs again. There were good plays and then there was the beforementioned missed PAT, the allowed huge kick return and a surprisingly bad punt by Daniel Whelan. It's only the first game but there's still work to be done there.

I was a little surprised to see running back Chris Brooks get the start and bulk of playing time over Marshawn Lloyd. I suspect it had more to do with pass blocking than rushing ability, especially with what I mentioned about the offensive line. At minimum, it is clear the Packers are going to go with running back by committee to start the season.

I had mixed feelings about Matt LaFleur's decision to wipe the fourth quarter field goal off the board. Obviously, had Green Bay successfully converted on 4th down, my opinion might be different but while I appreciate a coach who is aggressive and takes risks, there's a big difference between choosing the penalty when it is 4th-and-inches versus 4th-and-1. It was a decision that let the Vikings take the lead and get all the momentum, leading to another late game collapse. 

Frankly, it was the same kind of meltdown that probably should have gotten LaFleur fired after last season.