Is the Vikings’ offense hitting high gear?

With Aaron Jones out this week for sure, do you possibly see Randall Cobb/Aaron Rodgers lining up in the backfield for some screen passes?

I don’t think the Packers are going to get too far away from what they do. We’ve seen Cobb run some motions in and out of the backfield already, so that could continue or increase, sure.

Won’t the Vikings just key on Dillon?

We’ll see. Will they add a safety to the box and play single high, leaving either Adams or MVS in single coverage? That’s always the dilemma.

What new challenges (wrinkles, personnel, etc.) might Zimmer’s defense present this week? Or is it the same old Vikings defense of years’ past?

A lot of personnel has changed, especially up front and at corner, compared to prior years. But Zimmer is still going to show that double A gap blitz look and either bring it or drop out of it, back and forth, to keep the Packers guessing. That’s how they try to keep protection units off balance.

Any thoughts on the possibility of the Bears and Vikings home games being flexed out of Sunday night. There appears to be some good alternatives to the Packers Vikings contest. Especially after the Pack crushes the Vikings this Sunday.

The Packers are always such a strong national TV draw that I don’t recall them ever being flexed out of a Sunday night game except when Rodgers wasn’t playing, no matter the opponent.

Is this a make or break game for Zimmer?

In terms of his job status? I don’t think so. As mentioned, it’s make-or-break if the Vikings want a shot at the division title. But even with a loss, they’ll still be right in the hunt for a wild-card spot the rest of the way with some more wins.

Way back when, the USFL operated with an 18 game season. I prefer 16 to 17 or 18, but its kind of remarkable that the NFL stayed with 16 games for 42 years.

Yeah, that is a long time for anything to stay the same in professional sports.

I hope the Packers don’t forget about Thielen.

Oh, they won’t. He’s had plenty of strong games against GB over the years, and a whale of a third offensive option after Cook and Jefferson. This Vikings offense has had its ups and downs, but if last week was a sign they’re putting it together, this will be a huge test for GB’s defense.

What does TBLS stand for?

It’s an acronym for Tim Boyle Laser Show, which generated from the beat writers watching Boyle firing passes during training camp practices and preseason games. His arm is no joke. We really enjoyed having him around, and were impressed with what he made of himself as an NFL QB considering his nondescript college career. He’s a good dude and a good story.

Over/under 10 times for the stupid Vikings horn?

They blow it every first down, don’t they? That would be something if the Packers’ D could keep it under 10.

Cousins can make plays but to me seems inconsistent

Agreed, and it’s usually dependent on his offensive line, a unit the Vikings have struggled to get any consistency with over the years. Cousins can hurt you, but he can also force things when the pressure in the pocket cranks up.

The Packers need this kind of test, we can see where we stand when the pressure is on.

I think the Packers have been tested plenty this year, but this will be another one against a very familiar opponent that has a ton on the line.

Aaron Jones out for the next couple of games is truly unfortunate and he is one of my favorites. However, has there been some physical reason his production is down this year? The gashing runs from the previous years are missing it seems…

Back in October, the Packers were facing a run of opponents with really stout defensive fronts. About 4-5 weeks in a row against top 10 units in that regard. I think that’s the biggest reason. The Packers have still been able to run the ball effectively and productively, even without as many explosive runs.

Do the Vikings still pump in all the artificial crowd noise like they used to? I find that really cheap especially in an indoor stadium. I never understood how that is fair by NFL rules considering how picky they are on everything.

They do it, Seattle does it (outdoors). It is cheap, but it’s part of the “charm” of those places, I guess.

It seems AJ is just one trip or one small cut away from some longer gains.

No doubt. Remember the long Jones run in Cincy late in the game? He made two guys miss in the hole and that’s what turns a good run into a great one. One of these times when the hole is there for Dillon, he’s going to make the safety miss and be off to the races.

All right, folks, with that I’m going to sign off. All the best to everyone and we’ll chat again next week. Take care, Mike