Packers QB Questions are Forcing the Vikings to Prep for Two QBs
It’s officially Packers’ week. The Minnesota Vikings will head to Lambeau Field on Sunday to take on the Green Bay Packers for what will be talked about as a “big” game. Although this is the first divisional game of the season for the Vikings, the stakes are high.
With a loss, the Vikings drop out of first place in the NFC North. With a win, the Vikings would essentially be up two games on their biggest rival. A team that will certainly be in playoff contention later on this season. There’s a long season ahead, but to start 1-0 in the division would be massive for a team looking to remain undefeated.
Kevin O’Connell preparing for Jordan Love and Malik Willis
To know surprise, the Packers will keep their starting quarterback decision close to their vest. Jordan Love, their starting quarterback, hasn’t played since week one where he injured his knee against the Philadelphia Eagles. The Packers traded with the Tennessee Titans, just before the season started, for Malik Willis who has won two consecutive games.
In Monday’s pressor, head coach Kevin O’Connell stated that the team will prepare for both quarterbacks throughout the week. Both quarterbacks have completely different play styles, so this will make it a tough task for O’Connell and Co. to put together a complete game plan.
The @Vikings will prepare for both #Packers QBs Jordan Love and Malik Willis this week, per HC Kevin O'Connell.
— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) September 23, 2024
Most reports believe Jordan Love is set to return this week. pic.twitter.com/Fhhl9d7LRo
Brian Flores gives credit to Packers head coach Matt LaFleur
Not only is O’Connell game planning for both Packers’ quarterbacks, but defensive coordinator Brian Flores is as well. In Tuesday’s pressor, Flores had some high praise for Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur. Specifically, how well he’s coached the last couple weeks with Love injured.
#Vikings DC Brian Flores, via @Alec_Lewis, on #Packers HC Matt LaFleur today:
— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) September 24, 2024
"I don't think it's being talked about enough what's going on over there with Malik Willis. For Matt to go in his bag and be a West Coast guy, then turn around and he's got this whole zone-read RPO… pic.twitter.com/qqBCdtNL4C
I don’t think it’s being talked about enough what’s going on over there with Malik Willis. For Matt to go in his bag and be a West Coast guy, then turn around and he’s got this whole zone-read RPO counter read … impressive.
Defensive Coordinator Brian Flores at Tuesday’s Pressor
Best guess at which QB starts on Sunday for the Packers
Yesterday, LaFleur told Packers media that Love will practice in limited capacity this week. Similar to what he did last week where he eventually was listed as questionable heading into game day. Love was then later declared out a couple hours before kickoff.
#Packers HC Matt LaFleur said yesterday that QB Jordan Love will be "limited" this week in practice "then work it day-by-day".
— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) September 24, 2024
Love is widely expected to return by many this Sunday in a big NFC North battle against the #Vikings.
“I think anybody that saw what happened to him,… pic.twitter.com/FjpJW0G95A
I think anybody that saw what happened to him, that’s a legitimate injury. He’s working through it. He’s doing everything in his power to be out there. We want him out there.
Green Bay Packers Head Coach Matt LaFleur at Monday’s Pressor
This will likely be the case this week as well making the Vikings to devote time preparing for both quarterbacks all week. The Packers organization typically leans on the conservative side regarding injured players. With that said, all signs seem to point toward Love making his return this Sunday given how close he was to playing last week.
Overall, the Minnesota Vikings will have their hands full regardless of who’s playing quarterback. The Packers have a very talented team and have shown that the last three weeks.
Related: Cris Carter, Stephen A Smith Go at it Over Vikings’ Legitimacy
In the end, with Willis playing well, do the Packers take a chance in a critical game putting Love out there, possibly before he’s ready, or do they continue to play it safe for the long haul of the season? The Minnesota Vikings’ defense will have its work cut out for them regardless.
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