The Packers entered Sunday's NFC North showdown with the Vikings looking to kick off their fourth straight march to a division title. They left looking like one of the conference's most questionable contenders, falling 23-7 to their rivals. Although reigning MVP Aaron Rodgers was mostly sharp on his own, his supporting cast post-Davante Adams left a lot to be desired. Minnesota, meanwhile, rolled early and often with the ball in its hands, with star receiver Justin Jefferson exploding for a handful of big plays as part of a more pass-oriented attack from new coach Kevin O'Connell.
Here are some instant takeaways from Sunday's big Vikings victory:
Why the Vikings won
They have one of the best skill groups in the NFL. Justin Jefferson remained a walking highlight reel as the team's top target, regularly finding wide-open space to the tune of almost 190 receiving yards and a pair of scores. And his quarterback, Kirk Cousins, was nearly flawless operating Kevin O'Connell's offense, averaging almost 9 yards per attempt. Dalvin Cook was more of a closer in this game, but his speed was also felt. Defensively, new coordinator Ed Donatell's unit was arguably just as impressive, with the new linebacker pairing of Jordan Hicks and Za'Darius Smith applying heat to Rodgers and safety Harrison Smith headlining a goal-line stand and picking off a first-half deep ball from A-Rod.
Why the Packers lost
You guessed it: Rodgers had nobody to throw to. It's been a concern ever since the team dealt Adams, but the concern was justified watching Rodgers try -- and often fail -- to extend plays, only to find that no one was separating downfield. When A.J. Dillon, whose toughness at one point threatened to bring Green Bay back, is your leading receiver, that's a problem. Rookie Christian Watson was the obvious culprit, dropping an early would-be TD bomb, but the front office is the bigger source of the issue. The Packers' line was also shoddy at certain points. As for the "D," it held tight when it mattered late, but only after allowing Jefferson to waltz where he wanted and give Minnesota a big lead.
Turning point
You might say Watson's drop on the first play of the Packers' first offensive series set the wrong tone for Green Bay's day, but the tide really turned in the Vikings' favor when Rodgers heaved a desperation throw to Randall Cobb just before halftime. Down 17, he was in dire need of a chunk play, but Harrison Smith easily outmuscled Cobb on the jump ball for the pick, sending the Packers into the break down three scores and without any offensive rhythm to build on.
Play of the game
Give it to Jefferson, who somehow found a field full of green grass on a crossing route late in the second quarter, and then went the extra mile to score his second touchdown of the day:
What's next
The Vikings (1-0) will go to prime time for a "Monday Night Football" matchup with the Eagles (1-0), who edged the Lions in a 38-35 back-and-forth in Detroit. The Packers (0-1), meanwhile, will hit the "Sunday Night Football" stage for another NFC North matchup, this time with the Bears (1-0), who upset the 49ers in sloppy conditions.