Vikings Script Rare NFL History in Comeback Week 1 Win Against Packers

The Packers blow a double digit lead for the fourth time in the last 12 months.

Vikings Script Rare NFL History in Comeback Week 1 Win Against Packers

Justin Jefferson (Image via IMAGO)

The US Bank Stadium went silent after Kyler Murray went down after a vicious collision minutes after kickoff. The Green Bay Packers arrived as favorites to win the NFC North rivalry, and their chances skyrocketed with Carson Wentz calling the shots from under center. The Packers took a 9-0 lead, which increased to 22 points ten minutes into the third quarter.

Wentz struggled to hit the long balls, so Kevin O’Connell switched to ground play. Jordan Mason and Aaron Jones each scored touchdowns. Wentz finally hit his star receiver Justin Jefferson for a score, splitting two Packers defenders after the Vikings snatched a turnover.

The Wentz-Jefferson connection worked again, just four minutes before the final whistle. After receiving the pass close to the touchline, Jefferson threw his body on the pylon for his second and the Vikings’ fifth touchdown of the tie. The Vikings won 39-22.

According to Opta Stats, the Vikings “are the first team in NFL history to be down by 12+ points with under 20 minutes left in regulation and end up winning by 17+ points.”

The Packers are making a weird habit of blowing leads lately. Rob Reischel of Forbes wrote that the Packers have lost a total of four games despite leading by double digits in the last 12 months alone.

In Week 3 last year, the Cleveland Browns won 13-10 after falling behind 10-0 to the Packers. In Week 16, the Chicago Bears trailed their divisional rivals by ten points. Caleb Williams led a game-winning drive to secure a 22-16 victory. Williams repeated the same in the playoffs. The Packers held a 27-16 lead with five minutes left before Williams threw the decisive TD pass to win the game. And now the Vikings came back from 12 points behind to win by 17.

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What happened to Kyler Murray?

Murray began his Vikings adventure with an interception. A few minutes later came the telling blow. Murray went on one of his trademark scrambles to secure a first down, but a couple of Packers defenders tackled him before reaching his destination.

Vikings Script Rare NFL History in Comeback Week 1 Win Against Packers
Kyler Murray joined the Vikings in the offseason after the Arizona Cardinals released him (Image via IMAGO)

Murray stayed down on the ground. Replays showed Packers Javon Bullard and Lukas Van Ness colliding with the former first-overall draft pick. Murray’s arms were extended to the side, indicating a possible concussion. The Vikings took him immediately and replaced him with Wentz.

Reporters asked Kevin O’Connell about Murray’s condition in the post-game presser.

Have no update at this time on how those evaluations and things have gone. [We will] take it day by day and see how he comes in tomorrow.

O’Connell said

According to ESPN’s Kevin Seifert, O’Connell saw Murray in the locker room chatting with Wentz and his other teammates.

By the time I got out there, he was totally conscious and talking. They were just going through the normal evaluations. At this point in time, I don’t have a lot to update.

O’Connell said

Murray signed with the Vikings earlier in the year. He edged out both JJ McCarthy and Wentz for the starter’s job during the offseason camp. However, depending on the medical evaluation, he could spend time on the sidelines.

Wentz took over and did a decent job on Sunday. He went 12-for-19 for 133 yards and threw 3 touchdowns. Jordan Mason and Aaron Jones collectively rushed for 99 yards and 2 scores. Justin Jefferson caught 8 passes for 92 yards and 2 scores, while tight end TJ Hockenson added another.

The Vikings continue their rivalry tour with a trip to the Windy City in Week 2 to face off against the Chicago Bears. They each won one game last year.

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