Stars, studs and duds from Packers’ win over Vikings in Week 17
The Green Bay Packers demolished the Minnesota Vikings at Lambeau Field to even the team’s record at 8-8 and create a scenario in which a win over the Detroit Lions next Sunday night will clinch a playoff berth.
Here are the stars, studs and duds from the Packers’ 41-17 win in Week 17:
Stars
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RB Aaron Jones: One blemish in his work was Sunday’s missed opportunity on an Aaron Rodgers long play, where the ball bounced off his sideline hands. Jones managed to rush for 111 yards on 14 carries. He ran three times over 10 yards and ran a 31-yarder.
DL Kenny Clark The game was almost over when the veteran defensive lineman scored a strip sack on Kirk Cousins, and then a fumble recovery to begin the second half. Clark was facing a third-string center for the majority of the game.
CB Jaire Alexander: To negate Justin Jefferson’s All-Pro receiver, he followed Jefferson around and played physical media coverage at the line. Jefferson’s only catch came against quarters coverage in Adrian Amos’ zone. Alexander ended a long attempt to Jefferson from the sideline in the first period.
KR Keisean Nixon: While he played just three snaps in the game, his 105-yard kickoff returns changed the course of the game.
Studs
DL TJ Sklaton: The 340-pounder was an obstruction in the middle of the defense against run. He also deflected two passes including one that was intercepted. Three of Slaton’s tackles came within two yards of the line of scrimmage, including a tackle for loss on 3rd-and-goal and another for no gain.
WR Allen Lazard Five catches, 59 yards, four first downs. Although his numbers don’t jump out of the page, he quietly makes a few winning plays every week.
K Mason Crosby Crosby, 38, hit a 56-yarder from the crossbar just before halftime. Crosby hasn’t missed since Week 10.
CB Rasul Douglas He broke up a pass intended to Adam Thielen, and his deflection led to Darnell Savage’s 75-yard interception return touchdown.
LT David Bakhtiari Missing three games with an appendectomy didn’t phase him. He was a great pass pro at left tackle.
Duds
CB Corey Ballentine: The reserve corner was trailing the play on Jalen Nailor’s long touchdown, and he gave up a touchdown to KJ Osborn in garbage time.