NFC North – Week 15 Divisional Recap
The Vikings and Lions took care of business, the Packers and Bears are going to miss the playoffs.
Minnesota Vikings 11-3
Detroit Lions 8-6
Green Bay Packers 7-7
Chicago Bears 4-10
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Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings took care of the Cincinnati Bengals at home 34-7.
What they did well
The Vikings got out of the gates quickly with a 17 point first quarter. They scored a touchdown on their first drive, then Eric Kendricks ran an interception back for a 31 yard touchdown. Case Keenum was completed 20 of 23 passes for 236 yards and 2 touchdowns. Latavius Murray and Jerick McKinnon combined for 100 rushing yards and a touchdown, while McKinnon added another 117 yards on 7 receptions.
Where they needed improvement
Teddy Bridgewater came in for Keenum on the last 3 drives and did not do so well. He threw an interception with his first attempt that led to Cincinnati’s only score of the game. His only other pass attempt was an incomplete pass on third and four, forcing a punt. His last drive was all in victory formation, so he finished 0 for 2 with an interception.
What is Next
The Vikings travel to Green Bay to take on the Packers for Saturday Night Football in Week 16.
Detroit Lions
The Lions handled the Chicago Bears at home in a 20-10 win.
What they did well
The Lions intercepted the ball 3 times, including 2 from Darius Slay, leading to 7 points. Matthew Stafford threw for 2 touchdowns and no interceptions. Marvin Jones finished with 85 yards on just 3 catches. Theo Riddick averaged over 6 yards per carry.
Where they needed improvement
The Lions gave up 4 sacks as the Bears applied the pressure. Even though Riddick was gaining 6 yards per carry, he only had 8 rushes before coming out of the game in the fourth quarter with a wrist injury. The defense gave up 314 passing yards to a struggling quarterback.
What is Next
The Lions travel to Cincinnati to take on the Bengals in Week 16.
Green Bay Packers
The Packers were not able to secure a win in Carolina as the Panthers held on for a 31-24 win.
What they did well
Aaron Rodgers came back from a broken collarbone, but was unable to lead the Packers to a win. He threw for 290 yards and 3 touchdowns, one each to Reggie Cobb, Richard Rodgers, and Davante Adams. The Packers ran for 120 yards, including 43 from Rodgers. They put up 24 points on a tough Panther defense.
Where they needed improvement
It was obvious that Rodgers did not have all of his arm strength back. He tried to make some plays that he is used to making, but the ball did not get there, as evidenced by his 3 interceptions. Geronimo Allison added a fumble, and they lost the turnover battle 4-0.The Packer defense also had a problem covering Greg Olson, who caught 9 balls for 116 yards and a touchdown.
What is Next
The Packers host the Minnesota Vikings on Saturday Night Football in Week 16.
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Chicago Bears
The Bears lost to the Lions in Detroit 20-10.
What they did well
Mitch Trubisky set career highs with 31 completions on 46 attempts for 314 yards. Kendall Wright led the receivers with 7 catches for 81 yards and Josh Bellamy added 70 yards on 5 catches. Lamaar Houston had 2 of the 4 sacks for the Bear defense.
Where they needed improvement
Trubisky also set a career high by throwing 3 interceptions. One of them led to a Viking touchdown and another ended the game. They were down 13-0 in the second quarter and were not able to get much going. The Bears were penalized 13 times for 97 yards and gave up 4 first downs on penalties.
What is Next
The Bears host the winless Cleveland Browns in Week 16.