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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Zach Kruse

Packers defense gives up touchdown on opening drive of 2022 season

The Minnesota Vikings drove 78 yards in 10 plays to score a season-opening touchdown against the hyped Green Bay Packers defense on Sunday at U.S. Bank Stadium.

It was nothing short of a shaky start for Joe Barry’s group, which is loaded with high-end talent and expected to ascend to elite status in 2022.

Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins completed seven of eight passes for 73 yards and a 5-yard touchdown pass to Justin Jefferson, who caught three passes for 47 yards.

The Vikings converted an early 3rd-and-5 with a 20-yard completion from Cousins to Jefferson.

The Vikings threw the ball on eight of 10 plays. The Packers struggled to get pressure on Cousins, and Jefferson continually found space against zone coverages.

On the touchdown, Jefferson motioned from left to right and was wide open in the flat. First-year coach Kevin O’Connell went for it on 4th-and-1, and Cousins and Jefferson rewarded his gamble.

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