This is the defense we've waited for. Eight sacks, a pick six, a fumble recovery. It was utterly dominant, albeit it against a team whose offense should be dominated. But I'll be a monkey's uncle if I'm going to dismiss an effort like that. And that's not even to mention the offense yet!

Gang, even with Malik Willis, not even with the team a month, the Packers are one of the most explosive offenses in the league. And that's with a backup for two weeks and not even hitting their stride yet. This team is shaping up, and could continue to do so if a certain #10 makes his return this week.

And with that optimism, let's close down the bar in Nashville and set our sights on a familiar opponent. One so vile... so EVIL... so.... comically inept it brings me so much joy to crush them as often and as mercilessly as possible. So let's raise up the Periscope and crack our knuckles to the past, present and future of the Packers and Vikings.

The Past

The Packers, as they should, lead the all-time series with Minnesota 66-58-3. Of late, though, it's been incredibly even with the teams alternating wins the past 6 matchups. And while I do poke fun at a Super Bowl-less team, let's face it - the Vikings have been a true test for the Packers for a while now, dating back to the Favre years. From Moon to Culpepper to Cousins, they've put together some very good teams. Notice, I say good and not great. Because, ya know, the Super Bowl thing. 

But for this week's focus game, I'm not going back too far. In fact, I'm going back to the most recent match-up possible. Because it was maybe the best New Years' Eve I've ever experience. That's right, fellow Cheeseheads, it's the 33-10 destruction we had the pleasure of witnessing on December 31 of this past year.

Now, if your memory's faded, the Packers needed this one to stay alive in the playoff hunt and force a Win-and-In scenario the following week with Chicago. The Vikings, after losing Kirk Cousins in the prior match-up with the Packers, went through Josh Dobbs, Nick Mullens and something called a Jaren Hall who probably is on an XFL Practice Squad now. So, the Packers were at a pretty big advantage QB-wise, and we learned how big of an advantage that was shortly after the game got started, where Hall couldn't hit the barn side of a broad with a football.

The Packers, however, cooked early and often. To open the scoring, a productive Packers drive stalled out allowing Anders Carlson to hit a 34-yard field goal. On the ensuing possession, Love hit Jayden Reed on a 33-yard touchdown to give the Pack a 10-0 lead at the end of 1.

After a Greg Joseph field goal got the scoring going for Minnesota, Jordan Love took a read option for a goal-line touchdown. Then, after a Vikings turnover, the Packers got one more before half on a 25-yard YAC gold reception again by Reed. At 23-3 at the break, we were in good shape.

The Vikings would switch to Mullens at half, but it was already over. A Bo Melton touchdown from Love, Carlson field goal and garbage time TD to Minnesota sealed up the 33-10 win and de facto playoff game in Week 18.

The Present

Again, I sure hate giving Minnesota their due but in this case I must. They enter the game at 3-0 fresh off a total pummeling of a (we think) very good Houston team. Journeyman Sam Darnold may have found his home and opportunity. After wandering the league, including some flat out bad organizations and backup opportunities, Darnold took over the starting gig after his competition with rookie JJ McCarthy ended abruptly with a season-ending injury.

Since then, Darnold's been nothing short of fantastic. With 8 touchdowns and only two picks already, he's proven more than formidable. Oh and Justin Jefferson remains Justin Jefferson, scoring in each game so far.

And then, there's Aaron Jones. I have nothing bad to say about Aaron Jones, and never will. But he's running as he always has and is a weapon out of the backfield. And I'm sure he's very motivated to play at Lambeau Field this weekend.

Finally, much has been said about Brian Flores and his defense after making life a nightmare for CJ Stroud this past weekend. But just watch the clip above to see if I give a crap about what Brian Flores did last week. We've got Matt LaFleur.

Meanwhile, we'll be looking to the injury report this week to see Jordan Love practicing in a limited fashion, being questionable for Sunday, then coming back for this week's game. Mant pundits - and fans, too - earmarked this game for his return and it's been trending that way since his injury in Brazil.

With our without him, this team has shown it can move the football against the most stout of defenses. But... we're going to want our starting QB for this one.

Defensively, the line went bonkers down in Nashville. While the ends haven't done much yet in the way of pressure, the interior line and pressure packages called up by Jeff Hafley have been awesome. And this is a Minnesota line capable of being overpowered.

The Future

Noon kick Lombardi Time, Lambeau Field. It's looking to be a delightful early fall day, with temperatures in the mid-70s. And as a fan in the stands for the first time since 2019, I'm delighted by that. 

This is a very even match-up with two very explosive offenses, complemented by defenses capable of wreaking some havoc. The Vikings have beaten two quality opponents the last two weeks, both at home. Now comes a road trip - on natural grass - to a likewise very hot team looking to even up the standings.

This is a game circled by both teams - and fans, too. There will be plenty of plays, plenty of hits and plenty of Bang The Drum All Day for the Gold Package faithful come Sunday.