MINNEAPOLIS — The Vikings **defeated the Packers 23-10** on Sunday at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Jerick McKinnon scored **both Vikings touchdowns**, and Harrison Smith recorded 1.5 sacks and made a **diving interception**, Adam Thielen had **another big day** against Minnesota's arch rival, and Laquon Treadwell's increased opportunity included a **one-handed catch**.
Minnesota's defense **turned up the pressure** on backup quarterback Brett Hundley, and the Vikings were **particularly stingy** again on third downs.
1. Pressure from multiple places
We noted in yesterday's notebook that the Vikings were credited with 13 quarterback hits by press box statisticians (12 on Hundley and one on Aaron Rodgers).
According to analytics site Pro Football Focus, seven Vikings defenders — including all four starters on the defensive line (Everson Griffen, Danielle Hunter, Linval Joseph and Tom Johnson) — posted multiple pressures. Brian Robison was credited with six pressures by PFF (three hurries, three hits) on 28 pass-rushing snaps.
PFF calculated that Hundley was 4-of-11 passing for 36 yards with an interception and passer rating of 8.1 when facing pressure.
2. No-fly zones continue
The Vikings recorded three interceptions for the second time in 2017. In addition to Smith's 15th career pick, Xavier Rhodes and Trae Waynes also picked off Hundley.
PFF calculated that Smith allowed a passer rating of 16.7 on balls thrown into his coverage area (two receptions on four targets for 12 yards; Smith also broke up a pass).
Rhodes allowed four completions on seven targets for 28 yards for an allowed passer rating of 26.8. He allowed just two yards after catches and has not missed a tackle in 2017.
3. A Case for play action
Minnesota was able to establish the run early and build on that success with play-action passes by Case Keenum, who started in Purple for the fourth time.
The Vikings totaled 112 rush yards on 33 attempts, and Keenum completed 24 of 38 passes for 239 yards. He threw one touchdown and also suffered his first interception of the season, finishing with a passer rating of 78.7.
PFF split statistics on when the Vikings used play action and when they didn't. The site had the quarterback at 5-of-9 passing for 80 yards and a touchdown (passer rating of 122.5) on play-action passes and at 19-for-29 with 159 yards and the pick (passer rating of 65.2) on "normal dropbacks."
