The Vikings may have had their share of struggles over the past several weeks, but the Packers aren't counting out their division rivals.
In a podium session with Green Bay media Wednesday, Packers Defensive Coordinator Dom Capers said he's been impressed with quarterback Sam Bradford's accuracy throughout the season. The Packers last played the Vikings in Week 2, which was Bradford's first start for Minnesota.
Capers said Bradford's high completion percentage and low interception rate were beneficial for the Vikings after Adrian Peterson was sidelined with a torn meniscus.
"He gets the ball out quick, a real quick-rhythm passer," Capers said of Bradford. "So when he gets the ball out on time, he's very accurate."
When looking at Minnesota's offense, Capers said the challenge can be that Bradford has a number of target options. Capers has been especially impressed with receiver Stefon Diggs in his second year. Against the Packers on Sept. 18, Diggs recorded nine catches for 182 yards and a touchdown.
"He's an explosive guy in and out of his breaks," Capers said of Diggs before also emphasizing tight end Kyle Rudolph and wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson.
"I have a lot of respect for Rudolph," Capers said. "He's a big guy that's probably their next [option]. Patterson is a guy you always have to be aware of, because they can get him the ball on the tear screens or the reverses, and we know what he is with the ball in his hands. He's one of the very best because he's big, strong, and he can take it the distance. He's really a good runner with the ball."
Here are some additional highlights of what the Packers said about the Vikings this week:
Know the Green Bay Packers key contributors on offense, defense and special teams heading into the first regular season game at U.S. Bank Stadium.
McCarthy is 112-61-1 in his 11th season as head coach of the Green Bay Packers.
Nelson is the Packers leader in receptions (82), receiving yards (1,037) and receinving touchdowns (12) after missing all of last season with a torn ACL.
Rodgers has thrown seven touchdowns and zero interceptions during the Packers current four-game winning streak.
Cobb has 60 receptions, 610 receiving yards and has caught four touchdowns this season.
The 6-foot-3, 255-pound linebacker has 11.0 career sacks against the Vikings.
Third-year receiver Davante Adams has career-highs in targets (105), yards (922), and touchdowns (nine) this season.
Crosby is 24-28 (85.7%) on field goal attempts this season.
Clinton-Dix has five interceptions this season which is tied for first in the NFC.
Mike McCarthy revealed in his press conference Monday that Sam Shields has been placed on NFL's concussion protocol this week after making a tackle on running back T.J. Yeldon.
Julius Peppers is in his 15th NFL season and is first among active players on the NFL sacks leader list (143.5).
Michael has 104 rushing yards on 24 attempts with the Packers after being waived by the Seattle Seahawks and signed by Green Bay in November.
Guion was drafted by Minnesota in the fifth round of the 2008 NFL Draft. Guion played for the Vikings from 2008-13, where he appeared in 68 games with 31 starts.
Montgomery has a career-high of 162 rushing yards last week against the Chicago Bears.
Packers Head Coach Mike McCarthy on Vikings veterans:
"I have a lot of respect for their football team, and with the veteran leadership and experience they have on defense, it definitely seems like it's gone fast. I can remember Chad Greenway when he was drafted there. Brian Robison seems like he's been there forever, and he's playing well. Everson Griffen and [Packers linebacker Clay Matthews] coming out of USC the same year. UCLA and Anthony Barr, Terence Newman all the way back to K-State, and Harrison Smith is another outstanding football player. This is clearly one of the best defenses we play year in and year out."
Packers wide receiver Jordy Nelson on Xavier Rhodes:
"It's a good [challenge]. He was out when we played them in Week 2, but I've played him before. Big, strong, athletic guy and a smart player. It'll be a hard challenge, but those are the games you look forward to, when you go against some of the better guys in this league and battle it out for four quarters. When you get these challenges, you accept them. Hopefully that goes both ways; we have a lot of respect for the way he plays and what he's done over his short career so far."
Packers linebacker Datone Jones on Saturday's game:
"I feel like it's going to be a great game. I feel like in the Week 2 game, both teams competed hard. Their defense played well, they had a lot of explosive plays, and we just need to cut that out."
Packers Special Teams Coordinator Ron Zook on Vikings return game:
"Pretty good returners coming in here this week … These two guys (Cordarrelle Patterson and Marcus Sherels) are special. I don't think there's any question that they're the guys that can change a game, and like I told our guys, it's going to be a great challenge, a great opportunity for us. We have to get down and cover."
"They have to be up there if they're not [the best tandem in the league…] When you look at the two guys and what they're capable of doing, what they've done, it's going to be a definite challenge. When you get into these weather conditions the ball doesn't travel as far, so now you have to deal with that. Placement of the ball and obviously our coverage lanes and things like that are at a premium."
