Not every Packers fan is also a Bucks fan, but those that feel like they’re living a year-long nightmare. Bucks’ fans watched their head coach stubbornly doing nothing new when Milwaukee’s system looked pedestrian and not playoff-worthy. Now those same fans are watching their football team who still cannot stop the run despite all of the signs of needing to win a Super Bowl. Dalvin Cook ran absolutely wild sending a warning shot to the Packers’ defense. Green Bay lacked the energy on defense and looked ahead to a big matchup with San Francisco. Credit to Minnesota for throwing the kitchen sink at Green Bay.

Player of the Game: Dalvin Cook – It is hard not to give someone else the player of the game. He took over the game in the late second quarter and never gave it back. Cook finished with 30 carries on 163 yards and three touchdowns on the ground. Cook also caught two passes for 63 yards and a touchdown too. Cook hasn’t had big games against Packers in the past, but this was a complete eruption. Green Bay had no answer for Cook.

Honorable Mention: Davante Adams – Despite the Packers’ defensive struggles, Davante Adams was incredible again today. He torched Minnesota’s cornerbacks all game long. Adams finished with three touchdowns on seven catches. He didn’t get much yardage, but Adams was a beast around the red zone. Is there a better wide receiver around the end zone? I don’t think so. He is so great in that area of the field.

One Thing I Liked: Packers didn’t entirely roll over offensively – So this is the first time Matt LaFleur’s team lost by less than 10 points. That’s a bit encouraging. Green Bay had a pulse for the final minutes of the game. If Aaron Rodgers doesn’t get hit, he has two real shots at the end zone to win this football game. This felt a little different than the other losses for LaFleur’s bunch.

One Thing I Didn’t Like: Pettine needs to believe in run defenses – Mike Pettine cannot keep doing this especially against teams like Minnesota. The philosophy of wanting a team to beat with you the run only works when the team has a stud quarterback. Seattle or Arizona might be good examples of this. But not against Minnesota. Let Kirk Cousins beat you. Stack the box, make Cook’s life hell, and live with your corners guarding one on one. Adjustments are needed immediately.

Next up: Green Bay goes to San Francisco on a short week. I dreaded this game thinking there would be real blowout potential. And while everyone is doom or gloom about this one, have you seen San Francisco’s team right now? They’re so banged up. Packers catch a break, and they need to do their job here. Win here, it’s 6-2 for the first half of the season. Drop this game and it’s 5-3 where you’re not entirely safe playoff-wise.

Charlie.