The Vikings Have A Unique Edge Against Aaron Rodgers

The name Aaron Rodgers probably still strikes some fear into Minnesota Vikings fans’ hearts.

For years, the future Hall of Fame quarterback dominated the NFC North, winning 11 division titles, a Super Bowl, and four MVPs with the Green Bay Packers. He’s had his fair share of moments against the Vikings, and this Sunday will be the next installment.

Rodgers has not faced any team more often than the Vikings. In 30 games against Minnesota, he’s 17-12-1, completing over 650 passes for 7,400 yards and 59 touchdowns. He’s had more completions and yards against the Vikings than any other team, and he’s only scored more touchdowns against the Chicago Bears.

He may be four years removed from being league MVP, but Rodgers is still Rodgers. Rodgers overcame an Achilles tear in 2023 and is now in his 21st year in the league, still slinging it with the best of them. He discussed joining the Vikings with O'Connell at one point during the offseason, but now Minnesota gets the honor of facing him.

This will be the second year in a row the Vikings take on Rodgers in an international game. Last season, Minnesota beat Rodgers’ New York Jets 23-17 in a matchup where they picked him off three times, the most interceptions he’s thrown in a single game.

More than anything, a game like that gives the Vikings an edge when it comes to facing Rodgers, despite his pedigree. Their experience with him as a franchise, combined with their recent success against him, suggests they have a blueprint for success. The film also reveals some glaring weaknesses and demonstrates that Rodgers is not the same QB fans have come to know.

After spending millions to improve the trenches this offseason, Minnesota’s defensive line will get its money’s worth on Sunday. The key to stopping Rodgers is making him move around in the backfield. That was an advantage for him in the past, but now the 41-year-old struggles when he has to leave the pocket.

We can look at Pittsburgh’s only loss this year as an example. The Seattle Seahawks pressured Rodgers on 40.5% of his dropbacks, nearly double the amount of pressure the Jets and New England Patriots mustered, and the most he’s been pressured since 2022.

Javon Hargrave, Jonathan Allen, Jalen Redmond, and Levi Drake Rodriguez will look to make life a living hell for the four-time MVP. Last year, all 10 of his highest-pressure games resulted in losses, and the Vikings have the second-highest pressure rate in the NFL thus far (33.7%).

While the D-line is collapsing the pocket, it’ll be up to the secondary to match up man-to-man. That’s a tall task with the likes of 6’4” D.K. Metcalf and 6’3” Jonnu Smith, but this will ensure Rodgers doesn’t have an easy time making throws. Man-to-man coverage won’t allow the receivers to get much separation and will force Rodgers into some tight windows. He threw all three of his interceptions against the Vikings last year in man-to-man.

There’s a good chance the Vikings will take advantage of this coverage thanks to their highly rated pass defense. Minnesota has given up the third-fewest yards through the air (485) and is tied for the fewest touchdowns (two). Isaiah Rodgers’ perfect game last Sunday made him PFF’s highest-graded corner this season, while Harrison Smith is not far behind as the No. 9 safety.

The problem is, the Vikings run zone coverage at the second-highest rate in the league (84.1%). They do it effectively, but playing zone against Rodgers would make it easier for him to find the spots he wants in the defense.

That’s where defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ disguises will come in handy. Flores does a tremendous job mixing and matching what he shows at the line of scrimmage, sometimes showing blitz, Cover 2, and Cover 4 pre-snap before ultimately changing everything before the ball is snapped. The personnel he’s offered allows him to do this, with guys like Josh Metellus being able to play every position on the field.

I don’t doubt Rodgers’ ability to diagnose a defense, given his 20-plus years of experience. Still, if last year’s game is any indication, then Flores can still create mixed signals before the snap.

The other key will be keeping Rodgers and company at arm’s length. The Vikings will succeed if they can force a lot of third-and-long situations. Not only were all three of Rodgers’ interceptions against Minnesota last year on third-and-seven or longer, but opposing QBs are 1-18 on long third down conversions versus the Vikings this season.

For what it’s worth, Rodgers has a 66% completion percentage on third and long this year with three first downs. Whoever can come out on top in those situations will have the upper hand.

Rodgers is no longer in his prime, and his MVP days are likely behind him. But he’s still a major threat, and if anyone knows Rodgers (and how to stop him) more than himself, it’s the Vikings.