Packers’ late collapse revives finishing concerns after Vikings loss
Green Bay surrendered 22 fourth-quarter points in a 39–22 defeat, despite holding Minnesota to 239 yards and forcing four turnovers.
Edgerrin Cooper said Green Bay needed to correct its late-game problems after the Packers lost 39–22 to Minnesota, renewing a discussion the linebacker said he was tired of having.
“I’m tired of saying this every time. I don’t want to talk about it no more,” Cooper said, while acknowledging the Packers still had to find a solution to their inability to close out games.
Green Bay led 22–10 late in the third quarter before Minnesota scored 29 unanswered points, including 22 in the final quarter. The Packers did not score after the third quarter and ran 21 times for 66 yards.
The defensive performance was stronger across much of the game. Green Bay held Minnesota to 239 yards at 3.9 yards per play, recorded three sacks and intercepted a pass. However, the Packers were penalised 12 times for 98 yards, with five penalties giving Minnesota first downs.
Coach Matt LaFleur said the defence had played well overall, but penalties extended important drives, while the offence created difficult situations in the fourth quarter. Minnesota also changed quarterbacks in the first quarter after Kyler Murray left following a head hit; replacement Carson Wentz threw three touchdown passes.
Right tackle Zach Bako-Bewele framed the defeat as an execution problem, saying the team needed to make plays at critical moments. The result left Green Bay confronting the same closing issue Cooper said he no longer wanted to discuss.
