RECAP: Minnesota Struggles Again in 23-6 Loss to Green Bay

Sunday was a do-or-die game for the Minnesota Vikings (4-7) and their playoff hopes. Those aspirations appear to have all but died on Sunday in a 23-6 loss to the Green Bay Packers (7-3-1). The Vikings went out with a whimper.

The Vikings had a frustrating game against the Packers on the road. Much of it was self-inflicted.

Starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy's struggles are well documented. We have written ad nauseam about the lack of progress that some believe had has made. That said, the difficult game was not all on McCarthy. It was a team effort.

After forcing a punt, Minnesota's return unit inadvertently bumped into a punt on special teams. Trailing 10-6 the forced punt would have given the Vikings an opportunity to take the lead. It did not turn out that way.

Instead, the Vikings' special teams blunder placed Green Bay inside the Minnesota 10-yard line where they would soon score a touchdown to go up 17-6.

From there, McCarthy's offensive line did not do him many favors, stifling opportunities to drive the ball down the field in the passing game. As consistent pressure led to sacks, it became clear McCarthy's bid to bring the Vikings back into the game did not have much of a chance. Green Bay reached five sacks early in the fourth quarter.

The Vikings defense did its part for most of the first three quarters. After holding strong for most of the game, the Green Bay offense wore out the Minnesota offense with the running game. Eventually the Packers ran with ease down the field on the way to another score. The Vikings defense bowed up to limit the damage to a field goal, but it was not difficult to see where the game was going.

With the Vikings now staring at an offseason without a playoff appearance, it will be interesting to see what changes the team makes in the offseason.

Some wonder how long the Vikings will continue to be patient with the J.J. McCarthy development project, but there's more to fix than quarterback for the team.

Sunday's game made it clear that the team stands to upgrade along the offensive line. Between false starts and lack of pass protection or push in the running game, it's certain the team needs more up front.

Wide receivers have not been perfect either, though the team has perhaps the league's best in Justin Jefferson. Sunday's broadcast crew remarked that the team had its highest drop percentage in a decade or more.

In addition, the special teams once again crushed the team's chances at a win again after allowing a 56-yard kickoff return that set up a game-winning kick last week.

There are several variables that need to improve for the Vikings to become a contender again. Barring an improbable run it won't happen this season.