Packers fall apart after late gamble backfires as Vikings rally to stun rivals without Kyler Murray

The Green Bay Packers held a 12-point second-half lead Sunday against a Vikings team playing without its starting quarterback.

But a late gamble backfired, and a serious of questionable calls in Minnesota’s favor allowed the Vikings to rally for a stunning 39-22 win. By the end of the game, Minnesota’s defense had taken over, and the Vikings piled on with 22 fourth-quarter points.

They secured the win despite playing most of the game without injured starting quarterback Kyler Murray, who left the game in the first quarter with a concussion following a reckless hit to his head by Packers safety Javon Bullard.

With backup Carson Wentz in at quarterback for the Vikings, Green Bay largely bottled up Minnesota’s offense in the first half with the exception of a 39-yard touchdown pass to Justin Jefferson. The Packers held a 22-10 late in third quarter, then faced a pivoltal decsion early in the fourth.

The Packers kicked a field goal to extend their lead to 25-17. But a Vikings penalty on the kick presented head coach Matt LaFleur with a decision: keep the field goal or take the points off the board for a shot to keep the drive alive.

LaFleur took the points off the board, and the Packers went for it on fourth and a long one. They didn’t get it. Vikings defenders stuffed Jordan Love’s sneak short, and the Vikings took over on downs.

The Packers appeared to stop the the ensuing drive short of midfield. But a questionable roughing the passer penalty on a hit of Wentz extended the drive.

Green Bay’s defense then appeard to come up with another play in end zone with an interception of Wentz. But another bordrline penalty — this time holding on Xavier McKinney — bailed Wentz out and gave the Vikings life once again.

The Vikings capitalized on their good fortune. Aaron Jones ran for a touchdown on the next play, and a 2-point conversion gave Minnesota a 25-22 lead.

Then the Vikings piled on. On the ensuing, Green Bay possession, the Vikings forced a fumble on a third-down sack of Jordan Love.

They recovered the ball in the red zone, and converted the turnover into a Jordan Mason touchdown for a 32-22 lead.

Two Packers plays later, James Pierre intercepted Love, and the Vikings converted that turnover into Jefferson’s second touchdown catch of the day and a 39-22 lead. What not long before was a game that Green Bay controlled had turned into a Vikings blowout and satisfied “Skol” chants throughout U.S. Bank Stadium.

This story will be updated.