Packers’ Fourth-Quarter Heroics Fall Short in 31-29 Loss to Vikings
The Green Bay Packers faced a significant challenge in their 31-29 loss to the Minnesota Vikings during Week 4 of the 2024 NFL season. The game began with a shaky performance from Jordan Love, who returned to the starting lineup but struggled in the first half. Love completed only 12-of-24 passes, throwing two costly interceptions that contributed to the Packers falling into a 28-0 hole by the third quarter.
His early passes were either overthrown or underthrown, a symptom of rustiness after a lack of playing time since the Packers’ playoff loss in January. The team’s offensive rhythm was disjointed, and Love appeared hesitant to make downfield throws.
However, the game took a dramatic turn in the fourth quarter when the Packers rallied fiercely. Down 28-7, the defense created critical opportunities for a comeback. Keisean Nixon’s blindside strip-sack of Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold, recovered by Edgerrin Cooper, sparked a revival. Jordan Love then orchestrated an 89-yard drive, the Packers’ longest of the season, ending in a 6-yard touchdown pass to Dontayvion Wicks, narrowing the deficit to 28-14.
Immediately after, the Packers scored again when Kraft broke through defenders for a 13-yard touchdown, and a successful two-point conversion pulled them within six points at 28-22. Despite a Vikings’ response that extended the lead to 31-22, Love came alive again, completing a 36-yard bomb to Wicks and eventually finding Wicks again in the end zone for a 17-yard touchdown, making the score 31-29 with less than a minute remaining.
The Packers attempted an onside kick, but the Vikings recovered, ultimately sealing the victory. Despite the defeat, Green Bay’s fourth-quarter fightback showed resilience and determination, with Love finishing the game with four touchdown passes—a career-best performance that nearly brought the Packers back from the brink.
