The initial sign that the Vikings’ fortunes this season would be very different from a year ago came 5 minutes, 43 seconds into their regular-season opener against Green Bay.
The Packers got the ball at their own 25-yard line after the Vikings scored a touchdown on a 10-play, 78-yard drive on the opening possession. Green Bay saw an opportunity to tie it quickly as Aaron Rodgers launched a deep pass down the right side for rookie wide receiver Christian Watson. Watson had gotten behind veteran cornerback Patrick Peterson and would have scored easily — if he had caught that perfectly thrown ball.
