Packers win

No gloating today, but a few thoughts about how my beloved Packers beat the Vikings 30-13 yesterday at TCF Bank Stadium:

• It looked like the Vikings were so amped up that they lost their composure and were not able to maintain the level of intensity they brought early on. I've seen a fair amount of the Vikings this season and they have, in most games, been focused and disciplined in their approach. They took way too many penalties, especially early on.
• The Packers haven't solved their problems, but running the ball effectively made a big difference. Going into the game, I thought the Corey Linsley vs. Linal Joseph matchup would be key, but Linsley was injured early on and the Packers brought in their backup center, J.C. Tretter, in his stead. Tretter played very well; many of the best runs in the game were up the middle. Because the Packers were not predictable offensively, Mike Zimmer's defense was not able to key on Aaron Rodgers. When Rodgers has reliable options, he generally wins.
• Teddy Bridgewater played pretty well. He's tougher than he looks, too. I thought he had a broken collarbone for sure when they took him out of the game late in the first half, but he was able to play through whatever injuries he suffered, even though he was getting his butt kicked early and often. One thing that became clear as the game went on -- the Vikings are not very good on the offensive line, especially if they are forced to pass block.
• Cordarrelle Patterson is a bonehead. It's easy to see why he rarely sees the field.
• It's taken a while, but the Packers are finally starting to see some dividends from defensive players Nick Perry and Datone Jones, two first round draft picks who have been disappointing early in their careers. They both had a big impact on the course of the game. 
• It doesn't get any easier for the Vikings -- their schedule is tough over the rest of the season, including trips to Atlanta, Arizona and a return match at Lambeau, along with tough home dates against the Seahawks and Giants. The Packers have a few games left that will be difficult, especially their trip to Arizona, but they should be favored against all their other remaining opponents. Advantage, Pack.