The Green Bay Packers lost 27-25 to the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, dropping their record to 11-5. Minnesota, now at 14-2, claimed the top spot in the NFC and the NFC North division. A win against the Detroit Lions next week would secure the division title and the number one NFC seed for the Vikings.
Packers tight end Tucker Kraft caught two passes for 53 yards but was criticized by Vikings fans on social media for a low block that resulted in an injury to Minnesota’s pass rusher, Pat Jones II.
In a press conference, Packers head coach Matt LaFleur defended Kraft, stating that the block was legal and a common tactic used by both teams. LaFleur insisted that low blocks are part of the game and, while acknowledging NFL efforts to reduce them, argued that players need to avoid being out of control to prevent such hits. He also commented on similar plays across the league, referencing Detroit’s Kerby Joseph, without directly naming him, and suggested low hits should be banned entirely.
