Late in the third quarter of SundayâÂÂs Week 1 game at U.S. Bank Stadium, the Packers controlled the game, with a 22-10 lead.
Then came the latest melting of the cheese.
The Vikings scored the final 29 points of the game, becoming the first team who trailed by 12 or more with less than 20 minutes left in a game to win by 17 or more points.
ItâÂÂs the most recent example of a very troubling trend for the Packers.
In last yearâÂÂs wild-card game against the Bears, the Packers led at the half, 21-3. They were then outscored 28-6 in the second half before losing 31-27.
In Week 17 against the Ravens, the Packers trailed by three points after three quarters, 27-24. The Ravens outscored Green Bay in the final 15 minutes, 14-0.
In Week 16 against the Bears, Green Bay led by 10 after three quarters, 13-3. The Packers were outscored in the fourth quarter and OT, 19-3.
In Week 15 at Denver, the Packers led 23-14 in the second half. The Broncos outscored them the rest of the way, 20-3.
Much of it relates to the absence of linebacker Micah Parsons. The offense has had a hand in it, too. As Chris Simms pointed out on MondayâÂÂs PFT Live, the Packers often empty the tank with the best stuff in their game plan early, and then they donâÂÂt have answers as the game continues.
Whatever the reason, it has become a problem for the Packers. On Sunday, it robbed them of the opportunity to wrest a road win against the division rival who had lost its starting quarterback. Instead, the Vikings staged a dramatic turnaround that will leave the Packers searching for answers.
The good news is that they play the Jets on Sunday. If the Packers blow that one, there will be nothing good about the early weeks of their season.