Vikings vs. Packers: 6 Things We Learned in Green Bay's 45-7 Win

Generally, when the Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers face each other, it turns into a closely contested game. However, that wasn't the case on Monday night.

The Packers completely dismantled Minnesota on their way to a victory by a score of 45-7. The offense was extremely efficient and the defense had its best game of the season.

Here are six things that we learned in Green Bay's 45-7 victory over the Vikings.

This Defense Is Improving

There are two things that you want from a Dom Capers' defense. First, you want to see pressure on the quarterback, and secondly, you want to see plenty of turnovers.

While the Green Bay Packers have been able to get turnovers all season long, they have struggled to get consistent pressure. However, that all changed Monday night against the Minnesota Vikings.

Throughout the entire game, guys like Desmond Bishop and Clay Matthews were able to get after quarterback Christian Ponder. Even though they didn't record a ton of sacks, there were numerous plays that the Packers were able to hit Ponder.

This defense still isn't where it was last year, but it is at least starting to move in the right direction.

The Offensive Line Is Regressing

The offensive line for the Green Bay Packers started the season playing extremely well. However, it has severely regressed over the past few weeks.

Aaron Rodgers was pressured all game long by the defensive line of the Minnesota Vikings. He took too many hits and spent way too much time on the ground.

This team fully depends on Rodgers, but if he keeps getting knocked around like he did last night, he may not last the second half of the season. This group of linemen needs to improve drastically if the Packers and Rodgers want to survive this season.

Randall Cobb Is Frustrating

Look, you have to love what Randall Cobb can do when the football is in his hands. However, the key for Cobb is actually keeping the ball in his hands.

Yes, Cobb returned a punt for a touchdown in the first quarter, but he also had a fumble in the third quarter that turned into seven points for the Minnesota Vikings.

This isn't the first time Cobb has lost the ball when returning a punt or a kick, either. There may not be a more frustrating player on the Green Bay Packers roster.

Jared Allen Is Public Enemy No. 1

Let's just say I'm extremely glad that the Green Bay Packers don't have to play the Minnesota Vikings again this year. This is mainly due to the fact that Jared Allen absolutely destroys the Packers every time he faces them.

Allen spent the majority of his time on the field this week either in Green Bay's backfield or on top of Aaron Rodgers. If the Packers had to play the Vikings late in the season, it is very possible Rodgers would be dead for the playoffs.

Mike McCarthy Finally Let His Team Put Its Foot to the Pedal

When the Green Bay Packers held a 31-7 lead late in the third quarter, I fully expected Mike McCarthy to begin his conservative play calling like he has done all season long.

However, McCarthy let Aaron Rodgers and Matt Flynn continue to throw the ball for the rest of the game. It was a nice thing to see since we've never seen McCarthy do this before. With such a high-powered offense, the Packers need to be allowed to do what they do best, which is score points.

This was the first time McCarthy let his team put its foot to the pedal, and it was very enjoyable to watch.

Give Aaron Rodgers the MVP Award Right Now

The only way Aaron Rodgers is not winning the MVP award this season is if he dies. As long as he is on the field for the rest of the season, the award is his.

He is having the best season by a quarterback ever. It is very possible he will break numerous records this season, including quarterback rating, completion percentage, yards and touchdowns.

The rest of the NFL should just stop trying to win be the Most Valuable Player because the award fully belongs to Mr. Rodgers.