4 Clear Vikings Weaknesses the Packers Exposed in NFC North-Clinching Win

The Minnesota Vikings had a chance to show the football world at large they can't be ruled out as contenders, but instead fell flat on their face in another primetime loss, with their latest Monday Night defeat coming against Aaron Rodgers, Aaron Jones and the Green Bay Packers.

Green Bay turned the ball over three times in a horrendous game, but still managed to show why this Vikings team has several malignant flaws.

4. Their Offensive Tackles Are Subpar

Minnesota Vikings OT Brian O'Neill / Adam Bettcher/Getty Images

Brian O'Neill and Riley Reiff were able to string together some solid performances over the last few weeks, but Preston Smith and Za'Darius Smith, especially the latter, destroyed them in this game. Za'Darius was constantly in Kirk Cousins' grill all night, sacking him three times and dominating a stagnant running game. Minnesota will play elite pass rushers several times over in the playoffs, and Monday night didn't inspire confidence in that line.

3. Xavier Rhodes is Washed

Minnesota Vikings CB Xavier Rhodes / Stephen Maturen/Getty Images

Rhodes was one of the best man-cover corners in the league a few years ago, and now he's simply chumming the waters in preparation for another dominant Davante Adams performance. Adams recorded 12 catches Monday, most of which came against Rhodes, who now has allowed a completion percentage of over 80 percent on passes thrown his way. In not even two years, Rhodes went from a legit star to a liability.

2. Reliance on Dalvin Cook

Minnesota Vikings RB Dalvin Cook / Stephen Maturen/Getty Images

Cook is undoubtedly electric and a big part of their offense, but perhaps he is TOO much of their offense. With Cook and backup Alexander Mattison out Monday, Mike Boone and Ameer Abdullah combined didn't even crack 60 yards. With Cousins having to win this game on his arm alone, the Vikings floundered. If Cook struggles in the playoffs, it's game over for Minnesota.

1. Kirk Cousins Can't Win When it Matters

Minnesota Vikings QB Kirk Cousins / Stephen Maturen/Getty Images

This is truly baffling. Put Cousins on a 1:00 p.m. game on Sunday, and he's lights out. Put him on Thursday, Sunday, or Monday Night Football, and he turns into Christian Ponder. Cousins was 16-31 for just 122 yards, tossing an interception in for good measure. Whenever the eyes of the football world are fixed solely on Cousins, he turtles and puts up a miserable performance. Expect more of that in the playoffs for Cousins, who is now 0-9 on Monday Night.