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Chris Brooks will be the secret superstar for the Packers against Brian Flores' chaotic Vikings defense

Pass protection has been spotty for Green Bay's offensive line, but their third-string running back has been a mistake eraser.

Peter Bukowski's avatar
Peter Bukowski
Nov 21, 2025
∙ Paid

Brian Flores is a madman, a supervillain to opposing offenses, confusing them with unrelenting chaos. Some men just like to watch offenses burn. Flores certainly qualifies. He’ll show multiple pre-snap looks, send pressure from anywhere and everywhere, disguise coverages and pressure so quarterbacks and offensive lines are left guessing as to who will be where and when. The solution to this problem isn’t Matt LaFleur or even Jordan Love, each of whom has proven they can have success against Flores. There is a secret superhero for the Green Bay Packers this week: their trump card is their third-string running back Chris Brooks.

With Josh Jacobs’ status up in the air for Sunday — he’ll likely be on a snap count even if he plays — the Packers can play an old school running back rotation with Emanuel Wilson on early downs and Brooks on third down.

Why? He’s one of the best, if not the best, pass-protecting backs in the NFL. And against this defense, the Packers are going to need it.

This chart, courtesy of our friend Cody Alexander at Match Quarters, provides a succinct visual representation of just how significant an outlier the Flores defense has been for the Vikings.

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