Packers DC Warns of Kyler Murray's Game-Wrecking Abilities Ahead of Vikings Matchup in NFL Week 1

As Kyler Murray prepares to make his first start for the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon is well aware of the challenge that awaits him in trying to slow down the dynamic quarterback.

Speaking to reporters about the matchup, Gannon highlighted the ways Murray can "wreck the game" for an opposing defense because of his ability to make plays with his arm and legs:

"As I know firsthand what this guy can do with his legs and he can train wreck the game real fast if you're not coordinated the right way. We gotta contain him. We gotta be ready to plaster at all times 'cause he has just kind of a way of getting out that pocket and extending plays. And then when he's out that pocket is when I think he's most dangerous."

Gannon was Murray's head coach with the Arizona Cardinals from 2023 to 2025. Injuries limited Murray to just 30 games during that three-year period, but he was still effective with 6,612 passing yards, 989 rushing yards and accounted for 46 touchdowns.

After being released by the Cardinals in March, Murray landed a one-year deal with Minnesota, and it could be the perfect spot to resurrect his career.

The Vikings have a strong infrastructure with a good offensive play-calling head coach in Kevin O'Connell and a trio of wide receivers that includes Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and Jauan Jennings.

Adding to the issues for Gannon and the Packers is trying to slow Minnesota down without Micah Parsons as he continues to rehab a torn ACL. They allowed 110 points in the four games he missed last season, including the playoff loss to the Chicago Bears.

The 27.5 points allowed per game during that four-game stretch was up nearly 7.5 points from their average allowed in 14 games with Parsons on the field (20.1).

Green Bay and Minnesota split two head-to-head meetings last season, but the Vikings' win comes with an asterisk because it was in Week 18 when the Packers started Clayton Tune at quarterback since they had already clinched a playoff berth.

The Packers and Vikings will kick off at 4:25 p.m. ET on Sunday from U.S. Bank Stadium.