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Green Bay Packers’ Aaron Rodgers, Davante Adams to again challenge young Minnesota Vikings’ cornerbacks

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Davante Adams, left, catches a 1-yard touchdown pass ahead of Minnesota Vikings defensive back Holton Hill on Sept. 13 in Minneapolis. (AP file photo)

Minnesota Vikings coach Mike Zimmer has faced Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers enough times to understand the challenge facing his young cornerbacks.

“I don’t want to disrespect any others … but this guy’s the best in the business in my opinion,” Zimmer said.

Rodgers and three-time Pro Bowl receiver Davante Adams are coming off big performances in a 35-20 victory over the Houston Texans. They also have the type of matchup and experience edge Sunday to pick up right where they left off.

Minnesota (1-5) has started rookie cornerbacks Cameron Dantzler and Jeff Gladney each of its last three games. The Vikings placed Dantzler on the COVID-19 reserve list Wednesday, leaving his status uncertain and creating one more potential problem.

Rodgers and Adams picked apart the Vikings’ secondary when the Packers won 43-34 at Minnesota in the season opener. Rodgers threw four touchdown passes, while Adams caught 14 passes to tie Hall of Famer Don Hutson’s franchise record.

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Davante Adams warms up before the start of a game against the Texans on Sunday in Houston. (AP photo)

The Packers (5-1) aren’t expecting such an easy time in the rematch. The respect between Rodgers and Zimmer is mutual.

“Anytime you play a Mike Zimmer team, you’ve got to be ready for everything,” Rodgers said. “He’s a phenomenal coach. I was telling a friend of mine, to see him mentioned being on the hot seat, to me, is absolutely crazy. I think he’s one of the best coaches in the league and has been for a long time.”

Adams agreed the Vikings can make things difficult on an offense, though he’s had a recent history of success in this series.

“The Vikings historically have been one of the teams that do the best job with hiding some of these coverages,” Adams said.

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