GREEN BAY, Wis. — It is the kind of loss that can haunt you for the rest of the season. Sunday's 28-22 Packers' loss at home to the last-place Vikings stings now. It might hurt even more at playoff time when home field advantage is determined.

It's certainly a fair point to wonder how the Packers' offense could not have more success against a young and banged-up Minnesota secondary.

Still, my concerns focus on the Packers' defense. Dalvin Cook was the star of the game with four touchdowns and over 200 total yards. When it mattered, the Packers couldn't stop him.

It was the kind of performance that made your mind drift back to January and the NFC Championship Game. When Raheem Mostert of the San Francisco 49ers galloped all over the Green Bay run defense.

Just an off day, we were told. The run defense is better. Is it? It's a question the Packers had better answer if they want to make a deep playoff run.

Now, on a short week, the Packers have to head west to face the 49ers on Thursday night. San Francisco is not what they were last year, but it's a long trip on a short week.

If you want to look at the bright side, the Packers have a quick opportunity to turn the page. It's a great way to rinse the terrible taste of the loss to Minnesota out of your mouths in a hurry.

We knew this would be a big game Thursday night. We just didn't know it would be under these circumstances.