How can Vikings assistant HC Mike Pettine help against Packers?

One of the more underrated additions that the Minnesota Vikings made earlier this offseason was that of assistant head coach Mike Pettine. This move by Minnesota is significant because it will take a talented defense that is home to the likes of All-Pro linebacker Eric Kendricks, All-Pro safety Harrison Smith, All-Pro edge-rushers in Za'Darius Smith and Danielle Hunter and future Hall of Fame cornerback Patrick Peterson to a whole new level. However, maybe the most underrated reason for why Pettine was a great addition is because he comes from archrivals in Green Bay and Chicago. 

From 2018-2020, Pettine was the Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator. Then, he became a senior defensive assistant with the Chicago Bears. His experience within the NFC North will help the Vikings, especially against Green Bay. The Bears are not exactly threats to Minnesota and Green Bay within the division. They are a rebuilding team. However, Pettine has a lot of familiarity with the Packers defense. Players like Jaire Alexander, Kenny Clark, Preston Smith, Adrian Amos, Darnell Savage, Rashan Gary and Dean Lowry were all coached by Pettine for multiple seasons. He knows their tendencies and their skills. Green Bay's defense was top 10 in points allowed in 2019 and top 10 in total defense in 2020. He also went head-to-head against quarterback Aaron Rodgers and the Packers offense in practice for three seasons. That is as valuable as anything. 

Pettine's job is to help the Vikings defense and provide advice and insight for first-year head coach Kevin O'Connell. However, he will also help Minnesota's offense prepare for a Green Bay defense this season that has a lot of familiar faces. It was a very quiet addition for the Vikings but a wise one, too. This team is doing everything it can to try and reclaim the NFC North.