The Minnesota Vikings go to 7-1 after beating the Green Bay Packers for the second time this season.  The big story for most was of course Brett Favre going back to Lambeau playing against his former team.  However, the victory was more important for the Vikings as a team and their positioning in the NFC North.  The Vikings played good on offense, a good first half on defense, and good on special teams.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  The offense, other than the fumbled snap in the first quarter, played extremely well.  Favre finished 17-28 for 244 yards and 4 TD’s.  Favre completed passes to seven different receivers with touchdowns to Shiancoe, Berrian, Dugan, and Harvin.  With all of the pressure on, Favre turned in a very good game.  Harvin led the receivers with 5 receptions totaling 84 yards.  Harvin had a 51 yard touchdown reception on the opening drive of the second half that put the Vikings up 24-3.  Peterson finished with 97 rushing yards on 25 carries and went 44 yards on a screen pass that set up the winning touchdown.  Many players on offense contributed and they appear to be building good chemistry.    

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  The defense played the best in the first half with only allowing the Packers 47 yards.  Very impressive against a Packers team who have a talented young quarterback along with some very good receivers.  The defense realistically shut out the Packers in the first half.  The Packers recovered a fumble in Minnesota territory but had to resort to a field goal after 3 downs.  The defensive line led the way with 6 sacks and consistently put pressure on Rodgers.  Chad Greenway led the defense with 10 tackles.  Unfortunately the defense let down in the second half and the Packers made a comeback.  The main problem again appears to be in the secondary.  Nevertheless, the defense played a great first half. 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  The special teams played extremely well also thanks to Percy Harvin.  Harvin had a 77 yard kickoff return in the first quarter that set up the Vikings first touchdown.  Harvin had a few good kickoff returns and ended the day with an average of 35 yards per return.  Percy Harvin changed the momentum of the game on numerous occasions with his tremendous ability to return kicks.  The only glitch in the special teams was the Brian Robison fumble as he attempted to make a play after a short kickoff by the Packers.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 This was a big win for the Vikings as they are 7-1 heading into their bye week.  Hopefully after the bye week Antoine Winfield will be back and some of the other players can get a well deserved rest.  This win was not a one man show but rather a team effort as displayed by the offense, first half defense, and special teams.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Paul Gantner