Sunday's game featuring Brett Favre and the Vikings' visit to Lambeau Field--Favre's well-known stomping grounds--was a dagger in the heart for what sounded like 73,000 booing Packer fans. It was the first time in Favre's long career playing at Lambeau from the visitor's bench, but as for his performance, nothing changed.
The Vikings lead the Packers 24-3 at the half. To say the Packers' offense was shutdown is an understatement. The third quarter was flipped on its side as the Packers came out with 17 unanswered points, putting them right back in the game, but trailing 24-20. The Vikings were able to hold the baton as they went on to win 38-26.
Favre threw for 244 yards and four touchdowns against the Packers. But should that earn him MVP of the game? The winning factor for the Vikings seems to be the rookie Percy Harvin, who put together 261 all-purpose yards (nearly 50 percent of Vikings' offense and special teams production). Of those 261 yards, 155 of them came in kickoff returns, making Harvin the leading kickoff returner in the league.
Aaron Rodgers continued to be terrorized by Jared Allen and the Vikings' defensive line which keyed in six sacks. However, Rodgers was also able to put up some impressive stats, throwing for 287 yards and three touchdowns. Unfortunately for Rodgers, as long as Favre stays in his throne atop the NFC North, a seat he's occupied for so long, he will have to remain in the NFL legend's shadow.
This Vikings win virtually spells out Division Champions for the Vikings, only eight weeks into the season. Their 7-1 record puts them ahead of the Packers by 2.5 games, and with a more than desirable schedule up ahead for this playoff bound team, they look to hold that lead.
Note: Utterly painful for me, a die-hard Packers fan, to write this post, but I challenged myself to do what I hope to be doing in the future for ESPN. I tried to be objective as possible.
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