Vikings vs. Packers Game Balls: Lacy Leads the Way Again

The stat lines from Sunday's game between the Packers and Vikings pretty clearly illustrate what was going on in the game and which players excelled or flat-out stunk.

OFFENSE

Eddie Lacy

Can there really be any other top choice on offense? Lacy was a one-man wrecking crew, and we learned yet again that one does not simply tackle Lacy alone. He forced a ridiculous number of tackles in his 31 touches on his way to 158 total yards and a fourth-quarter touchdown. While the numbers bear out his success, they can't truly express how violent and punishing a runner Lacy is, and he was a huge reason why the Packers were able to come back from a 16-point fourth quarter deficit.

Matt Flynn

Putting Flynn in this category is by no means an a comment on his future success, or even the state of his elbow. However, when Scott Tolzien was benched for general ineffectiveness, Flynn took over a struggling offense and immediately showed his understanding of the scheme as he audibled on his first two plays. It wasn't anything in particular that Flynn did that earns him this game ball, but it was the general calm and command of the huddle that he displayed, especially in the fourth quarter, that earns him some recognition.

Honorable Mention: Josh Sitton

DEFENSE

Do I have to pick somebody? Okay, fine.

Clay Matthews

If anybody is deserving of a game ball on defense, it's Clay. He finally showed that he is rounding back into form with his solid performance on Sunday, as he was credited with two sacks, an additional hit on Christian Ponder, and a few more hurries. His contain on the edge was solid most plays in the run game, though the Vikings tended to run inside or to the right end, and he helped keep Ponder from affecting the game with his legs.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Tim Masthay

Timmy deserves a game ball for Sunday's game because of his fantastic placement of a few punts inside the five-yard line. He also did not allow Vikings returner Marcus Sherels to get a single yard on punt returns. His average distance wasn't huge (40.4 yards) but he thoroughly prevented Sherels from doing any damage and pinned the Vikings' offense deep on multiple occasions.

There you have it, our four candidates for Sunday's final game ball. Vote in the poll, and let us know what you think in the comments.