The Green Bay Packers' defense dominated, stifling the Minnesota Vikings while key offensive and special teams players delivered crucial performances in their decisive win.
It was a huge win the Green Bay Packers at this point in the season, so at least for today, it's time to celebrate.
The key from here on out is keeping this winning momentum up against NFC North opponents, but this was a great start. On a beautiful day at Lambeau Field, the Packers took care of one of their biggest rivals. It was a 23-6 win that wasn't really close. The Packers had control of this game the whole time, and the Vikings never really threatened them.
Green Bay's offense did just enough to be dangerous. Head coach Matt LaFleur was a bit conservative in his play-calling, but he didn't need to really do anything out of pocket. The Vikings had a hard time stopping the running game, and the Packers were able to play ball-control football.
Give credit to the defense as well, because they had another elite game. They held Minnesota to just six points and 145 total yards. The Packers sacked quarterback J.J. McCarthy five times, and superstar wideout Justin Jefferson was held to just 48 yards on four catches.
The Packers are now 7-3-1 and 2-0 against NFC North opponents. These four players were the stars of the game.
Honorable Mention #1: Christian Watson with five catches on seven targets for 49 yards, averaging 9.8 yards per catch
Honorable Mention #2: Evan Williams with four tackles, one pass defended and an interception
Star #4: Brandon McManus was perfect in his field goal attempts
The kicking game has been responsible for at least two losses this season. It hasn't always been Brandon McManus' fault -- the Packers have allowed two game-changing blocked field goals -- but McManus has not been consistent either. He's been dealing with a quad injury, but he also came into this game having made just 11-of-17 field goals. Throw out the two blocks, and that's still just 13-of-17.
As mentioned, the Packers were conservative in this one, so they did lean on McManus a bit once the offense got past the 50. He finished with three field goal attempts and he made all three. Tack on two extra points, and he finished with 11 of the Packers' 23.
Star #3: Isaiah McDuffie stepped up with Quay Walker out
Middle linebacker Quay Walker is the team's leading tackler, but he missed this game with a neck injury. There was absolutely some concern that the Packers defense would be porous would be porous without Walker in, but backup linebacker Isaiah McDuffie had a great game.
He finished with team-leading nine tackles, five of which were solo tackles. He notched half a sack, one quarterback hit, one pass defended, and even got an interception.
It was a great day for McDuffie, who really stepped up.
Star #2: Micah Parsons had another elite game for the Packers
The Packers traded for Micah Parsons and paid him $186 million over for years for games like this.
Parsons was a game-wrecker and the Vikings had no answers for him or this Packers' pass-rush.
He notched two sacks and now has 10 on the season with six games to go.
Star #1: Emanuel Wilson started his first game and rushed for over 100 yards
Josh Jacobs is the heartbeat of Green Bay's offense, especially with Tucker Kraft out for the season.
There was a world in which playing without Jacobs could have really crippled this rushing attack, but Emanuel Wilson got the first start of his career, and he did everything the Packers could have asked for in more.
You've got to love the way Wilson runs the ball. He's always moving forward and he's got a great burst of speed and is extremely tough after contact.
He finished this game with 107 yards and two touchdowns on 28 gritty carries. Wilson averaged 3.8 yards per carry, and he really set the tone for this offense, especially down near the goal line.
When Jacobs comes back, the Packers will still have to try to find ways to get Wilson the ball -- he's been that good running the rock.