Alrighty, folks. . .I'm going to get the Game Ball poll started early here so that more voting can take place and that sort of thing. For today's 24-21 victory over the Cowboys, we have a trio of candidates for the Sprint Game Ball this week.
Percy Harvin - For the second straight week, the Vikings needed a kick in the pants to get going. . .and, for the second straight week, Harvin provided it. After what could generously be termed as a lackluster first half of football for Minnesota, Harvin managed to notch the third kickoff return touchdown of his career to tie the game at 14 a mere 12 seconds into the third quarter of play. Harvin was all over the place this afternoon, catching three passes for 21 yards and carrying it twice for 18 more in addition to his kickoff return exploits.
E.J. Henderson - Seriously, can we just go ahead and engrave this man's name on the Comeback Player of the Year trophy now and save everyone a lot of problems down the track? Henderson's two interceptions led directly to 10 of the Vikings' 24 points on the afternoon, including the one that set up the game-winning field goal where he faked Tony Romo out of his jock with a pre-snap blitz look. He also chipped in with four solo tackles and five assists on the afternoon, and was part of a Viking defense that, largely, held their own this afternoon.
Chris Kluwe - The punter? The hell you say? Yes, really. . .in a game where the Vikings' offense once again had its struggles, our friend Warcraft did a fine job of keeping the Cowboys' offense at bay. Two of his best efforts came in the second half, when the Vikings needed it most. His first effort pinned the Cowboys at the 4. . .and the subsequent three-and-out from Dallas led to the Adrian Peterson touchdown that put the Vikings up 21-14. . .and his final punt, which was fielded by the Cowboys' Dez Bryant inside the five, was just a mortar shot when the Vikings needed to put as much distance as possible between the Cowboys and the goal line.
So, those are your three candidates, folks. . .who do you think deserves this week's Sprint Game Ball of the Week? Polls will remain open until midnight on Wednesday, at which time the winner will be declared.