Minnesota Vikings Game Ball: Week 5

Unlike the sad, awful performance the Minnesota Vikings gave is in Week 4, in Week 5 there were a lot of players that actually played really well! That means that we’re actually going to have some competition for our Game Ball for the victory over the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium.

Since we have no shortage of candidates this week, let’s get right to them, shall we?

Anthony Barr, LB - Though he didn’t really show up in the stat sheet. . .he was only listed as having three combined tackles in this one. . .he did make one of the biggest plays of the game with the safety he registered on Jon Hilliman. The Vikings could have lost some serious momentum in that spot after fumbling the ball away at the Giants’ 1-yard line, but Barr (and a host of others) made sure that didn’t happen. He also got a nifty interception at the end, though it ultimately didn’t mean a whole lot.

Dalvin Cook, RB - Ho, hum, just another huge performance from the guy that’s quickly moving up the list of best running backs in the NFL. He had his fourth 100-yard effort in five games, rushing for 132 yards on 21 carries. He also kept up his strong showing in the pass game, catching six balls for another 86 yards. Good things happen when the Vikings get Dalvin Cook going, and he was definitely going on Sunday.

Kirk Cousins, QB - As Ted said on both Good Morning, Gjallarhorn and in his TED Talk, there wasn’t anybody that needed a good game on the roster. . .and maybe in the entire league. . .than Kirk Cousins. He set a season-high for passing yardage in a game (by halftime), and though he did take a few sacks, he also looked better than he has in any game this year. He completed 22-of-27 passes for 306 yards and a pair of scores.

Danielle Hunter, DE - Hunter continued his reign of terror through the first five weeks, recording two sacks of Daniel Jones and tying for the team lead in tackles on the afternoon. He’s now tied for the most sacks accumulated by any NFL player before the age of 25, and he’s got plenty of time to take it for himself.

Adam Thielen, WR - Thielen was the big beneficiary of the big game by Cousins, as he put together his best overall performance of the year as well. He was over 100 yards by halftime, and though he only caught one pass in the second half, that catch was the second of his two touchdowns on the day. He finished with seven catches for 130 yards and both of Cousins’ touchdown tosses.

So, who do you think gets the Game Ball this week, folks?

Week 1 - Anthony Harris, S

Week 2 - Dalvin Cook, RB

Week 3 - Dalvin Cook, RB

Week 4 - Nobody (because everyone was awful)