The 40-year-old Favre was greeted by fans mostly booing, although a minority of fans did make sure their cheers were heard. Favre was such an integral part of the Green Bay franchise for so long that fans naturally miss him. But they are Packers’ fans first and foremost, so their team comes first.
“It was kind of mixed emotions coming in,” said Favre in the post-game press conference. “I know how special these fans are. It was about what I expected, probably worse when I took the field. I consider it a good thing.”
Since Favre became the starting QB at Lambeau Field early during the 1992 season, he had been the face of the Packers’ franchise through the 2007 season. Aaron Rodgers, who is now the main man in Green Bay, had the more difficult task of moving the ball against a Vikings’ defense that, for three straight years, was the best defense against the run in the NFL.
The Packers’ offense got off to a very slow start, with only 36 net yards of offense in the first half. They gave the home fans something to cheer about in the second half as the game became the shoot-out that most expected.
The Favre Show
To say Favre responds well to adversity would be an understatement. He had a lights-out game against Oakland the day after his father passed away in 2003. On that Monday night in December, Favre threw four TD passes, passed for 399 yards, and finished with a 154.9 QB rating in a 41–7 demolition of the Raiders.
While it would be hard to match those kinds of numbers, Favre was nevertheless outstanding against the Packers. He received incredible support from running back Adrian Peterson and, most notably, rookie Percy Harvin. He managed to spread the ball around to his talented receiving corps, with seven different receivers catching balls.
“I knew I didn’t have to prove anything,” said Favre. “My arm feels great. My mind is in a good place. It makes for a good story. I’m glad it’s over.”
Favre has now beaten the Packers both times this year. In those two victories, he has thrown seven TDs and no interceptions. His QB rating in the two games is an incredible 135.9. He mingled with his former teammates in a classy show of respect as he left the field.
Harvin, the rookie out of Florida, accumulated 259 total yards. His devastating kick returns put Minnesota in great field position and he also caught a 51-yard TD pass. The catch was really about him making a play on a ball that was thrown into double coverage.
Peterson was solid, as usual, with 97 yards on the ground. He also took a screen pass down the sideline for 44 yards.
With the win, Minnesota have a 2.5 game lead over the Packers and reaffirm their command of the NFC North after last week’s loss to Pittsburgh.
Favre makes the Vikings a very complete team. The defense was already there. But with a veteran QB, the league’s leading rusher in Adrian Peterson, and a big play threat as a wideout or on special teams in Percy Harvin, Minnesota have as good a chance as any team in the NFC.
Compared to last year with the New York Jets, Favre should not have to do as much to win games. But don’t tell him that. Through eight games this year, his passer rating is higher than what it was at the conclusion of any of his 16 seasons with Green Bay.
