When 39-year-old Brett Favre walked towards the line of scrimmage 32 yards away from the end zone, I guarantee you that a large majority of the fans in the stadium and those watching on TV knew the game was over.
I mean, this wasn't Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, or Ben Roethlisberger walking up to center. Hell, it wasn't even Favre in his prime. We all remember #4 in his prime. He ate adversity and insurmountable odds for breakfast.
No, this was the old man Brett Favre. You know, the one that suddenly was labeled a traitor after the Packers kicked him off the team. The one that was tagged a liar and a selfish prima donna for leading the media and fans on with his weakness to say no to the game he loved. You know, the guy who poured out his guts in every single game of his career despite having injuries that would have you crying in your mama's lap.
Oh, yeah, this was also the guy who was said to be washed up and didn't know how to be a team player.
So, what does he do? He fires a TD pass to Greg Lewis who made a highlight reel catch. Game over.
Minnesota is 3-0. Did anyone envision this either? I'll just answer for you...No. All Favre has done is what he's always done. He's a great field general, makes plays, and is a winner. Only this time, he has more talented players to lean on than he's had in years past. Plugging him into this QB void in Minnesota is paying dividends so far, and this week provides another chapter in Favre's unique journey.
He faces Green Bay.
This battle is one that he's looked forward to for a long time. We all have. Revenge might play a small role, but ultimately it's just another game for Brett Favre to prove that he hasn't gone anywhere.
- Detroit Lions (1-2) at Chicago Bears (2-1): FOX, 1pm EST - Detroit, congratulations on your first win in 20 games. But, you have another streak now to stop: 13 straight road losses. Welcome to the Windy City.
- NY Giants (3-0) at KC Chiefs (0-3): FOX, 1pm EST - Someone in the league office must have a vendetta against the Chiefs. Last week, KC was blistered by Philly. This week, it's the Giants. Their next two games are vs. Dallas and then Washington.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-3) at Washington Redskins (1-2): FOX, 1pm EST - A loss to the 0-19 Lions did not result in coach Jim Zorn getting fired. Owner Dan Snyder will certainly lose more sleep if they lose to the lowly Bucs at home.
- Seattle Seahawks (1-2) at Indianapolis Colts (3-0): FOX, 1pm EST - I know Jim Caldwell took over for Tony Dungy by title, but has anyone else wondered if Peyton Manning is really the head coach? He's on fire, and Indy has won 12 straight.
- Cincinnati Bengals (2-1) at Cleveland Browns (0-3): CBS, 1pm EST - Coach Eric Mangini has the personality of a fire hydrant, and there are throngs of Dawg Pound denizens (including players) who need to take a leak. A loss is certainly his doom.
- Oakland Raiders (1-2) at Houston Texans (1-2): CBS, 1pm EST - This is a very important game for Raiders QB JaMarcus Russell and Texans head coach Gary Kubiak. If either doesn't deliver, changes could be imminent.
- Tennessee Titans (0-3) at Jacksonville Jaguars (1-2): CBS, 1pm EST - Earlier this week, Jags coach Jack Del Rio pulled the plug on QB David Garrard's weekly radio show stressing focus and discipline. Speaking of which, something tells me that Jeff Fisher is going to have his Titans ready to avoid an unthinkable 0-4.
- Baltimore Ravens (3-0) at New England Patriots (2-1): CBS, 1pm EST - If Baltimore wants to take that next step, then they will need to beat the Patriots in New England. They are 0-4 vs. the Pats and have scored a combined six points in Foxborough.
- Buffalo Bills (1-2) at Miami Dolphins (0-3): CBS, 4:05pm EST - Last week was the end to Fins QB Chad Pennington season and Bills WR Terrell Owens' 185-game streak with a catch. For T.O, we know where this will lead. Miami? They'll need the Wildcat to pounce on the Bills' 28th-ranked defense.
- NY Jets (3-0) at New Orleans Saints (3-0): CBS, 4:05pm EST - If you have plans, cancel them. Both teams have pulverised expectations and are legitimate forces. They are balanced, well-coached, and exciting to watch. I'm serious...stay home.
- Dallas Cowboys (2-1) at Denver Broncos (3-0): FOX, 4:15pm EST - It's still early, but so far, the Broncos appear to be for real. Their defense is suffocating and ranked #1, but face their first true test in Dallas' potent offense anchored by their running attack. Big D hasn't won in Denver since 1992.
- St. Louis Rams (0-3) at San Francisco 49ers (2-1): FOX, 4:15pm EST - Thanks to Detroit, the Rams now have the league's longest regular-season losing streak at 13 games --- and counting.
- San Diego Chargers (2-1) at Pittsburgh Steelers (1-2): NBC, 8:20pm EST - Things in Pittsburgh are not good after losing in Cincy where they had won nine straight regular-season games. Now, they come home to hopefully continue another streak: San Diego has never won in 13 straight trips to the Steel City.
- Green Bay Packers (2-1) at Minnesota Vikings (3-0): ESPN, 8:30pm EST, MNF - From the moment Favre knew he wasn't going to wear green and gold anymore, he looked forward to meeting his former team. That time is now. While the focus will be on Favre and his apprentice, Aaron Rodgers, don't forget about some kid named Adrian Peterson who faces the league's 23rd-ranked rush defense.
BYE: PHILADELPHIA, ATLANTA, ARIZONA, CAROLINA
STANDINGS
Chris Mortensen: 11-5, 36-12
Adam Schefter: 12-4, 35-13
Peter King: 13-3, 34-14
Cris Carter: 12-4, 33-15
Keyshawn Johnson: 11-5, 32-16
Mike Ditka: 8-8, 31-17
Eddie Chinn: 10-6, 31-17
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