Robinson activated, Wynn put on IR, Grant named starting RB

As expected, the Packers activated WR Koren Robinson on Tuesday. To make room for him on the roster, rather than release receiver/returner Shawn Bodiford as some had speculated, the Packers placed rookie running back DeShawn Wynn on injured reserve for the season.

This does probably make the most sense, as Wynn has had problems all season staying on the field. After being named the starting running back for Monday night's game, he suffered neck and shoulder injuries on the first play of the game. One of the reasons Wynn supposedly fell to the seventh round in this year's draft was that he had a reputation for not being tough, for not playing through the dings that come with being a running back. Now, injuries are injuries. It's just that there are some injuries players have to learn to play through if they are going to have a NFL career. Whether Wynn will acquire some playing toughness will now have to wait to next season. He certainly has the physical attributes to be a powerful runner. There were flashes of that in the few carries he actually had. But...

Ryan Grant was named the starting running back on Monday. After his performance against the Broncos -- 22 carries for 104 yards -- he certainly deserves the opportunity. As Packers broadcaster, Wayne Larrivee, said about him, he was running with authority and delivering blows on the tacklers. And that's something that hadn't been seen much this season. Granted, Denver has the league's worst rushing defense. But the Packers had the league's worst rushing offense. At least we finally saw a glimmer of hope for that part of the game plan going forward. Let's hope that Grant can stay healthy for the remaining nine games.

It wasn't a dream

That's right boys and girls, the magical Packers led by their grand old wizard, Favre the Incomparable, beat back a herd of Broncos last night in the starry Mile High City. It really, really happened!

This was the first time ever that the fabled Pack won a regular season game in six tries at Denver. Why, they hadn't even won a preseason game there. And Brett had never even thrown a TD pass there in his few prior visits. The 6-1 start ties the best ever in the Favre era, happening only two other times. And over the last 11 games, including last season, the Pack has won 10. The only team better over this same span? The Patriots.

So, when things are going this good, what's there to complain about? A few things. We won't dwell on them now, as it's still nice to bask in the glow of a fantastic win. But, let just say the word "penalties," for starters. Some critical -- and outright bonehead -- mistakes. Especially by D-back, Atari Bigby. The best line that came out about his play, and I don't know who the original source was, was this: "Atari played more like a Commodore 64."

But, as I said, let's just enjoy this for another day or so and then we can critique...as needed.

...and all Packers fans lived happily ever after.

First play in overtime: Brett throws an 82-yard TD pass!

On the first play from scrimmage in overtime, Brett Favre threw an 82-yard TD pass to Greg Jennings. Game over. Packers win 19-13.

The legend continues.

The Packers are 6-1.

Just enjoy it...we'll worry about the analysis tomorrow.

Wow!

It's overtime in Denver: 13-13

Denver kicker Jason Elam kicked a game-tying field goal as time expired to take the game to overtime, at 13-13.

Packers won the toss. A chance to yank this one back from a give-away.

Stay tuned...

Halftime: Packers 13 - Broncos 7

The Packers are ahead at half, but doing their best to keep the Broncos in the game. Two penalties on Atari Bigby on the same drive in the first quarter led to the Broncos' TD. A 79-yard TD pass -- about 40 yard in the air and 39 after the catch -- to James Jones on the next drive by the Pack tied the score. The Broncos drove the ball to the Packers 1-yard line where they proceeded to fumble the snap, with the Packers recovering. The Pack then executed a 98-yard drive, but came up short on a running play -- despite actually running the ball well (more on that in a moment) -- and had to settle for a field goal. The Packers defense is playing well, putting pressure on Broncos QB, Jay Cutler. The Pack was able to once again execute a solid drive on running plays and once again got the ball down to about the 1-yard line. False start penalties on Tony Moll and Chad Clifton derailed a likely TD. The fact that the Pack dominated the Broncos, while having to settle for 2 field goals after getting to the one, is not a good sign.

Now as to the running game, the Packers actually were running effectively, thanks to Ryan Grant. DeShawn Wynn got the start but -- you guessed it -- went out after about the first series with some little ding. Enter Ryan Grant, who seems to be running with some real power and authority. Nice to see. But would really be nice to see a rushing TD in this game, particularly from inside the 5-yard line...assuming the line doesn't false start.

If the Pack can stop the stupid penalties and take advantage of their domination of the Broncos, the Pack should win this game by more than 3 points. If they lose it, it won't be because they were beaten...it will be like Da Bearz game where they gave it away.

Stay tuned...second half underway...

Pack vs. Broncos Mini-Preview

This will be brief -- more later if time permits...

The Broncos are favored by 3 -- home field advantage. The Packers are 5-1 coming off a bye week. The Broncos are 3-3, with their 3 wins coming on last-second field goals.

The Packers have the worst rushing offense in the NFL. The Broncos, coincidentally, have the worst rushing defense in terms of yards allowed. So, one team or the other will improve their standing in that area. The Packers will start rookie DeShawn Wynn and play Vernand Morency on passing downs and for a change of pace. And let's not forget rookie fullback Korey Hall, who also is becoming a fine receiving option ala William Henderson. If Wynn can toughen up and play with the dings that seem to take him out quickly, the Packers could have a good night rushing...that's assuming the offensive line can effectively employ its zone blocking scheme, which it hasn't so far this season. If the Broncos bring up safeties to help with the run -- assuming that would be needed -- then look for Brett and the receivers to have a big night. This despite the fact that Brett has never thrown a TD in Denver. It's about time.

What can the Broncos bring on offense? Depends on whether second-year QB Jay Cutler continues the type of play he had last week against the Steelers, where he had the best game of his young career. He has a couple capable receivers, although that guy that used to play in GB before whining his way out of town (what was his name? Walker?) is out with a knee injury. They also have a pretty good running back in Travis Henry. But if the Packers defense performs as it has been, they should be able to rattle the young Cutler and keep things in check.

Give the Packers the edge at QB -- obviously! -- and at receivers. Give the Broncos the edge at RB. Give the Pack the edge on defense. Home field advantage goes to Denver, of course. This seems to add up to a tight one. I'd still take the Pack to beat the spread...and win the game.

Sending Max off in style

The memorial service for Packers great and broadcaster Max McGee was held yesterday in Minnesota. Teammates, family, friends, and fans all showed up to send Max off with, according to reports, as many laughs as tears. And how could it be otherwise? Max was one of those unique personalities that not only knew how to enjoy himself, but also to help others do the same. That came through in the remembrances that some of his teammates shared. Broadcast partner Jim Irwin had one of the most tearful moments, as he recalled the feeling he had the last time they broadcast together (Packers playoff loss to San Fran) and how he felt like "the loneliest broadcaster on the planet" because he didn't have a chance to say goodbye to his old friends; he said -- fighting back tears -- he felt the same way now, because he didn't have a chance to say goodbye to his old friend, Max.

You can read more about the service, as well as access other recollections about Max, here and here.

Thanks for all the memories on the field and in the broadcast booth, Max. Now you're moving on to the really Big Game! Say hello to Vince and Ray and Curly and Tony and Don...

Shocking! Harrell may not play due to injury!

Packers GM Ted Thompson's first round 2007 draft pick, Justin Harrell, is -- surprise -- hurt...again. The number 16 pick in the draft, the oft-injured college defensive lineman, the player selected at a position where the Packers had an abundance of players already while running back was a glaring need, yes, Justin Harrell could be a candidate for injured reserve.

Inactive for the first four games of the season, and playing a grand total of 8 snaps versus Da Bearz and 12 plays against Washington, Harrell will miss at least a couple weeks...as if anyone would notice. According to head coach Mike McCarthy, "He had an offensive lineman roll up on the back of his legs (in Tuesday's practice). He may be out a couple of weeks." The injury is described as a serious ankle sprain. Depending upon how serious it is, it's not inconceivable that the Pack might place Harrell on IR in order to make the roster spot available for Koren Robinson when his roster exemption expires in a week or so.

It is, of course, sad that this young man has had and continues to have so many injury problems. It is the reason that no one expected him to be a first round draft pick...except for Ted Thompson, obviously. Maybe he'll eventually come around and be another body on the D-line that can be rotated in and out. But to have wasted the #16 pick on a player such as this is something which is not only apparent this year, but will be for years ahead in terms of missed opportunities and impact...especially where we needed it most: running back!

RIP Max McGee

You know something is wrong when you turn the radio on in the morning and the sports guys are not doing their regular 15-after-the-hour time slot, but are talking with the other news folks at an odd time...words and phrases are spoken like "tragic," "Packers legend," "one-of-a-kind," "he was 75," "Minneapolis suburb," "fellow teammate Paul Hornung." First thoughts: an old Packer had died. When I heard Hornung's name, I immediately thought of Max McGee. Eventually, the radio folks got around to repeating the sad news: Max McGee is dead. Fell off the roof of his Minnesota home late Saturday afternoon while cleaning off leaves, despite his wife apparently telling him not to do so; it's unclear whether he was alone at the time, but sounds like it. Emergency personnel attempted to revive him, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Gone. A Lombardi Legend. A great player who also became a great radio broadcaster of Packers games along with Jim Irwin.

Here's a piece of trivia for the youngsters reading this: who was the first person to catch a touchdown pass in a Super Bowl? That's right, Max McGee in Super Bowl I. He had had one of his infamous nights on the town the evening before, figuring he wouldn't be playing much if at all. He had only caught four passes all year long in a reserve roll, after all. According to the the story, he wound up catching about an hour's sleep on the bus to the game. When an injury to starter Boyd Dowler on the second play of the game necessitated Max going in, he couldn't even find his helmet; had to play the first series with someone else's. He wound up having one of the best performances in Super Bowl history: seven catches for 138 yards and two touchdowns.

Max McGee: Packers Hall of Fame member. #85. A legend as a player and as a person.

He was truly one of a kind. Perhaps it's fitting there is no Packers game today. Gives us a moment to reflect on the life of one of the great receivers and personalities in Packers history.

You can read an article about Max here. No doubt there will be lots of tributes coming over the days ahead. And rightly so. Thanks, Max, for all the memories and all the laughs.

Flash: Koren Robinson reinstated effective Oct. 18

As noted in my post here earlier today, Koren Robinson's one-year anniversary of his suspension is today. League sources had said a decision regarding his reinstatement by the Commissioner would be made soon. According to an announcement from the Packers, the decision has come down and Robinson is reinstated effective tomorrow, Oct. 18.

Here is the statement from Packers GM Ted Thompson: "The league has informed us that Koren Robinson has been reinstated, effective Thursday, October 18, 2007. We understand and appreciate the Commissioner's consideration in this matter. It's been a year since we've seen Koren, so our first step is to have him return to Green Bay. The Packers will request a roster exemption, during which time we would see where Koren is at in terms of football shape. We are aware how difficult this past year has been for Koren, but the Packers are grateful for the progress he's made, as evidenced by this reinstatement."

Justin Harrell sighting! In a game! Doing something!

Remember the Packers first round draft pick this year? You know, number 16 overall? Ol' jersey #91? No? Not surprising. Justin Harrell has been just about invisible in his rookie year. Not even active for a few games and when he is, well, does anyone really notice?

Apparently, yes. At least once. And the person noticing just happens to be head coach Mike McCarthy. In this week's episode of the Mike McCarthy TV show, while showing the replay of the fumble recovery by Charles Woodson -- who also was the player guest on the show -- McCarthy made a point to not only show the initial strip of the ball by Corey Williams but to replay the replay, from two different angles, showing how -- you guessed it! -- Justin Harrell actually made a key crushing block to likely eliminate the only early tackle threat on Woodson. Have to admit, there were so many things happening so quickly on that play that the only way you would actually see it would be in slo-mo replay...but it was a heckuva block.

So, let's give a pat on the back to Mr. Harrell for actually making a key contribution to the Packers win on Sunday. Still, as a defensive lineman, blocking isn't what it's about. It would be nice if he is eventually able to make more than the two tackles he is credited with so far this season.

Let's also remind GM Ted Thompson that, oh, I dunno, maybe a running back like Marshawn Lynch might have been worth moving up a few spots for. Adrian Peterson would have been nice, too. (Sigh)

Bubba might be out

One of the negatives coming out of the win on Sunday was seeing Bubba Franks heading to the locker room on the cart. Turns out he has a sprained knee and will likely miss the game against Denver on Oct. 29. He is still undergoing tests to determine the severity of the injury, although in an article in today's Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel it's noted that "a source close to the situation said it was a sprain of the posterior cruciate ligament."

This leaves the Packers with Donald Lee as the team's only tight end. So look for a practice squad call up for...someone.

Koren Robinson reinstatement decision soon

Today is the one-year anniversary of WR Koren Robinson's league suspension for violations of its substance abuse policy. Robinson has applied for reinstatement and league sources, according to reports, indicate Commissioner Roger Goodell will make a decision soon. Apparently, Robinson and the Packers will be notified and then the decision will be publicly announced. Given that Robinson has been serving his suspension quietly and working out to be ready for his return, we can only hope the decision comes quickly. QB Brett Favre has been perhaps the loudest voice on this matter, stating more than once that he just doesn't understand the league policy which does not allow these players, who need support, any contact whatsoever with their team during the time of the suspension. Have to agree with Brett on that one. You have a feeling, too, that Brett is anxiously looking forward to adding Mr. Robinson into the mix with the rest of his outstanding receivers.

Pack vs. 'Skins Recap

Yesterday was one of those win-ugly games that the Pack seems to be turning into an art form this season. They might not be pretty games to watch, but the results are sure pretty darn good. 5-1. There's lucky. And there's good. Sometimes, both is the way to be. That may describe the Pack so far.

While there were certainly enough problems that could have cost the Pack this win, the fact that the defense basically won this game is a good sign. The 'Skins came in with a hot young QB, a proven running back, and as things would have it, a tight end that was their best offensive weapon all day long. They also had a pretty darn good defense. The combination of all those things led to two interceptions by the 'Skins, although there could just as easily have been as many as five. There also could have a been a few fumble recoveries. Missed opportunities on the part of the 'Skins. Perhaps that's why Chris Collinsworth -- on whatever network he's on these days -- was nearly apoplectic when describing how Washington had "given the game away." They certainly did help, granted, especially with that 57-yard fumble recovery for a TD by Charles Woodson.

But give the game away? How did the 'Skins give the game away when the Pack had two missed field goals, two interceptions, and two touchdowns nullified by bad calls by the refs? In the case of the latter, Bubba Franks got one foot down in the end zone before being pushed out. On a similar play last week, the Bears receiver was deemed to have been forced out and Da Bearz got their winning points. On the second non-TD, it was called back on a phantom holding penalty against Mark Tauscher, who is one of the least-penalized players not only on the team but probably the entire NFL. Replays, and commentary by the crew calling the game, failed to indicate exactly where the penalty was. And -- in one of those "oh-oh" moments -- after the Pack recovered a fumble at the 'Skins own 9-yard line, they failed to even convert a field goal. So, let's see...the Pack leave up to 20 points on the field and Collinsworth says the 'Skins "gave the game away"? Right. Brilliant insights, Mr. Collinsworth. Yes, the 'Skins did help with dropped passes and those fumbles. But the Pack was doing its best to give the game away, too.

Still, as noted at the outset, it was the "D' that won this game. Charles Woodson had an interception and that fumble-recovery return for the winning touchdown -- his first ever fumble recovery TD, by the way. Huge game. Aaron Kampman put pressure on the 'Skins QB all day, including some clutch sacks. Nick Barnett had a couple huge stops, including a critical fourth-down play. Cullen Jenkins, KGB, Johnny Jolly, Corey Williams, A. J. Hawk, Atari Bigby, Al Harris...the entire defense all came up big. Game balls for everyone!

Brett didn't have a particularly good day although, again, he had two TD passes called back. He passed George Blanda for the #1 spot in all-time interceptions. Special teams didn't have a good day either, with rookie kicker Mason Crosby making one field goal while missing two. And, of course, the running game...well, you can't even say it sucks because that would imply there was something there to actually suck. The running game is non-existent, although it did account for an actual rushing TD early in the game. Who'da thunk it?

So, going into the bye week, the Packers are tied with the Cowboys for the best record in the NFC. They have a lot to work on. But if the defense can maintain its high level of play, and the offense can somehow find some balance, i.e., even a hint of a running game -- which is critical going into the bad weather months -- the Packers should be a lock for the playoffs. Let's just leave it at that for now.

Next stop: Monday Night Football, Oct. 29, at Denver.

Pack beat 'Skins 17-14

This was a telling game, as noted in my pre-game post. The Packers' statement coming out of this game was that they have a solid defense. A defense that came up big when it mattered most, a defense that generated turnovers, including a turnover that turned into the game winning points courtesy of Charles Woodson, who had a very good game.

We'll analyze this a bit more later, the good as well as the bad -- and there was enough of both in this game. But for now, all we need to know is the Pack is 5-1 going into the bye week, a couple games ahead of its next nearest foe in the division. We may regret the fact that that total could and should be 6-0. But at the start of the season if anyone had said the team would be going into the off week with only 1 loss, especially looking at the schedule, I think every Packers fan would have said, "We'll take it!" And so we shall. And if the Cowboys lose to the Patriots today, we could be tied for the best record in the conference. Not bad. Not bad at all.

So let's just enjoy this one for a while. More later.

Pack vs. 'Skins Preview

With less than a couple hours to game time, let's take a brief look at today's game. The Pack are favored by 3 points at home...just as they were last week...OK, never mind that one. The Packers are the youngest team in the league, the Redskins are the oldest...except at QB where things are a bit reversed...although both QBs hail from Mississippi. Both teams have solid defenses. The 'Skins -- just like every other team in the league -- have a better running game than the Pack. The Packers are 4-1 (should be 5-0!), while the 'Skins are 3-1.

Coming off last week's fiasco, the Pack doesn't want to be staring at a 2-game loosing streak going into the bye week. For several weeks, the Pack was sloppy with the ball and with penalties. Last week it came back to bite them. One would expect corrections to have been made.

So it comes down, as it usually does, to execution. This will be a tight game. If the Packers execute as they are capable of doing, they should win this one and go into the bye sitting pretty at 5-1. If they continue the play of last week, it will be a disappointing loss. This is a telling game for the Packers. We'll know what they have to say in a couple hours.

Go Pack!!!

"Calling number 74,659...number 74,659"

74,659. That would be approximately your number in the waiting line if you had placed your name on the Packers season ticket list a couple days ago. Some folks who put their names on the list for tickets in 1970 -- 1970! -- finally got their tickets this year. Of course, something like a zillion (roughly) consecutive sellouts at Lambeau Field -- with no single game ticket sales mind you -- tends to make the wait for those precious seats on the benches a long one (yes, folks, Lambeau doesn't have individual seats, just numbers on aluminum benches...which, when everyone looks like the Michelin Man in the midst of winter, makes for some interesting seating indeed). This is, as the experts would say, an indication of a rabid fan base. Ya think?

Anyway, there is a great article about Packers season ticket holders at Rick Reilly's column on SI.com. Be sure to check it out.

Happy Birthday Brett!

OK, it's a day late and several million dollars short of his usual pay scale, but we didn't want to let Brett's birthday (Oct. 10) pass without extending a sincere Happy Birthday wish to Brett Lorenzo Favre on the occasion of his 38th b-day. Apparently, not even many of his teammates knew, according to some locker room interviews. So, if you didn't remember, you could actually consider yourself a member of the team...at least in that regard.

Robinson could be reinstated next Wednesday

According to reports, Packers receiver Koren Robinson could be reinstated as early as next Wednesday after serving his one-year suspension for a repeat violation of the NFL's substance abuse policy. He hopes to have a meeting with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell this week about the matter. He has apparently been working out in Arizona and is in great physical condition.

Brett Favre has spoken with Robinson, and talked about him in his weekly meeting with the media. According to PackersNews.com, Favre said, "I think he can offer a lot. In just my conversations with him -- and I don't doubt this -- his knee was hurt, he had a lot of off-field issues, whereas this year I think he knows where he stands, and not looking over his shoulder. He said physically-speaking, he feels great. He said ... 'the only shape I'm not in is game shape,' and the only way you get in that is you play."

Brett sounded excited about what Robinson could add to an already potent receiving corps. He noted that Robinson is still a young player and can be an example of what somebody can do when they get their life in order (paraphrasing there folks).

Wells lost for at least 2 weeks

Starting center Scott Wells suffered a fractured orbital bone around his eye in the third quarter of last night's game and, according to the Packers, will in all likelihood miss Sunday's game against Washington. The week afterward is a bye so he will have extra time to heal. Replacing him yesterday and this coming weekend will be second-year pro Jason Spitz. Spitz' 14 career starts have all been at guard, but he filled in well last night at center after Wells' injury, and got a lot of reps at the position during preseason. Wells has also been nursing a sore hamstring the last few weeks so Spitz has been getting reps during the game weeks as well...just in case. Looks as if "just in case" has arrived.

The morning after: pain and misery fill the air

We all thought it was a bad dream. Losing to Da Bearz. At Lambeau. Bucket loads of turnovers and penalties. A head-in-the-sand play calling approach in the second half.

But then, we wake up this morning and find that it's all true. The horror...the horror.

Packers 20 - Da Bearz 27. I think I'm gonna hurl.

Not much to be said really, at least in this still wounded mode.

It's in sad times like these that we turn to those sources of wisdom and clarity that have long inspired mankind with their depths of insight. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you, Homer Simpson.

The Pack gave it away...literally. Pack 20 - Da Bearz 27

As my pre-game post indicated, the only way the Packers would lose this game would be if they gave the ball away. And they did. Five times. Two fumbles on consecutive series in the first half by rookie receiver James Jones which halted likely touchdown drives, an ill-advised and forced pass by Brett resulting in an interception deep in the Pack's own territory, a fumble on a punt return by usually sure-handed Charles Woodson, and a final last-second Hail Mary interception in the endzone. You saw glimpses of this sloppy play last week, but the ball bounced the Pack's way. Tonight, it bounced the other way.

When a team turns the ball over that many times they normally lose. They deserve to lose. Oh sure, the Pack got one back on a tipped pass. But five turnovers? The Pack should have had this one going away. Instead, the Pack gave it away.

Penalties and bad field position, along with conservative play calling in the second half as a result of both of those situations, dried up a potent offense and kept Da Bearz in the game long enough for them to throw a game-winning TD pass with just over 2 minutes to go.

A sickening loss. As they usually are against Da Bearz.

Take the Pack - but you already knew that

With about 90 minutes to kickoff, it will feel more like the fried tundra in Green Bay rather than the frozen tundra. It's about 85F degrees there today...on the 7th of October. Can you say "global warming?" Anyway, unless the Packers players succumb to heat exhaustion and extreme cramping, or unless they give away the ball, they should more than beat the 3-point spread on this game.

Go Pack Go!!!

Packers - Da Bearz: 2 days to go and tix prices soar

Needless to say (so why am I then saying it?), this is Packers-Da Bearz week in Packerland. The eternal rivalry. Created at the dawn of time. When God said, "Let it be"...no, wait, that was The Beatles...when God said, "And there shall be enmity between the football teams of Green Bay and Chicago, and between their devotees." And so it was, is, and shall be. Amen.

Interestingly, it really doesn't matter what the records are in any given season between these two teams. Fans still get up for it. You only have to hear about what tickets are going for to illustrate that point. According to some reports, the cheapest is $175 for end zone seats, with most seeming to average in the $300-$500 range. A ticket near the 50-yard line will likely be in the $800 range. But if you really want to do it right, $17,550 will get you a suite for 20 people through one of the ticket brokers.

Currently, the Pack is favored by 3. Given the comparative records and the state of the two teams, one would think it would be bigger than that. And maybe it will by game time. Or maybe not. After all, things sometimes are not what they seem when these teams play...regardless.

But unless the Pack gets sloppy with the ball (the way they were and got away with against the ViQueens last week, let's be honest) and turn it over, or unless they let Devin Hester loose on returns, the Pack should win this one going away.

"And God looked upon the game result and saw that it was good. So ended the fifth week."

Blackmon likely done for the year - again

Will Blackmon, the second-year player the Pack was counting on to not only return punts and/or kicks but also compete for starting time at defensive back, broke his right foot in practice Wednesday. This is the same foot he broke in training camp last year. Of course, this year he was already set back with a broken right thumb. Before the news broke about this today, some local sportscasters were even speculating that Blackmon would soon be pressing for playing time. So much for that idea. At this point, no idea as to when or if Blackmon might return this year.

Some players, despite the promise they present -- and Blackmon did indeed present much promise -- are just injury prone. No doubt the Pack will give him another shot next year. But another injury would certainly cut short his stay in Green Bay, and perhaps the NFL.

You can read more about this sad story here.

Football folks reflect upon Favre

As much as we Packer fans extol the accomplishments of ol' #4, it is sometimes of interest to see what others have to say. In today's Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, you can read what Mike Holmgren, Bart Starr, and Joe Montana had to say. Also, a recap of Dan Marino's video message to Brett after he broke the record.

Elsewhere, there were the comments on ESPN before the game. Mike Ditka had this to say: "One of the best things that happened to me, I got fired in 1992 and that's when he (Favre) started. But I'll give him the ultimate compliment, as far as I'm concerned. To me, that's a guy I would have loved to have played with. I would have loved to be in the huddle with that guy." You know, I think Brett probably would have enjoyed that, too. And Emmitt Smith added, ""What I love about Brett Favre, and I have never seen it in my years playing football and watching the game, I have never seen a quarterback enjoy his position, enjoy the game, as much as Brett Favre. I'll tell you. There are only two quarterbacks in the league who I would love to have played with, outside of my own Troy Aikman. Brett Favre is one. Dan Marino is the other." Coming from Mr. Smith, that's high praise indeed.

But when all the accolades are said and done, though, it's hard to beat Joe Montana's kudos to Brett: "Congratulations you old fart!". Simple. Direct. Kinda says it all.