• 
• CLASS
• JOBS
• AUTO
• HOMES

After comeback win, Favre, Vikings turn attention to Packers

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. — Three games into the Minnesota portion of Brett Favre’s long and illustrious career, it’s clear why the Vikings made such a fuss over the graying quarterback.

The evidence was at the back edge of the Metrodome’s north end zone, where Greg Lewis stretched to catch a 32-yard throw from Favre and touched the turf with both feet inbounds and 2 seconds left in Sunday’s game.

“I guess it was just my lucky day,” Lewis said.

Good thing Favre still has that clutch touch.

“I was on the sideline thinking, ‘Brett Favre’s known for his comebacks. Brett Favre’s known for his comebacks.’ And look what we got: A comeback from him,” cornerback Cedric Griffin said. “He was great. It was awesome.”

At the end of a rather rough afternoon, filled with rushed and off-the-mark throws and several hard hits to his 39-year-old body, Favre methodically brought the Minnesota offense 80 yards in 87 of the 89 seconds that remained when they got the ball back for the last-chance possession.

“Don’t know if I’ve ever been involved in a come-from-behind like that with no timeouts,” coach Brad Childress said Monday, reflecting on the 27-24 victory over San Francisco.

Childress quickly lauded the team effort in the rally, including the necessary protection from the offensive line and the sure hands of the receivers. The feat was ultimately about Favre, though, and his unique aptitude for the dramatic finish.

“I didn’t know who it was that was streaking so I just threw it as hard as I could,” Favre said. “I don’t think it was anything that special. The catch was pretty outstanding.”

The coach gave him a bit more credit.

“Brett’s the straw that stirs the drink. He’s an equally opportunity thrower,” Childress said. “So while he may not know who that was in the back of the end zone, he knew somebody was going to be working back that way—and put it in a spot where he could go get it.”

The Vikings (3-0) have trailed at halftime three straight weeks, to struggling teams in Cleveland and Detroit. Then San Francisco was on the verge of spoiling their home opener, before Favre completed the 43rd victory of his career following a fourth-quarter deficit or tie.

“It’s hard to even recall all of them,” he said. “This one was pretty special.”

The next game will be even more noteworthy, win or lose, because next Monday’s opponent is Green Bay. Favre will take advantage of the extra day to heal and rest.

And Minnesota will take a moment to revel and remember.

“This is a situation that, years past, we probably would’ve lost,” guard Steve Hutchinson said. “You need to win these types of games when you’re down and the chips are stacked against you.”