Quotes From Around The League On Favre And The NFL Touchdown Record
PACKERS-VIKINGS POST GAME QUOTES
Head Coach Mike McCarthy
First injuries, Atari Bigby had cramps; he returned in the second half. Al Harris had a hand but he played through it until the end. With that I will take your questions.
Q: To win the game and Brett Favre to get the record, could it have been scripted any better?
A: That is the way you want to do it, that is for sure. The speech he gave to his teammates illustrated that. Especially to come up here and win makes it even a little more special. This is a tough place to play, to play against the Vikings. It's a rivalry football game so it's a very nice win for our football team and a great day to break a very impressive record.
Q: What went through your head when he threw the pass?
A: I was looking for a flag like I always do. It kind of hit me when they put Dan Marino up on the board. I think Dan's message was excellent, I thought it was first class, but you are into the game so I think that Brett will appreciate it when it's all said and done after the fact, when his career is over. But it's a milestone and we have a lot more left.
Q: Did Greg (Jennings) say anything like "script a play for me to get 421?"
A: I would have to say that he has a lot of suggestions; you have to sort through them every week. But no, this was a very important game for our football team. It was our first division game and he has put a lot of extra time in and our team is growing, particularly on offense, it's a big part of that. The extra work that he is doing with some of our players, and you cannot say enough about our offensive line pass protection again today.
Q: So much had been made about the pieces that weren't added this off-season, particularly on offense. Can you talk about Greg Jennings and James Jones and what they bring to the team?
A: The most important improvement you can make as a football team, in my opinion, is from within, and that is the approach we have taken from the day we started this program. We have had a number of young guys who have improved throughout the off-season, James is obviously a rookie. We tailored our off-season programs to the younger players and the rookies. I go back to Brett Favre and the time he has spent in there, and it's very important to get that between quarterbacks and receivers. You see that throughout the league with the premier quarterbacks and the receivers and that is the type of relationship that we are developing in Green Bay
Q: Did Brett address the team? And when and what did he have to say?
A: We just gave him the game ball and he just reiterated how much fun he is having playing on this football team. He hopes everybody can play as long as he has and it's all about winning. That basically sums up his speech.
Q: What has impressed you most about your team's start?
A: We are 4-0 and number one; we are staying on our toes when we play. There are always going to be games where you get from behind and we fought through a couple of those. Then to come up here in the Metrodome and go through the different momentum swings and keep overcoming the situations we got in. We got sloppy at the end there and we just knew we were going to fight back. This team has a lot of fight, they are young, they are improving and I am proud of what they have accomplished so far, but we are not interested in being the 4-0 darling team, it's a 16 game season and we have a lot of work to do.
Q: Being that it is a young team, how do you keep your guys focused on what got them 4-0 and not reading about how well they are playing?
A: We are going to try to keep away from you guys as much as possible, that's a start, but that is pro football, that is about being a professional. We talk about handling success all the time and how everyday is important. That is our approach and its going to be a challenge each week, we know that.
Q: What happened on the fumbled handoff, and was there any thought to down the ball, or was there too much time left?
A: The situation there with one timeout is you have to be under 1:24, that's clock management in the situation we are in. It's important as an offensive football team, that's why we practice the four minute offense, get a first down and end the game. The center-quarterback exchange, quarterback-running back exchange, I don't have the specifics or anything because I was right after the defense after that.
Q: What prompted you to call the fake punt and were you surprised that Jon Ryan was able to pick up the first down?
A: I wasn't surprised he was able to pick up the first down, I would have never called the fake punt. I was surprised in the way he did pick it up. It was a very impressive play but as far as the game planning we took a look to take advantage of it. It didn't work out the way it was supposed to but it was a great play by Jon Ryan.
Q: Can you talk about your defense's effort, especially Aaron Kampman?
A: I thought our pass rush was very good particularly in the second half. The run defense struggled, (Adrian) Peterson was exceptional today; he is an exciting young back. We need to do a much better job, teams are going to keep coming at us the same way as we move onto Chicago, but I thought our pass rush was very good today.
Q: Did you think Brett still had this stretch in him?
A: I think so. I remember when I took this job, watching film from 2005. I was very impressed with the mobility that he still had, I thought he still had a lot of juice in his legs, I was actually impressed by it. It goes back to the first time him and I talked down in Hattiesburg and I told him that he had a lot of gas left in his gas tank. I don't think it's a question of how long he can play; it's the other circumstances that were involved in his decision. No I am not surprised by this at all.
Q: What about the level he is playing at?
A: That is how we expect him to play. His experience and his ability to get the ball out of his hand and the urgency and accuracy that he is throwing the football with, that is what makes Brett Favre - Brett Favre, because he can make the tight throws and he is just doing an excellent job of managing the game and letting our playmakers make plays.
Q: As the game went on he started to get hit more as the threw, were you worried about that?
A: No, I wasn't worried. I know he took a couple shots there, but I felt for the most part our pass protection was solid. To come up here and to pass block in this stadium is tough duty, but also he was getting the ball out of his hand in a timely fashion so I wasn't concerned.
Q: Can you characterize how your team is towards Brett after he broke the record?
A: Our organization and football team is thrilled to death that Brett Favre broke this record. I think the team may be more excited about it than Brett. I don't want to disrespect the record of Dan Marino, this is a phenomenal record that has been broken but the organization is very proud of Brett Favre and he has been a very big part of the success of the Green Bay Packers for 17 years. It will be a big part of the history as we move forward so we are thrilled to death that Brett Favre represents the Packers. I am sure there will be things to come when the time is right.
Q: Could he go down as the best quarterback ever?
A: He is one of the best football players ever; I will leave it up to you experts to rank them. I would never even attempt to rank those players. Just for Brett Favre to be mentioned with those other great quarterbacks, to me, what else do you want. The guy is a great football player, period.
Q: Do you ever catch yourself thinking that you are in the middle of such a historical moment?
A: No I haven't yet, but no it's about the team, it's a remarkable moment and I think he will appreciate it at a different time. I am very happy for him personally, very proud of what he has accomplished. It couldn't have happened to a better individual. I think he is a class act. He is a joy to coach, but we are focused on our football season. This is a tremendous accomplishment, a lot of people are involved in this record and for me to stand here and speak for it, I really don't feel comfortable about that. It's a great day for the Green Bay Packers and pro football and once again, it couldn't have happened to a better quarterback.
Q: What about yourself, you have obviously had a hand in a lot of his success.
A: I don't view it that way. This is my third year with Brett, he has played 17 years so there are a lot of other coaches who are part of his success, I am just appreciative that I have been given the opportunity to coach him as a position coach and now a head coach.
Q: What was Brett like in celebrating that touchdown? His teammates always talk about the way he celebrates and still enjoys the game so much.
A: I didn't see much of it, its kind of normal for him. He has actually slowed down in my opinion. I remember in 1999 the first four games of the year went into overtime and he basically won three of them. They are giving him oxygen and everything after the celebrations. So he has actually settled down a little bit and that comes with old age, but he was kind of his old self.
Q: How did you get Peterson under control after the first half?
A: We played better run defense, I think we did a better job playing square, staying in our run lanes, I felt we did a better job of load tackling him. But we need to do a better job on defense, he is an exceptional young running back.
Q: At what point do you have to start getting more out of your own running game?
A: Well I have been asked this question every week, so I will say the same thing I said last week. We need to get more out of it this week. Bottom line is to score points, move the ball up and down the field. We have been doing that the last three weeks. We didn't do a very good job in week one so we will continue to work at it. I am a run the ball offensive minded person but we are not doing it as well as we can right now. I need more confidence in calling the plays so that is the hurdle we need to get over.
Q: How did Vernand Morency play in his first game back?
A: He looked like a guy who hadn't played in a while. I thought he did some good things and made a couple good reads. He needs to protect the football on the one big play that he had there, but it's good to have him back.
QB Brett Favre
Q: Is the record better because you won?
A: The record is better because we won. And it was as good a team effort as we've had. Seems like we say that week in and week out and everyone had a hand in this game. It's no secret that everyone said, "Man, I hope you get the record." I'd much rather win this game. In order for us to win I'd have to throw a touchdown pass. We are in a throwing mode right now. But the win itself it was great. It's a win and it gets this behind us. It's just a great feeling.
Q: Can you talk about the check (to Greg Jennings on the record breaking touchdown pass)?
A: You saw it. It was down to the wire. We had a play on that probably could have been complete based on the look that they were giving me. I thought they were going to come with an al-out blitz, which they did. Then I changed the play to more of a blitz-type play. The two receivers side was the logical side to change because the three receivers is going to be harder to change with three guys there is more guys to check and to direct. It just so happens that Greg got it timed and that part of it is easy. The tough part of it in this type of environment is to make sure your interior guys, whether it be lineman or tight ends, get it because the key to the play was Donald (Driver) getting that check. Had he kept his route on that was called in the huddle, he was probably in the way of Greg and he knew that. Just talking with Peter (King) around the corner and he asked if I thought about calling timeout. I felt like I knew we were pressed for time but I really felt this would be a big play if we could get it off. I knew they were going to come with more than we could block. Which is true, but I knew Greg and I feel like that's what our receivers are very good at are those type of routes.
Q: What does it mean to you to pass a guy like Dan Marino?
A: It feels great. I've said this all along and I'll continue to say this I don't consider myself as good a quarterback as Dan Marino and I have an tremendous amount of respect for not only him but for guys who have played this game before me. Dan was a hero as well as a lot of other guys that I played with earlier in my career and even didn't get a chance to play against. To be mentioned in the same breathe as Dan and other guys is quite an honor. To me that is more important than the actual record.
Q: Did you catch the tribute that was on the Jumbotron (after the TD throw)?
A: I didn't. But I had a good talk with him a couple weeks ago. We did a little sit down interview and got to visit afterwards. I think he knows where I stand and I know that that record as well as other is important to him but, as I always say about myself, I hope I don't need records for people to remember me after I'm done playing. Definitely for Dan I think his play speaks for himself.
Q: What was it like to go over and try to have a private moment with Dianna and your mother in front of 60,000 people?
A: It wasn't very private but, you know, that is what it's all about. I enjoy playing this game and enjoy the fact that we won this game and it happened here at Minnesota people have asked me during the course of the week would it be sweeter if you get it here. It really doesn't matter. I know this place has been not only difficult for our team but for my play but I've always felt like I've enjoyed playing in domes. I just think we have been out played and I didn't play up to my capabilities. To play well today, I felt like their defense was outstanding and still feel that way, to get it done to get it over with to share that moment with family. I don't know if all my family saw it on TV, but it was kind of a sigh of relief. I enjoyed it with everyone.
Q: Why do you and Greg have such a great chemistry?
A: I think Greg's an outstanding player first of all. I think whoever he plays with will find chemistry with him fairly quickly because he has this savvy about him that's rare. When I first got into this league, I had a chance to play with Sterling (Sharpe). Maybe at the time I didn't realize, but as I look back after he was gone I realized how smart he was and how the game sort of came easy to him. He was banged up a little bit and couldn't practice but he was extremely smart and knew how to set guys up. Antonio Freeman, another guy like that, not overly talented but always was open always made plays had a feel for what was going on. Wasn't a one track mind with a guy like that. Kind of saw the whole defense. Greg has that type of, he has great ability, and that feel about him when you tell him something. Sort of like me and Donald. That's a different type of chemistry but I can almost look at him and he's like, "Yeah I know what you are talking about." It's very difficult during a course of a game to say on the sidelines you see something that maybe you didn't practice during the week but could maybe work and you try to get that talked about on the sidelines and not talk about it as a group. For example the last play to James Jones we had been checking to a draw earlier in the game and based on the way they played we thought like we may have a shot. But we had to talk kind of about that on the sidelines and I think that's the thing about Greg, we know Donald has that type of ability, but I think these young guys like Greg, and even James, were able to sort of address something. Not that you want to go do that all the time but they were able to pick it up rather quickly.
Q: You went and said something to Donald just before the play. What did you say?
A: Get out the way. No. I just had to change the play or the route and I had to do it before obviously the time ran out. Had I called timeout, had we had a false start or something like that, and we'd line up, not only do we probably change the play that we've called or the personnel group but they probably change their defense, I'm just assuming. I felt like if we could get it off, we could execute correctly, did I think it would be a touchdown? It's easy to say yeah now but I did think it could be a big play.
Q: Can you describe your reaction when it happened?
A: You know what, this is being totally honest with you, I was more excited, sort of like the Super Bowl, I mean I don't want to compare it to the Super Bowl, the last thing on my mind was the record. Maybe 20 seconds or 30 seconds later it just kind of hit me that, OK, that's the record. But initially when he called it was kind of like, OK we got it off, we executed it correctly, there's no flags. This is how an efficient offense is supposed to work. Being in a hostile environment, loud, and that was the first time we scored and we struck first which was so important for us in this game, or in any game, because it set the tone. I'm excited and as I go down and congratulate Greg it kind of dawned on me. I wasn't expecting any stoppage, I wasn't expecting anything especially away. I guess it is everything I thought it would be. The most important thing is that we scored and set the tone the rest of the game. Right away It didn't hit me like OK its kind of over and done with. I don't look at it that way. Every touchdown I've thrown it's been a lot of fun. It had extra meaning not only because of the record but what we've had to do here in the past and we've overcome and for us to start that way was so important.
Q; Do you want the ball or do you want to put it in the Hall of Fame?
A: I was hoping to put it on Ebay. I don't know what we are going to do. We'll talk with the Hall of Fame. One thing I said awkward earlier, is I am glad we won the game because as I talking to Rachel before the game, there was so much emphasis on this record and not on the game itself. Everyone was like "What are you going to do? Is there a big celebration?" Put yourself in my shoes. I want to help this team win I know how difficult it is. I do not want to get blind sided by this record and what we are actually here for. Fortunately it is behind us and we won the game. I think we are going to let it sit in the Hall of Fame for a year or two. We talked about that after the game. I'm sure after that I will keep it.
WR Greg Jennings
Q: You caught the record. How does it feel?
A: It feels great. Number one, just being an option after the many touchdown recipients that have caught some of his balls finally coming down to my touchdown catch after the 100 years that he has played. Just to be able to go out there and be the recipient felt great.
Q: What did he say to you after the catch?
A: He just picked me up. I think he thought I was Donald (Driver). He normally picks Donald up and he picked me up this time.
Q: What was it like when he was barreling around out there after the touchdown?
A: It feels great. You know I mentioned it earlier, anytime you have a guy that is out there that has played 17 years and is 37 years old that is running around - he makes us go. As he goes we go. Just to see him with that type of enthusiasm and excitement, he puts the buzz in everybody else.
Q: What was the name of the verbiage for the play. For the slant?
A: I want to say, I know he checked it to dragon which is a drag slant. The inside receiver has the drag and is trying to pull the defenders in there so it can open up the window for the slant. It worked out definitely to our advantage.
Q: Do you appreciate playing with one of the greatest players to play?
A: Definitely, I think we all appreciate that with the year we had last year and to see the way he is going about his business this year. He is a totally different player. He is understanding us more and he is almost like a parent that has kids for the first time. You have to really begin to understand what your kids want. I am not saying that we are all kids but we are younger than him obviously. He understands us more and he is beginning to trust us and we are what he has and he is making the best of it.
Q: You caught 400, 420 and 421. Do you get a sense of what is happening?
A: I know one thing I don't think I'll ever be forgotten. That's thanks to Brett. Obviously but like I said there have been several receivers to come through and catch some of his balls. Number one, I thank God for this opportunity to be out there and once again for him to have the confidence in myself and to throw me that ball.
DE Aaron Kampman
A: Talent level, I don't know. Whatever the talent level is to keep winning. Right now we are 4-0 and have another chance to play another division rival in Chicago next week at home. Hope to keep it rolling.
Q: Where do you see this team going this year?
A: I'm not into predictions.
Q: Your thoughts on the game?
A: It was a hard-fought game. Defensively, it was our best performance. I know we gave up some yards rushing. But the thing about our defense that I'm really proud of we seem to making big plays when we need to. There at the end, when we had to rise up again, we did. I'm just really proud of it for our club.
Q: That front line just kept making a ton of pressure on Holcomb all day.
A: Yeah, we wanted to keep him uncomfortable and I think he was a little bit. So it was a good thing for us.
Q: Any thoughts on Favre from a defensive standpoint?
A: I mean the longevity and leadership that he has just displayed has been just tremendous for our team. The greatest thing about him is that he cares about the record but cares more about winning. He said it a couple of minutes ago and that's when you know you have a special teammate.
Q: What is like to be 4-0?
A: It is a good feeling. We had this early on back in '02. We had a great start and things. We have been here before but I think the difference that I feel at least on this team from a defensive standpoint is that we are really playing well together. Playing as a team and really rising up and making the plays that we need to when we need to.
Q: What was it like to witness history today for you?
A: Well, it was great. I think the greatest thing was the moment we had in the locker room. Brett was given a game ball for his record and the first thing out of his mouth was that he would rather win. To me, that shows the type of teammate that he is and he means it. It's not something he is just saying. He really means that and I think that means a lot to our team as well.
Q: What does it mean for you guys to come up big when it matters most? A fluky thing happens and you think the game you have the game iced and you still have to go out there and do something.
A: That's what I'm talking about. I'm really proud of our defense right now. The way we are rising up. We did not play a perfect game by any stretch of the imagination. We gave up too many yards on the ground and things like that. When the plays need to be made, we are making them.
LB A.J. Hawk
Q: How big is it on defense, giving your offense a short field?
A: The more that I have realized as I have gone through college and everything that field position is such a big part of the game. When you can give your offense a short field, and keep the field position in your favor it really helps a lot.
Q: Any concerns with how many rushing yards they were able to have in that game?
A: I mean of course, we definitely did not stop the run like we would have liked to. We gave up explosive runs, and way too many yards. We held them from getting too many touchdowns, what was what we needed to stay in the game.
Q: How much fun are you having watching Brett Favre break this record?
A: It was great. Today he had a huge day for us again. He is having a great year, and it is fun to watch and be a part of.
S Atari Bigby
Q: Did you guys show how great you were on that last defensive drive, when you got that interception. Those are the times when you have to come up big.
A: I do not know how good or great we showed. We showed that we can win the game, and that we are tougher.
Q: What are your thoughts on Adrian Peterson, and facing him twice a year?
A: He is a great back, I do not have to tell you that. We are going to face a lot like Steven Jackson, LT, and Westbrook. This is the NFL, so we are going to face a good running back every week.
TE Bubba Franks
Q: What did Favre say after the game?
A: He just said keep on going. We take them one at a time and he is proud of the way we have been playing. Enjoy this one for the night and get ready for the next one.
Q: Where does this win rank in this building?
A: It ranks the same with all the other ones. It is hard to win here. When you do you just enjoy it as much as you can.
Q: Was it good to get the record out of the way early?
A: It was good to get it out of the way in the first two series so we could kind of get that out of the picture so people wouldn't be trying hard and doing more than they should be doing so we could concentrate on football. We got it done early and we pushed on.
Q: Why has winning through the air here worked so well?
A: That is what defenses are giving us. They are concentrating so hard on shutting down the run. Eventually we will get the running game going.
Q: How has the team got off to a fast start at 4-0 compared to other years?
A: I give that credit to the coach. He changed up training camp a little bit and guys were not really worn out. You have got to ask him what he did differently but we sure appreciate it.
Q: What does 4-0 mean?
A: It is just numbers right now. We are 4-0, It's just numbers. We want to be 5-0 so we need to get ready for the Bears.
DE Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila
Q: Favre also had a record-setting day, what did he say to you guys after the game?
A: He said that the win is more important than the individual's accolade. Saying guys let's keep it up, and kept it going. Let's finish the season strong. We are one quarter of the season done, and we have a new quarter now. Our goal is to just keep chipping away.
T Mark Tauscher
Q: You have been part of a lot of big wins here. What does this one mean?
A: This was big. I have always said these are my favorite games to win when you come up here because of the environment you are in and how difficult it is to come up here and win. This was a big test for us because this place has caused a lot of trouble in the past and I think we are starting to get over that.
Q: Why has passing the ball here the last few years worked so well?
A: It is working; we want to run the ball better and we will talk about that Monday. We are struggling running the football; there is no question about that, and for us to be successful as the season goes along we are going to have to improve on that.
Q: Was it good to have Brett Favre break the TD record early and get that out of the way?
A: Yeah, you could feel the energy early, but to Minnesota's credit they came back and had a really nice drive after that which kind of stifled it. We hung in there and did what we needed to do to win this football game.
Q: Do you feel good for Favre breaking the record?
A: There has been a lot of hype about it and he has handled it well with the fact of how important it is to win the game. For us to come up here and win in a place where his history is not the best and throw the touchdown early was a really good starting point and finish it off. We would have liked to have done it a little bit cleaner but winning is winning.
Q: How does it feel to be 4-0?
A: It is awesome. We are really excited that we are off to a good start. It is something we have really lacked in the past and you can just really feel the confidence and momentum building and that is huge.
LB Nick Barnett
Q: Were they more effective than what you faced last week in terms of putting blockers on the linebackers in this game?
A: It definitely felt like they did bring a couple of offensive lineman up to the second level to try and get us blocked. I think we did a good job except for a couple of explosive plays. We kind of gave them that. We got outside of our responsibilities or they ran the right play at the right time on one play. We just have to go back to work and try to shut down that run. For us, that hurts us. We don't want to ever give up that many rushing yards. We are going to go back to the drawing board and shut that run down. That's number one for us.
Q: And you're 4-0.
A: We are 4-0 and you can call us whatever you want to call us, but don't forget to call us 4-0 right now.
Q: When the offense fumbled the ball at the end, what's the mentality of the defense when you guys have to go back out there when you are not really expecting to and thinking the game might be over at that point?
A: I don't think any of us was thinking the game was over at that point. When we went out there on that field, our goal was to get the ball back and/or shut them down. Just keep our composure and play Packer defense. We went out there and did what we had to do.
Q: The first three times the Vikings were in scoring range you were able to stop them and get the field goal. What was it about the red zone defense that kept them out of the end zone until the very end?
A: We played real well in the red zone defensively. We were able to shut them down once they got in the red zone. The only time they made a big play was through an explosive play. They made some plays and we also made some mistakes to let them make those plays. But once we got in the red zone we buckled down. I think today we played a little bend but don't break defense. That is not our style. We want to be a dominant defense but today we did what we had to do to win the game.
Q: What is your initial opinion on Adrian Peterson?
A: I thought he was a good back. He made some plays. He is fast and strong. He is a good running back. We gave him some but he also made some plays. It looks like he has a bright future ahead of him.
WR James Jones
Q: What makes Favre so successful?
A: Determination, he is the ultimate leader on that field, on the practice field, on the game field, he is always trying to coach you up and always trying to win. Playing on the same team as a guy like that you want to give your best effort all the time.
Q: Talk about your touchdown play.
A: We throw the ball quite a bit so all the receivers are going to get a chance. Like we always say before we go out on that field you are going to get a chance so make the most of it. Every receiver today that got a chance made the most of it and we have got to keep it up and get ready for next week.
Q: How big is field position in the game today?
A: Field position is big in the NFL but we have got to turn those short fields into touchdowns. A field goal is good but a touchdown is better so we have got to go back to the drawing board and execute better and turn those field position situations into touchdowns.
Q: How sweet is it to see the offense functioning well without adding any big name free agents like Randy Moss?
A: We don't worry about that we go out there and try to get better every day. We don't worry about Randy Moss. We don't worry about breaking in other players. This is what we got so this is what we have got to work with. We come in every day with that mentality and there are a lot of great players here, and a lot of players are making plays and we have to keep it up.
Minnesota Head Coach Brad Childress
Okay, just in terms of injuries, Bryant McKinnie had a little stomach illness and had to get off the field before halftime for a couple liters of IVs. He was dehydrated pretty good there and had trouble finishing. Ray Edwards just has a contusion; he is negative on x-ray. Other than that, just your regular bumps and bruises. This was a classic NFC North game. I expect to see more just like that in two weeks when we play the Bears. We need to regroup and we need to refresh here over this bye week. Most every game in the National Football League, particularly with this rivalry, will come down to the end in the last two minutes. Obviously this one didn't disappoint. We are obviously extremely disappointed, but we're a quarter of the way through. We're a 1-3 football team. We had an opportunity to win all three of those games, and I'm not going to point in any one direction but we could all improve in all the areas.
Q: With those shots downfield in the beginning, was that in order to stretch the offense and loosen things up a little bit?
A: Yeah, and it's not just loosening things up. What you don't want is long foul balls. You have to do it with merit, and I thought those things were pretty well protected. But again, you have to give a guy an opportunity to make a play and put the ball down and obviously your receiver has to make a play.
Q: What was your view of the fumble/incomplete pass call?
A: Well I had the flag out of my pocket so my view was kind of self-explanatory, but if it's ruled incomplete, it's not able to be challenged.
Q: On the interception at the end, what were you talking to the officials about?
A: I thought it was clearly interference. My understanding of pass interference is that you can't have contact with somebody when the ball is in the air. We'll have to go back and look at that one and see if there was contact while the ball was in the air.
Q: Chester Taylor had more plays than Adrian Peterson. Was that by design or just the way it worked out?
A: No, really just the way it worked out. Again, we're trying to give them plays that they look at well, and obviously Adrian was contributing with the kickoff returns. That's what I love about this football team; it's an unselfish football team. I've talked to you many times about Adrian and how he just wants to be a guy that contributes to win any way he can. He doesn't bat an eyelash to go back there and return kicks although he'd rather that we're handing it to him.
Q: In hindsight, would you like to see Adrian out there more?
A: No, I don't do that hindsight thing.
Q: Talk about Adrian's play today.
A: Yeah, without thinking about every carry that he had, he's going to give you a day's work for a day's pay. He's taking a bigger look at things; he's running with some power and some speed, and obviously they are doing some things in the front as well as at the wide receivers for those guys to be able to pop up at that gap.
Q: Do you have any comments on Brett Favre and his accomplishment?
A: Yeah, you hate to have it happen on you. I want to say it was a 3rd-and-8 or a 3rd-and-9 that was a touchdown throw. You like to get off the field on defense in that situation there. But it's always fun to compete against him. He's an expert, and it was only a matter of time before it was going to happen. Just hopefully not in time against us.
Q: What was Kelly Holcomb's biggest issue - too much of a pass rush?
A: Well there becomes a time there where you're bound to have to throw the football. But I thought we had very good protection early on in being able to get the ball up the field, but it's a combination of being able to get the ball out when you're in a drop-back throwing situation and then just moving that pocket a little bit wider.
Q: When you have to settle for field goals, do you think about how that could come back and get you at the end?
A: You know, it usually does come back and bite you, particularly when you get close and you approach. You have to be thinking seven points there, not three points, especially when you have an explosive play to put yourself down there.
Q: What are the major issues you see heading into the bye week?
A: Let me give those to you tomorrow, will you? Because I'm sure I'll be able to enumerate them for you tomorrow.
Q: How do you assess the division situation at this point or do you not look that far ahead?
A: We just have to go one game at a time here. That's the mindset that we have. Obviously we can't fast-forward and talk about the divisional games in November and December. We are what we are; we're 1-3. We understand that Green Bay is at the top of this division. We get another crack at them as we do everybody else and two against the Bears.
Q: What are your feelings on burning those timeouts early in the second half?
A: Yeah, I want to say one of them was that there was a lack of understanding in there and as opposed to putting a bad play on the field, we wanted to make sure we had the right play on the field. Those things you like to hold on to. I've said it again and again. I will go back and say that I didn't feel like the timeout hurt us there from a standpoint of us turning the ball back over on defense.
Q: What did you think about the punter running for a first down?
A: Yeah, I thought we had it defensed. Our guys were in position to stop that play and take the ball at the 50-yard line. It's one thing if you don't feel like it's been looked at or it's been coached or it's been talked about, but I thought we had two or three people in position to be able to make the play. He did a great job of competing - the punter.
Q: Were those deep shots planned or because they were coming up against the run early?
A: Well you like to take those shots when you can get those one-on-ones, and they're primarily a man-to-man football team. They were swinging different people in and out at those man-to-man positions, but I think we had one deep on (Charles) Woodson, one deep on (Jarrett Bush), and I don't remember if we had one deep on Al Harris, but it's the old, "You can't get a hit if you don't swing the bat." So we're always reading the thing from top to bottom. If you get it one-to-one, that's great. If you can get it one on nobody like last week, those are the best yet. You have to hit them.
Q: Do you have to do anything proactive to keep the chemistry up?
A: Just talk. It's a pretty wide open dialogue, and we look everything in the face and we talk about who we are and we don't pretend to be anybody else. I think when you beat around the bush it doesn't serve you very well.
Q: What did you think about the pass defense today, especially the play of Dwight Smith?
A: Yeah, he had some big hits in there. I'm sure he had a couple that he'd like back as well, but that's football. You're playing with a guy that can chuck the ball anywhere he wants it. To command it that way and throw with that velocity, somewhere they're going to end up making plays on you. Defensively they had turnovers; they had a couple turnovers that obviously were big, and the one cost us seven points, and I think the fake punt cost us three points on that drive.
Q: Do you think when you get in the red zone, the rotations throw off the rhythm?
A: Well I think you go back and pull that thing apart, which is something that we end up doing in this bye week after four games. What are you doing when you do get down there? Are you thinking touchdown to checkdown mentality-wise with your pass game? That's something you end up looking at, and in some respects it's the best place to be able to run the football because a lot of times they are...in a zone, but obviously you can't throw the ball deep down the field. The field is shrunken down, so you have to be more precise with your passing attack.
Q: Do you think the offense requires a major overhaul or just some fine-tuning?
A: Let me tell you tomorrow.
Minnesota RB Adrian Peterson
Q: How do you feel you did today?
A: I felt I moved the ball pretty well. We just didn't execute. We had opportunities to get seven points, but we just didn't execute. We just need to capitalize on those situations.
Q: Would you like to get more playing time?
A: I am going to go in when they call on me. I am going to go out there and make the best of every opportunity. It's good to have Chester (Taylor) back and have that one-two punch to keep both of us fresh. I am just going to do my job.
Q: Are you getting up to speed on learning this offense?
A: Definitively. Every week I am taking steps forward to improve my overall game. I am definitely moving forward.
Q: You were close to breaking open on that long run...for a touchdown.
A: It was close. It was close. Maybe one step ahead. But he made a great tackle.
Minnesota WR Bobby Wade
Q: You seemed to question the ref about some close or possible holds on you? What did the ref say?
A: I asked him "what about holding?" and the first thing he told me was I was looking the other way. That was his response. Verbatim. I was looking the other way. That is exactly what he told me. Verbatim.
Q: Green Bay Packers CB Charles Woodson was called for holding once, but you think he was doing it throughout the game?
A: I am taking on the inside release, running a double slant. He tries to take the inside away. We're in there fighting, no doubt about it. But when the ball is coming your way, when the ball is in the air, that's pass interference. You can press within five yards, no doubt about it. But when the ball is in the air that's pass interference.
Q: The no-call toward the end was important...
A: It would have gave us another opportunity. That's all we can ask for...another chance to fight, another chance to give us a chance to finish off that game. It's a tough situation. You get them sometimes and you win the game or you don't. But those are hard.
Q: How do you think the Vikings are doing overall?
A: I think we are fighters. We will be fine. We are going into the bye week. We have got the opportunity to learn from this film, we get better another week and give it another shot.
Minnesota QB Kelly Holcomb
Q: You are still new to this offense, but do you think you are making progress?
A: It is a process, but we have to make plays. It was the same thing last week. You can't run the ball up and down the field from 20 to 20 and not score. We have to score touchdowns, not field goals. Through my experiences when you are kicking a bunch of field goals you usually lose. We kind of shoot ourselves in the foot. We had a motion penalty down there. I think we had a holding penalty. You just can't do that and win in this league. It's too hard. It's too hard to win, and when you beat yourself you can't do it.
Q: Do you feel the offense made progress today?
A: We did some good things. The best thing that we did is we didn't quit. It says a lot about our team, a lot about our character. It was bleak there, and you never know what is going to happen until you play until the end. You play until the end. As long as you got time on that clock you always got a chance. We still had time on the clock, and we had a chance.
Q: Did the Packers play surprise you at all?
A: We knew exactly what Green Bay was going to do. The same thing last week with Kansas City. They are going to get up in your face, they are going to play you man, they are going to make it hard on you, they are going to try to disrupt you and they are going to try and get those front four involved. Honestly they did that to a certain degree today. But we have to make the plays when they are presented to us.
Q: Describe that last play where the pass was deflected and intercepted...
A: It wasn't off (Visanthe) Shiancoe, it was Bobby Wade. He was in the slot. It was Charles Woodson's job not to let him inside. They were playing man defense. They had two men. Both backers were overwhelmed with covering Shiancoe, and the other was covering the back. If Bobby gets inside there, if he can get inside, he could still be running right now because everybody was gone. I understand that the DB's...you know, they get five yards to bump you, but they can't blatantly hold you. Al Harris got called on the play before for blatantly holding. Charles Woodson, I think, had two today, and he should have had three. I mean when it's right in front of your face right there you have to make that call. That wins and loses games for you. Those guys played well today. Brett (Favre) played really well. He moved the ball up and down the field, and he the made plays when he had to.
Q: Do you think the Vikings offense is close to clicking on all cylinders?
A: I think so. I was talking to Brooks (Bollinger) in the locker room. I think it's close. We're just so close. Everything is going good for Green Bay. They are playing well. When they are off it's not a big deal. But it seems like right now when we're off it's only that much. But it gets magnified because of where we are at.
Minnesota WR Sidney Rice
Q: Talk about your first touchdown.
A: I just gave him a move off the line and got up about five yards and then gave him another move and was able to get on top of him and Kelly gave me a perfect ball.
Q: Was the game plan coming into today to try to go deep a little bit more?
A: I wouldn't say to necessarily go deep, but I thought we got the ball spread around a lot more. Our running backs did a great job and the rest of our receivers did too.
Q: Is it baffling that you can't get the touchdowns? You have to settle for the field goals?
A: It is, it's just something we have to work on. We'll find it as a team, as an offense. We'll work on it in practice. We have four to five days of practice a week and that's when we need to work on stuff like that.
**
Scoring Summary & Game Notes:
Fourth quarter
GB 23, MIN 16
MIN: Sidney Rice, 15 pass from Holcomb, 1:55
12 plays, 72 yards, TOP 3:51
Key plays: Kelly Holcomb hit Bobby Wade for a 15-yard gain en route to a Vikings touchdown.
GB 23, MIN 9
GB: James Jones, 33 pass from Favre, 5:46
11 plays, 82 yards, TOP 5:17
Key plays: Passes of 11 yards to Vernand Morency and 8 yards to James Jones converted third downs. Minnesota thought it had a fumble recovery after a reception by Korey Hall, but the pass was ruled incomplete and non-reviewable. A 15-yard run by Ryan Grant moved the ball inside the 40, and Favre’s throw to Jones came on third-and-9 for Jones’ first NFL touchdown.
GB 16, MIN 9
GB: Crosby, 33 field goal, 12:44
6 plays, 19 yards, TOP 2:26
Key plays: A defensive stop deep in Minnesota territory and a 15-yard punt return by Charles Woodson put the Packers on the Vikings’ 35 to start the drive. Completions of 9 and 6 yards to Franks moved Green Bay into the red zone, but a third-down throw to Driver was incomplete.
**
Injury update: Packers CB Al Harris has an injured hand. His return is questionable.
**
Third quarter
GB 13, MIN 9
MIN: Longwell, 48 field goal, 3:18
8 plays, 50 yards, TOP 3:46
Key plays: A 15-yard pass to tight end Visanthe Shiancoe picked up the initial first down, and then a 37-yard run by Chester Taylor put the Vikings in scoring range. A third-down sack by Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila forced the field goal attempt.
GB 13, MIN 6
GB: Crosby, 44 field goal, 6:04
16 plays, 54 yards, TOP 8:56
Key plays: A 7-yard run by Jon Ryan on a fake punt picked up a first down across midfield, and then a 16-yard pass to Ruvell Martin converted a third-and-11 to get the Packers into scoring range.
Second quarter
GB 10, MIN 6
GB: Mason Crosby, 28 field goal, :02
11 plays, 66 yards, TOP 1:54
Key plays: Favre completed six passes on the drive, including gains of 18 yards to Jennings, 12 yards to Bubba Franks, 18 yards to Vernand Morency on a screen, and 1 yards to Donald Driver for a first-and-goal at the 4 with 12 seconds left in the half. But Brian Robison sacked Favre for a 6-yard loss, forcing the field goal.
GB 7, MIN 6
MIN: Longwell, 35 field goal, 1:56
5 plays, 41 yards, TOP 2:22
Key plays: A 40-yard completion from Holcomb to Bobby Wade moved the Vikings into the red zone, but the drive stalled there.
**
Injury Update: (2nd quarter) S Nick Collins left the game with a knee injurey. His return is questionable.
Second quarter
GB 7, MIN 3
MIN: Ryan Longwell, 44 field goal, 5:19
6 plays, 66 yards, TOP 2:18
Key plays: Adrian Peterson’s 55-yard run got the Vikings out of a hole and into scoring range. Kelly Holcomb’s pass on third-and-4 was incomplete, setting up the field goal try.
First quarter
GB 7, MIN 0
GB: Greg Jennings, 16 pass from Brett Favre, 4:56
4 plays, 46 yards, TOP 2:01
Key plays: After a Minnesota turnover, Favre hit Donald Lee for a 27-yard gain, and on third down he connected with Jennings on a slant pass for the TD. It was the 421st TD pass of Favre’s career, breaking Dan Marino’s all-time NFL record.
Quotes From Around The League On Favre And The NFL Touchdown Record
AP Story: Favre Sets Record With 421st TD Pass
**
The Vikings won the coin toss and elected to receive.
**
The following players are inactive for the Packers today:
32 RB Brandon Jackson
41 CB Frank Walker
55 LB Desmond Bishop
69 T Orrin Thompson
78 G Allen Barbre
91 DT Justin Harrell
95 DT Daniel Muir
96 DE Michael Montgomery
42 DeShawn Wynn will start at RB in place of Jackson.
The following players are inactive for the Vikings today:
7 QB Tarvaris Jackson
27 CB Ronyell Whitaker
30 RB Mewelde Moore
45 TE Garrett Mills
75 T Chase Johnson
84 WR Aundrae Allison
90 DT Fred Evans
99 DE Erasmus James
**
PACKERS-VIKING PRESS BOX NOTES:
PACKERS HEAD INTO DIVISION PLAY UNDEFEATED
-Green Bay opens up play in the NFC North this weekend as it travels to Minnesota to take on the Vikings.
-The Packers moved to 3-0 for the first time since 2001 last Sunday with a 31-24 victory over the San Diego Chargers, while the Vikings fell to 1-2 with a 13-10 loss at Kansas City.
-According to Elias Sports Bureau, this is the first time in Packers history that the club has begun the season 3-0, with all three wins coming against teams that made the playoffs in the previous year.
-In fact, the 2007 Packers are just the fourth team in league history to accomplish the feat. The 1982 Washington Redskins, 1991 Houston Oilers and 2002 Saints - under offensive coordinator Mike McCarthy - are the only other clubs in NFL history to open a season with three consecutive wins over teams that reached the playoffs the previous season.
-Only defending Super Bowl champion Indianapolis (eight) enters play this weekend with a longer winning streak than Green Bay (seven).
-The Packers are one of five undefeated teams in the NFL - and one of two in the NFC - heading into Week 4.
FAVRE ON THE VERGE OF HISTORY
-Thanks to his second straight game with three touchdown passes, quarterback Brett Favre stands just one touchdown pass away from one of the NFL's most sacred records.
-Touchdown pass No. 420 - which tied Favre with Dan Marino on the all-time list - couldn't have come at a better time for the Packers. Down 21-17 with just over two minutes left, Favre hit wide receiver Greg Jennings on a quick slant, and Jennings did the rest, racing 57 yards for the go-ahead touchdown.
-42 different players have been on the receiving end of a Brett Favre touchdown pass, and one will be etched into the record books with the next record-breaking touchdown.
-If Favre starts at quarterback on Sunday - which he is expected to do for the 241st straight game (261 including playoffs) - he will establish the league's second-longest starting streak on record, surpassing Vikings center Mick Tinglehoff (240).
THE VIKINGS-PACKERS SERIES
-These two longtime divisional rivals square off for the 93rd time in the history of the rivalry.
-Few, if any, rivalries in sports have exhibited more parity. The Packers own a slight advantage over the Vikings (46-45-1, including playoffs) in the all-time series.
-The series began when the Vikings entered the league in 1961, and Vince Lombardi's Packers won the first six meetings and nine of the first 10.
-The Vikings swept the Packers in 2005 for the first time since 1998.
-In 2003, the home clubs in the series were 0-2. The last time that happened was 1991.
-Over the last 13 seasons (1994-2006), these teams have accounted for nine NFC Central/North division championships.
-The Packers have won three of the last four contests at the HHH Metrodome, including a 23-17 victory last November.
WEARING THE STRIPES
-Today's officiating crew includes referee Ed Hochuli (85), umpire Chad Brown (31), head linesman Mark Hittner (28), line judge Tom Symonette (100), field judge Tom Sifferman (118), side judge Don Carlson (39) and back judge Scott Helverson (93).
NEXT WEEK
-The Packers return home to host the Bears on?Sunday night while the Vikings enter their bye week.
***
WHAT TO WATCH FOR TODAY
4 BRETT FAVRE
-Will make his 241st consecutive start (261 inclduing playoffs) under center today, the NFL's record among quarterbacks. Favre surpasses Vikings center Mick Tingelhoff (240) and now owns the NFL's second-longest starting streak on record.
-Needs one TD pass to surpass Dan Marino's NFL record, 420. Favre enters Sunday tied with Marino.
-Needs 11 passing attempts to break Dan Marino's career record, 8,358. Favre enters with 8,348.
-Needs one 300-yard passing game for 50 career. He enters with 49.
-Needs 390 passing yards in road games to reach 30,000. Favre enters with 29,610.
60 ROB DAVIS
-Will play in his 155th consecutive game today. With appearances in the next seven contests, will tie No. 4 Larry McCarren (162) on the franchise's all-time list.
80 DONALD DRIVER
-Has a reception in 83 consecutive games, the franchise's second-longest streak behind Sterling Sharpe's 103 (1988-94).
-Needs 153 receiving yards to surpass No. 6 Max McGee (6,346) on the Packers' all-time list. Driver (6,194) enters No. 7 in team history.
-Needs 8 receptions to surpass No. 4 Boyd Dowler (448) on the team's franchise list. Driver (441) enters No. 5 in team history
-Needs two TD receptions to become only the eighth player in franchise annals to reach 40 career, joining Don Hutson (99), Sterling Sharpe (65), Antonio Freeman (57), Max McGee (50), James Lofton (49), Billy Howton (43) and Boyd Dowler (40). Driver enters with 38.
88 BUBBA FRANKS
-Needs one touchdown catch to tie No. 10 Robert Brooks (32) on the team's all-time list.
-Needs 5 receptions for 250 career. Franks enters with 245.
-Needs 44 receiving yards to surpass No. 5 Mark Chmura (2,253), 112 to surpass No. 4 Ed West (2,321), 161 to surpass No. 3 Rich McGeorge (2,370) and 385 to surpass No. 2 Ron Kramer (2,594) on the team's all-time tight ends list. Franks enters with 2,210.
74 AARON KAMPMAN
-Needs 2 sacks to surpass No. 7 Vonnie Holliday (32) and 21/2 to surpass No. 6 Bryce Paup (321/2) on the Packers' all-time sacks list.
94 KABEER GBAJA-BIAMILA
-On Green Bay's all-time sacks list, needs 21/2 to match Reggie White's career record, 681/2. Gbaja-Biamila enters with 66.
31 AL HARRIS
-Has played in 157 straight games (147 regular season, 10 playoffs), a streak that began in Philadelphia in 1998. Since coming to Green Bay in 2003, has started all 70 games (67 regular season, 3 playoffs) as a Packer. |
