Packers dump Vikings, 9-7
Go Deeper.
Create an account or log in to save stories.
Like this?
Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.
(AP) Brett Favre pulled out a far-from-perfect victory in what might have been his last game at Lambeau Field, rallying the Packers to a late field goal for a 9-7 win over the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday night.
Packers kicker Dave Rayner, who had missed two field goals earlier in the game, hit a 44-yarder with 1:34 remaining. It was the 36th game-winning comeback of Favre's career, and it came after Favre nearly threw the game away.
The Packers (7-8) kept their faint playoff hopes alive.
Cornerback Fred Smoot returned a Favre pass 47 yards for a touchdown late in the third quarter, seemingly bailing out the Vikings' struggling offense and giving Minnesota (6-9) a 7-6 lead.
After throwing the interception to Smoot, Favre threw another interception to former teammate Darren Sharper on the Packers' next offensive play.
Favre then rallied the Packers for a potential go-ahead drive early in the fourth, but tight end Bubba Franks fumbled near the goal line - the third time in the game the Packers drove deep into Vikings territory but came away empty-handed.
Favre then drove the Packers back into Vikings territory in the final three minutes with a 36-yard pass to wide receiver Ruvell Martin. The drive stalled on Packers penalties on back-to-back plays before Rayner delivered the winning kick.
Support Local News
When breaking news happens, MPR News provides the context you need. Help us meet the significant demands of these newsgathering efforts.