Emotional Win for Holliday

Vonnie Holliday’s best day as a pro came after the worst night of his life.

Holliday set a team record by sacking Drew Bledsoe five times, forcing him to fumble on three of them, in Green Bay’s 10-0 victory over the Buffalo Bills on Sunday.

The Packers are the only team to win all its home games this season.

Holliday’s exceptional performance came less than 24 hours after his 16-year-old cousin died of a congenital heart defect.

“I know I have another angel looking down on me,” said Holliday, who pointed toward the sky after each of his sacks. “I know today his presence was there and he gave me that extra push, that extra passion.”

Holliday’s cousin, Marcus Warren, died in Hilton Head, S.C., after collapsing during a high school basketball game.

“In our family we certainly thought he was the next superstar in basketball or football,” said Holliday, who had to break the tragic news to a large group of extended family members who made their annual trek to Green Bay.

Holliday’s first forced fumble led to Green Bay’s only touchdown, and his last one ended Buffalo’s hopes with 1:13 left and the Bills at the Green Bay 17.

He collapsed on the field, then again on the sideline, crying.

Holliday, hampered by a torn chest muscle and a sprained knee this season, had only one sack coming into the game. He broke Bryce Paup’s club record of 4 1/2 sacks set Sept. 15, 1991, against Tampa Bay.

Green Bay lost its best defender in safety Darren Sharper, who sprained his right knee on his league-leading seventh interception return in the first half. Sharper took a helmet to his knee and will be re-examined today.

Brett Favre improved to 35-0 at home when the temperature at kickoff is 34 degrees or lower.

Favre’s 114 yards passing were the fifth-lowest in his career and his 39.2 quarterback rating was the sixth-worst in his career.

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Home Sweet Home

The Green Bay Packers are 8-0 at Lambeau Field this season, the 11th time they have finished a regular season undefeated at home. A look at the NFL teams with the most undefeated seasons at home:

Team Seasons

Chicago ...13

Green Bay ...11

Minnesota ...7

Team Seasons

Detroit ...6

Miami ...5

Philadelphia ...5