Favre’s Passing Is on Target

Brett Favre felt pain on every pass. It didn’t stop him from picking up a rare victory in the Metrodome.

Ignoring the broken thumb on his throwing hand, Favre passed for 194 yards and three touchdowns and the Green Bay Packers saved their season Sunday night with a 30-27 victory over Minnesota.

“If you’re going to play, suck it up,” said Favre, who improved his career record at the Vikings’ noisy home to 3-9 after resting his injured thumb during Green Bay’s bye week.

After two consecutive losses at home, the Vikings (6-2) had their NFC North lead over the Packers (4-4) shrink to two games.

Ahman Green rushed 21 times for 137 yards to lead a ground game that finished with 261 yards. He also had five catches for 52 yards and a touchdown. Two of Javon Walker’s three receptions went for Green Bay touchdowns.

“The Vikings have nothing to be ashamed of,” Favre said, “because we played about as flawless as we can play.”

Favre completed 18 of 28 passes and had one pass intercepted.

“He’s a special player, and that’s why he’s going to be in the Hall of Fame,” Minnesota Coach Mike Tice said of Favre. “He was very, very tough.”

Favre extended his consecutive starts streak to 198, an NFL record by a quarterback.

Daunte Culpepper threw two touchdown passes without an interception and plunged in from the one with 33 seconds left to cut Green Bay’s lead to three points. The on-side kick was recovered by Darren Sharper of the Packers.

“We had a chance to put ourselves in a better position,” Culpepper said. “But at the same time, we’ve got to feel good with our 6-2 record.”

Culpepper completed 21 of 34 passes for 202 yards, and Randy Moss caught six passes for 87 yards.

Two field goals by Minnesota’s Aaron Elling in the third quarter tied the score, 20-20, but the Packers moved the ball at will the rest of the game. Green Bay took a 27-20 lead on a 12-yard touchdown pass from Favre to Walker on third and 11 with 13 minutes 14 seconds to play.

Minnesota running back Michael Bennett completed his comeback from two operations on his left foot, which he broke while running on a treadmill in March. He had 43 yards in eight carries.

Green Bay dominated the first half, racking up 317 yards.