Lambeau Field Grows on Moss

Randy Moss sure knows how to spoil a party.

Moss caught nine passes for 150 yards and a touchdown as the Minnesota Vikings beat the Green Bay Packers, 30-25, Sunday before a record crowd of 70,505 at remodeled Lambeau Field, which was rededicated at halftime.

Moss is glad the stadium was refurbished and not replaced because it always brings out the best in him, starting with a five-catch, 190-yard coming out party in 1998.

“I think since my rookie year, the excitement we had in the locker room is something I’ll never forget,” Moss said.

“And what happened on the field I’ll never forget. It’s what drives me to come here and do good.”

The Packers stormed back from a 27-3 deficit but their comeback was stifled by Brett Favre’s four interceptions and injuries to starting receivers Donald Driver (neck strain) and Robert Ferguson (ankle, knee) and backup Karsten Bailey (hamstring).

They were hurt one week after the Packers lost No. 4 wideout Carl Ford (knee) for the season and tight end Wesley Walls to a pulled hamstring.

In the closing minutes, the Packers were left with Arena League product Antonio Chatman and tight end David Martin at receiver with Javon Walker.

Driver went up for a high pass from Favre and came down on his head and shoulder with 8:40 remaining in the game. He was wheeled off on a stretcher and taken to a hospital. Coach Mike Sherman said he had movement in all his limbs.

X-rays and scans at Bellin Hospital were normal, Packer trainer Pepper Burruss said. Driver was to be kept overnight for further evaluation.

Later on the same drive, Ferguson limped off after a hard hit at the goal line from Ken Irvin. He tore ligaments in his right ankle and knee.

Walker’s 24-yard touchdown catch pulled Green Bay to 30-25 with 1:55 remaining, but Ryan Longwell’s onside kick went out of bounds and the Vikings took over thanks to a new rule that doesn’t allow a rekick with less than five minutes left.

Minnesota ran out the clock, ending an outdoor losing streak at 12.