The Pack can't lose with Favre

The Packers were in uncharted waters last week. They were 1-4, losers of four straight games. That had never happened under Brett Favre before.

That wasn't all. Within a three-week span, Favre had suffered a concussion and a bruised hamstring, missing parts of two games; his offensive coordinator, Tom Rossley, had undergone an emergency heart operation; and his wife's 24-year-old brother had been killed in an ATV accident. He also missed a practice last week to be with his wife, who was ill.

In terms of obstacles, Favre had maxed out.

So what did Favre do in Detroit last Sunday? Merely put on one of the best displays of passing ability you'll ever see while leading the Packers to a 38-10 rout of the Lions. And he did it without wide receiver Robert Ferguson, who sat out with leg injuries, and with only limited availability from leading receiver Javon Walker, who hurt his ribs in the second quarter. It got to the point that there was a rookie receiver in the huddle, Kelvin Kight, whose name Favre didn't even know. All Favre knew was the guy had been on the practice squad, wore No. 13 and could run a good comeback route.

No matter. The Lions had pretty good coverage most of the day, but Favre's throws were sticks all afternoon--right on the money, with lots of zip. Playing behind a marvelous line that did not allow a sack, Favre threw for 257 yards, two touchdowns and zero interceptions and looked like the superstar that he is.

And that, Packers fans, is why you shouldn't be worried about your 2-4 team. Yes, the defense was woeful during the losing streak. And running back Ahman Green had been struggling with costly fumbles and limited production. But shoot, the Packers were 3-4 last year and came back to make the playoffs. As long as they have Brett Favre, they can do it again.

In the midst of his personal turmoil last week, Favre asked his 5-year-old daughter if she wants him to retire. She said yes. So, when I talked to Brett last weekend, I asked if the team's losing might prompt him to hang it up. His response? That he doesn't feel like the team had lost that many games. In fact, he said, the Packers hadn't had a losing season since he'd come to Green Bay.

I don't think he's about to let it happen now.

(S) Brian Baldinger, an offensive lineman for 12 NFL seasons, can be heard on Sporting News Radio and seen on FOX Sports. Listen online at radio.sporting.news.com.

DRAFT DISH

When he plays full out, Wisconsin DT Anttaj Hawthorne is unstoppable, but in the past he has shown a lack of effort. Although he has improved this season, he must show more to solidify a spot at the end of the first round. Hawthorne has incredible strength, stands blockers up and is great at plugging the middle. He needs to improve in the passing game, but he has great moves and a superior burst. ... The knock on Connecticut QB Dan Orlovsky has been that he throws a light ball and can't throw deep, but there was serious zip on his passes last week against West Virginia. Orlovsky has displayed superior accuracy and great timing, but he can be a bit long on his release.... Syracuse RB Walter Reyes is undersized (5-10, 213) but runs with surprising power. He finds holes very well and then can blaze in the open field. The greatest concern is Reyes can disappear from the game at times, but he has been more consistent this season and could be a Day 1 pick.... UNLV SS Jamaal Brimmer is a backfield assassin with great instincts and tremendous attacking ability. His speed won't impress, but he plays fast, has an uncanny sense for the ball and is an excellent tackler. He has moved into Round 1.

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