Green Bay's Defense Saves the Day

Football Betting Lines

10/16/2007 - (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - So much focus and emphasis in regard to the Green Bay Packers this season has been placed on Brett Favre, and rightfully so.

What has been lost in the shuffle though has been the outstanding defensive play of the Packers, who defeated the Washington Redskins on Sunday thanks in large part to Charles Woodson's 57-yard fumble return for a touchdown in the third quarter.

"You know in those situations, you got to believe that you're going to make it to the end zone," explained Woodson. "When I first started out on the run, I was kind of ahead of myself, couldn't get my legs up under me, but I got a block by Al (Harris), I think on the quarterback, kind of helped me get a couple yards. And I was able to get my feet up under me and make it to the end zone."

Woodson also had an interception while Aaron Kampman registered nine total tackles, two sacks and was constantly in the face of quarterback Jason Campbell for the Packers as they forced three fumbles and held Washington's offense in check in the second half.

"I thought our defense was outstanding," said Green Bay head coach Mike McCarthy following the victory. "I thought they were the key to the victory today, particularly down the stretch. I thought they got stronger and stronger as the game went on. Their offense was productive early on normal down-and- distance. I thought our defense responded well to that."

For the season, the Packers defense is allowing 17.8 points per game, is tied for fifth in the league with 15 sacks and has also scored two touchdowns.

Overall, the Pack is now 5-1, alone in first place in the NFC North and delighting their head coach.

"I'm glad to be 5-1. I thought it was a good victory today against a very good football team," added McCarthy in his post game press conference. "We felt all week that this was the best football team that we've played to date, as far as film study goes. We knew this was going to be a big challenge. I thought our defense was outstanding. I thought they were the key to the victory today, particularly down the stretch."

FAVRE SETS INTERCEPTION RECORD

After passing the legendary Dan Marino on the NFL's all-time touchdown passing list earlier this season, Favre achieved a much more negative milestone against the 'Skins, becoming the league's all-time leader in career interceptions.

In the third quarter, Favre threw a deep pass down the left sideline that Washington's Sean Taylor picked off before falling out of bounds. The interception was the 278th of Favre's career, moving him past George Blanda for most all-time in league history.

"I could care less, we won the game," said Favre of the record. "I'm glad it's over just like the other records. We're 5-1 so it feels a heck of a lot better than having no picks and being 1-5."

Favre ended the game with two interceptions and now has 279 for his career.

FRANKS CARTED OFF WITH KNEE INJURY

Tight end Bubba Franks was carted off the field with a leg injury Sunday and never returned. McCarthy updated his condition on Monday and he said the team wants to run a few more tests this week.

"It looks like he has a knee sprain," said McCarthy. "He may be a couple weeks. I don't have an exact diagnosis for you right now."

For the season, Franks has 14 catches for 90 yards with two touchdowns.

CROSBY NOT GETTING HIS KICKS

Rookie kicker Mason Crosby had a solid start to the season but has really struggled of late. He missed two field goals (38-yarder and 46-yarder) against the Redskins that thankfully didn't come back to haunt his team.

As the season wears on and the games become more and more important for Green Bay, Crosby needs to hit 30-yard plus and 40-yard plus field goals to give his team a chance in close games.

"I wouldn't over-evaluate it," McCarthy said Monday about Crosby's missed attempts. "He's a talented kicker. I think he's fundamentally sound. More importantly, he's young. He's going to improve. But he needs to make those kicks. Exactly why he missed it, we didn't sit there and slow down the tape. I haven't gone that far with the coaches on the exact fundamental breakdown or where his footwork was at and so forth."

FANTASY FOCUS

Donald Driver didn't have one of his best games fantasy-wise, catching five passes for just 38 yards. It seems more and more that Favre is making a more conscious effort to spread the ball around with his aerial attack. Against the Redskins, Favre completed passes to six different receivers. Driver continues to be his go-to-guy, though, so there is no sense to panic with him.

UP NEXT

The Packers get to enjoy their 5-1 record and get some time to rest and relax as they are on their bye week.