Favre, Vikings put away Packers

MINNEAPOLIS - After 16 years with the Packers and one with the New York Jets, Brett Favre got his wish and started the game tonight in Minneapolis for the Vikings against the Green Bay Packers, getting the 30-23 win.

After the Packers started with the football, and Aaron Rodgers completed five of his first six passes, the Packers current quarterback fumbled when sacked by the Vikings Jared Allen, bringing Brett Favre and the Vikings offense on the field.  In a drive that included a fourth down conversion, Favre hit Visanthe Shiancoe from one yard out for the first score, giving the Vikings a 7-0 lead.

However, the Packers came back on the next drive when Rodgers and tight end Jermichael Finley for a 62 yard score to even the scoring at 7-7, where it was at the end of the first quarter.

In the second quarter, Favre struck again.  A 14 yard pass to Sidney Rice made it a 14-7 game.  Favre was 14-17 for 154 yards and two touchdowns in the first half.

The Packers managed to equalize, thanks to a great defensive play.  Adrien Peterson, who has a history of fumbling, was stripped of the football by rookie linebacker Clay Matthews, who took it in for a touchdown.  The 42 yard return tied the game at 14.

But the Vikings weren't done in the first half.  Peterson atoned for his fumble earlier in the game with a one yard touchdown, giving the Vikings a 21-14 lead at the half.

In the second half, the Vikings stretched their lead, with another Favre touchdown pass, this one to Bernard Berrian, who beat Al Harris for the 31 yard score.  Harris had appeared confused before the snap and wasn't able to recover on the play.

The Packers tried to make a game of it.  After a safety, one of 8 sacks of Rodgers by the Vikings, Jordy Nelson scored on a 33 yard touchdown reception.  After the two point conversion failed, the Packers never seriously threatened again, losing the game 30-23.

Injury Notes: Green Bay Packers kick returner Will Blackmon and right tackle Daryn Colledge had to be helped off the field with knee injuries against Minnesota on Monday night.

Blackmon was injured in the second quarter. He cut to his right and his left knee appeared to buckle as he tried to head up field. Blackmon remained on the turf for several minutes and was taken on a cart to the locker room for examination.

There was no immediate word on the severity of his injury.

Jordy Nelson replaced Blackmon on punt and kick returns.

Colledge injured his right knee when he got tangled with a Vikings defensive linemen in the third quarter. The team said his return was doubtful. Rookie T.J. Lang replaced him on the banged-up offensive line.