Being a home-grown Packer fan, I came into this semester hoping that I wouldn't become the columnist who always wrote about Green Bay. With UW-Madison having such a wide and diverse population, I didn't want to alienate anyone, and have tried to present many different facets of the sporting world.
However, when I look back at my columns so far this season, I see that three have already dealt with the Green and Gold, with two columns being completely devoted to the Pack.
Well, sit back and relax, because this week's column will be about exactly what I dreaded would happen - I have become the Packer columnist that many readers have come to despise.
I'm sure a majority of you saw the last Monday Night Football game, and therefore, already know where this is going.
But for those of you who missed it, and haven't seen ESPN at all this week even though you are a sports fan, here is the gist of what occurred.
The Packers were in Denver taking on the Broncos, at the legendary"" Invesco Field. After the Broncos took an early 7-0 lead, everyone watching waited to see how the Packers - most notably Brett Favre - would respond in such a hostile environment.
On the first play from scrimmage on the following drive, Favre took the snap from center, gave a play-action fake to the running back, dropped back and tossed a perfect ball to James Jones, who beat All-Pro cornerback Champ Bailey - for about a 40-yard catch.
Jones did the rest, weaving across the field and into the endzone for a 79-yard touchdown.
Enough said, right? This isn't new for Favre, who has made miraculous plays throughout his career, not only on MNF. But the heroics didn't end there.
With the score 13-10 Green Bay, and the Broncos with the ball, it seemed that once again the defense would have to hold as it has done all season. Due to poor execution and tackling, Denver was easily within field goal range for Jason Elam, but still had the opportunity to score a touchdown and win the game outright.
But thanks to a tackle by defensive tackle Ryan Pickett, the Broncos had to hurry just to get a field goal attempt off.
The kick was successful, and fans across the nation settled further into their chairs as overtime approached.
All I wanted was for the Packers to receive first. All you need is to score in OT, and kicker Mason Crosby has a leg of lead, so all I wanted was a 50-yarder to seal a Packer win.
What I received was so much more.
The Packers won the toss, but only returned the kick to the 18-yard line. As I waited for the first play, I wondered how long it would take for us to move into range, or if the offensive line - which was obviously tired - could hold off the Broncos' attack.
As Favre took the snap and dropped back, all I could think about was an interception, hoping that I wouldn't be disappointed again as I have been so many times in recent years.
But Favre stepped back, and lofted one deep down the left side of the field. As the camera panned to the receiver and cornerback jostling for postion, it was obvious that the receiver Greg Jennings would have a shot at it.
Jennings made the catch, and burnt Dre' Bly for an 82-yard touchdown and a Packer victory.
As I ran around the room screaming and high-fiving my roommates, it never occurred to me how legendary this performance was.
Over the years, I and many Packer fans have grown accustomed to Favre and his style of play, including the miraculous plays that we now take for granted.
There was the 99-yard touchdown to Robert Brooks on MNF against the Bears, and the ""HE DID WHAT?"" call by Al Michaels for Antonio Freeman's spectacular circus/body catch against the Vikings.
But the latest chapter in Favre's career may be the most special, as he led a team that many critics expected to be at the bottom of the NFC North to another victory and a 6-1 record.
Favre has had one of his best seasons since his MVP days, and the team is playing well without very much of a running game. It is obvious that if the Packers are going to succeed this season and go deep into the playoffs, it will be Favre who leads them there.
And considering how things have gone so far this season, this is one fan who wouldn't want it any other way.
If you screamed and ran around your room when Brett Favre threw his magical overtime touchdown pass, e-mail Nate at ncarey@dailycardinal.com.
