The Packer start the season 0-1 with a loss to division rivals the Minnesota Vikings 30-25 in front of the record 70,505 crowd. Brett Favre and the wide receivers looked rusty and confused. Brett threw four interceptions. This was not a way to rededicate the newly renovated Lambeau field. Turnovers and mistakes lose football games. The Packers started the game in a hole as the Vikings lead 20-3 at the half. The Packers actually out passed the Vikings 242 yards to 183. This loss was not all Brett Favre’s fault. The Minnesota defense looked much improved over a year ago. If this game is any indication, the Packers are not going to walk away with the NFC North division crown easily like they did last year.

Green Bay experienced a scary moment in the second half. The Packer’s number one receiver Pro Bowler Donald Driver was carried off the field in the stretcher with the neck brace. Driver jumped up for a high Favre pass and landed awkwardly on his head and neck. Both the Vikings and Packers players were kneeling on the field in prayer for Driver. Recent reports on Driver indicate that X-rays and scans done this afternoon at Bellin Hospital in Green Bay were normal. Driver never lost consciousness or experienced paralysis on the field. Due to the amount of pain that Driver was complaining about, the stretcher and neck brace were used. The injury is diagnosed as a neck strain. Donald will be held over night for observation. His return to the field is yet to be determined.

Moments later on the same drive as when Driver was injuried, Robert Ferguson was knocked out of the game after a body twisting hit at the Viking goal line. Ahman Greene followed Ferguson’s play with a 1 yard touchdown run that cut the Vikings lead to 30-18. Ferguson left the game with a right knee and ankle injury.

During the preseason there was much discussion on the core of excellent wide outs that Farve has this season. With the injuries to both the number one and number two receivers, it is time for the backups to step up to the plate.

Hopefully, this is not an indication of the Packers season. If so, we are for a long one.