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Thanksgiving in Detroit and other border club news

By Rob Longley

How long has Brett Favre been making the semi-regular pilgrimage to Michigan for Thanksgiving Day games between the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions?

“I think I’m about the only guy (on the Green Bay roster) who played at the Silverdome,” Favre said this week.

“And I never had that much success there. We played these guys when they were not (that good) from a record standpoint and they put it on us.

“I don’t see any reason why this week we don’t get their best.”

Yes, Favre and Co. are the annual dinner guests for the football feast at Ford Field on Thursday but for the first time in a long time the menu is a tantalizing one.

If the festive atmosphere of the game isn’t enough, the chance to see a living legend only adds to the appeal.

And who would have thought that at the beginning of the season that this game would feature the top two teams in the NFC North.

Almost as unlikely as the Packers storming out to a 9-1 record - and matching the Dallas Cowboys for the best mark in the NFC - is the Lions.

Though they have struggled in recent weeks, the Lions (6-4) are still in playoff contention and need a win in front of their home crowd to stay in touch with the Packers.

But as Favre points out, even in their weakest seasons the Lions have been far from a pushover in the most meaningful game on their schedule.

One of the most memorable was a 29-27 Packers win in 2001, a game in which a late Lions rally at the old dome in Pontiac fell just short.

The Packers, who have been the most regular guest on Thanksgiving Day, will be making their 18th appearance. The most recent was in 2003 when Detroit recorded a 22-14 victory.

“It is a special game just to be involved in and be able to play in the game is an honour,” Packers coach Mike McCarthy said. “Everyone that I’ve been around who grows up watching football and spending time together with their family - I know my family did throughout the years - it’s an honour and a privilege.”

Apparently not all are as thrilled at the prospect of a.) preparing for a game on a short week and b) giving up a day of Thanksgiving grazing.

“I’d rather be sitting at home on Thanksgiving,” Packers cornerback Charles Woodson told reporters in Green Bay following last Sunday’s win. “But it’s always fun when you are (in) the one or two games that are on and everybody’s watching. You get to go out there and showcase yourself and let everybody know what you are about.”

History Lesson:

As NFL fans in Southwestern Ontario are well aware, the Lions Thanksgiving Day game is a Motor City tradition.

What began in 1934 will have its 68th renewal on Thursday and the sixth consecutive at the impressive new downtown dome, Ford Field.

“We believe our Thanksgiving Day game is the oldest and greatest tradition in the NFL,” Lions vice chairman Bill Ford Jr. said. “This is a tradition that was started by the fans in Detroit and belong to the fans in Detroit.”

Since moving from the Pontiac Silverdome, where the game was played the previous 27, the Thanksgiving Day contest has fit in nicely with the annual parade that takes over downtown Detroit.

More border club news

Peterson out again:

The Vikings aren’t about to take any chances with rookie running back Adrian Peterson and plan to keep him out of the lineup for Sunday’s game against the New York Giants.

Peterson, who tore a ligament in his knee on Nov. 11 against Green Bay, continues to lead the league in rushing with 1,081 yards despite missing last week’s 29-22 win over the Oakland Raiders. Vikings coach Brad Childress is optimistic that Peterson will be back in the lineup for a Dec. 2 date against Detroit.

Who need's practice?

The good news for Seattle quarterback Matt Hasselback was that he was able to help his team rally for a come-from-behind win over Chicago last week.

The bad news is, he took quite a beating in the process.

“He took a shot in the ribs and he’s sore, but he’s going to play,” Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren said, referring to this weekend’s meeting against lowly St. Louis.

“What he has to do is prepare himself to play without getting the practice time and I think he can do this. It’s not unprecedented at the quarterback position.”

Quick Kicks:

Nothing like a quick start - and 13 wins in their past 14 games - to erase any thoughts of retirement in Favre’s mind. “As I said after the game the other day I am enjoying the ride,” said Favre, who has benefitted from the guidance of Packers quarterbacks coach and former CFL star Tom Clements this season. “It’s been a lot of fun, but I don’t want to stop here.” ... The Pack have won their past three against the Lions and 11 of the past 13 ... The Buffalo Bills, hoping to shake off the blowout loss to the New England Patriots this past Sunday night, will stick with J.P. Losman this weekend against the Jacksonville Jaguars. It will be Losman’s fourth consecutive start after replacing rookie Trent Edwards.