Patrick Reusse: Vikings have eyes on 'other' Favre record

Darren Sharper and Brett Favre were teammates for eight seasons in Green Bay. Sharper could not resist when asked about Favre's arrival at the edge of setting an NFL career record.

"He's three away," Sharper said. "He has a great chance of making history. We're all planning to get that third pick."

This was a quote certain to draw a smile from Favre and to agitate the humorless audience that Sharper left behind in Cheddarland.

The record getting the attention for Favre is touchdown passes, of course. He sits at 420 and a TD on Sunday would break a tie with Dan Marino at the top of the all-time list.

Favre also has 275 interceptions, and that's two shy of George Blanda's record. If he throws three to Sharper and pals on Sunday, it would put a significant notation on Favre's résumé.

He has thrown three interceptions in the Metrodome previously -- in a 31-21 loss in 2002. That put him at 2-8 for his career in the Dome.

Favre has won three of four here since then, which certainly has more to do with the decline of the Vikings than the strength of the Packers.

The last playoff appearance for both the Packers and the Vikings came after the 2004 season. The Vikings went into Lambeau Field and won 31-17 in that wild-card round. Favre was the Purple's MVP that afternoon, throwing four interceptions.

Sharper was concluding his eighth season with the Packers -- a rookie year as a nickel back and then seven as a free safety. He had missed three games that season because of a knee injury.

The Packers let him go and he signed with the rival Vikings.

Neither team has been a serious contender since he made the switch. The Packers were 12-20, the Vikings were 15-17 and they were 2-2 against one another over the past two years.

The real contrast has come in the first month of the 2007 season. The Packers are 3-0 (with victories over strong San Diego and Philadelphia) and the Vikings are 1-2 (with losses to weak Kansas City and Detroit) going into Sunday's game.

"They are playing well ... started off fast," Sharper said. "It's also early. We're definitely not out of it."

Sharper will turn 32 in November. He was a Pro Bowl starter for the Packers in 2000 and 2002, then again for the Vikings in 2005. He was asked if he's the same quality player as when he left Green Bay.

"I'm a better player," Sharper said. "I had the bad knee my last year in Green Bay. People there thought that meant I was wearing down physically.

"I rehabbed the knee and it hasn't been a problem. I'm in great shape. I just need some wins."

Sharper had 15 interceptions in 35 starts for the Vikings, including one against Favre last December in Green Bay. There will be a chance for more on Sunday as the Packers arrive throwing the ball on 70 percent of their plays.

"If it's 70 percent against other teams, it will probably be 97.85 percent against us," Sharper said. "They are going to try to attack us. The more they throw, the more chances we have to make plays on the ball.

"So, maybe we can get those three interceptions. That would be nice reward. It also would do a lot to help us get a win."

He was asked what he had seen on tape from a 37-year-old Favre.

"He looks like the MVP he was a few years ago," Sharper said. "Overall, he's making better decisions. He's getting rid of the ball quick when he has a chance. On other plays, he's holding it a little longer and giving the receiver a chance to clear.

"I'd say a whole lot of the way he's playing is tied to the offensive line. They had a bunch of young guys [three rookies] last year and there was a lot of pressure on him. They are doing a better job protecting him. From what I can see, Brett hasn't been hit too often.

"That's what we have to do -- get some pressure, knock him down a few times. Then, maybe we can get some picks."

Sharper paused, smiled and said: "We need three."

Patrick Reusse can be heard weekdays on AM-1500 KSTP at 6:45 and 7:45 a.m. and 4:40 p.m. • preusse@startribune.com

Darren Sharper and Brett Favre were teammates for eight seasons in Green Bay. Sharper could not resist when asked about Favre's arrival at the edge of setting an NFL career record.

"He's three away," Sharper said. "He has a great chance of making history. We're all planning to get that third pick."

This was a quote certain to draw a smile from Favre and to agitate the humorless audience that Sharper left behind in Cheddarland.

The record getting the attention for Favre is touchdown passes, of course. He sits at 420 and a TD on Sunday would break a tie with Dan Marino at the top of the all-time list.

Favre also has 275 interceptions, and that's two shy of George Blanda's record. If he throws three to Sharper and pals on Sunday, it would put a significant notation on Favre's resume.

He has thrown three interceptions in the Metrodome previously -- in a 31-21 loss in 2002. That put him at 2-8 for his career in the Dome.

Favre has won three of four here since then, which certainly has more to do with the decline of the Vikings than the strength of the Packers.

The last playoff appearance for both the Packers and the Vikings came after the 2004 season. The Vikings went into Lambeau Field and won 31-17 in that wild-card round. Favre was the Purple's MVP that afternoon, throwing four interceptions.

Sharper was concluding his eighth season with the Packers -- a rookie year as a nickelback and then seven as a free safety. He had missed three games that season with a knee injury.

The Packers let him go and he signed with the rival Vikings

Neither team has been a serious contender since he made the switch. The Packers were 12-20, the Vikings were 15-17 and they were 2-2 against one another over the past two years.

The real contrast has come in the first month of the 2007 season. The Packers are 3-0 (with victories over strong San Diego and Philadelphia) and the Vikings are 1-2 (with losses to weak Kansas City and Detroit) going into Sunday's game.

"They are playing well ... started off fast," Sharper said. "It's also early. We're definitely not out of it."

Sharper will turn 32 in November. He was a Pro Bowl starter for the Packers in 2000 and 2002, then again for the Vikings in 2005. He was asked if he's the same quality player as when he left Green Bay.

"I'm a better player," Sharper said. "I had the bad knee my last year in Green Bay. People there thought that meant I was wearing down physically.

"I rehabbed the knee and it hasn't been a problem. I'm in great shape. I just need some wins."

Sharper had 15 interceptions in 35 starts for the Vikings, including one against Favre last December in Green Bay. There will be a chance for more on Sunday as the Packers arrive arrive throwing the ball on 70 percent of their plays.

"If it's 70 percent against other teams, it will probably be 97.85 percent against us," Sharper said. "They are going to try to attack us. The more they throw, the more chances we have to make plays on the ball.

"So, maybe we can get those three interceptions. That would be nice reward. It also would do a lot to help us get a win."

He was asked what he had seen on tape from a 37-year-old Favre. "He looks like the MVP he was a few years ago," Sharper said. "Overall, he's making better decisions. He's getting rid of the ball quick when he has a chance. On other plays, he's holding it a little longer and giving the receiver a chance to clear.

"I'd say a whole lot of the way he's playing is tied to the offensive line. They had a bunch of young guys [three rookies] last year and there was a lot of pressure on him. They are doing a better job protecting him. From what I can see, Brett hasn't been hit too often.

"That's what we have to do -- get some pressure, knock him down a few times. Then, maybe we can get some picks."

Sharper paused, smiled and said: "We need three."

Patrick Reusse can be heard weekdays on AM-1500 KSTP at 6:45 and 7:45 a.m. and 4:40 p.m. • preusse@startribune.com