Sacks aside, Favre impressed by pass protection

The Vikings offensive line heard some criticism about protection breakdowns after the first three opponents combined to sack Brett Favre nine times.

But the Vikings did not give up a sack Monday night against the Packers for the first time in 23 games. Favre, who got hit repeatedly by the San Francisco 49ers the previous week, said his protection has been "very good" all four games.

"Physically speaking, our guys have blocked extremely well," Favre said. "I really feel like they have done [a good job], even though I have been sacked -- wasn't sacked the other night -- but have been sacked a pretty good bit this year. Some of it is me holding the ball. Others were just protection issues as far as who we are going to and things like that."

Favre said he has been impressed with rookie right tackle Phil Loadholt and second-year center John Sullivan, both of whom have faced difficult matchups in the first four games.

"Phil, I told him at the end of the game I was extremely proud of him because I know how good [Packers linebacker] Aaron Kampman is, and to hold your own against him is pretty impressive," Favre said. "I could say that about all our guys this year. I was scared to death before we played Cleveland because [Sullivan] had to go against Shaun Rogers. That's a tough task for anyone, and he held his own."

The line had its best pass protection performance of the season against the Packers. It was the first time since a 27-7 victory against the 49ers in 2007 that the Vikings have not allowed a sack.

The StarCaps case involving Pro Bowl tackles Kevin and Pat Williams is headed to Congress. The Associated Press reported Thursday that the House Energy and Commerce Committee will conduct a hearing next month to discuss the case in which the Williamses' suspensions for taking a banned diuretic were blocked by a federal appeals court.

Committee Chairman Henry Waxman, D-Calif., is concerned that the legal issues raised in the case "could result in weaker performance-enhancing drugs policies for professional sports," the committee said in a statement issued to the Associated Press.

Punt returner Darius Reynaud missed practice for a second consecutive day because he is tending to a family matter, according to coach Brad Childress. Reynaud is unlikely to play Sunday. He missed the Green Bay game because of a hamstring injury and continues to recover.

Pro Bowl left guard Steve Hutchinson did limited work in practice despite being bothered by a back injury that kept him out Wednesday. Hutchinson missed two days last week as well but played Monday.

The Vikings added Loadholt to the injury report because of an ankle problem that limited him in practice.

Cornerback Cedric Griffin offered an apology after pleading guilty to drunken driving on Wednesday.

Griffin was arrested on Aug. 30 after he pulled his car over to the side of Hwy. 5 because he didn't feel it was safe for him to continue to drive. Police found him inside his car.

"I'm apologetic, and I'm sorry about what happened," Griffin said. "I'm just trying to help my team win and continue to move forward from that incident."

Griffin paid a $300 fine and must perform two days of community service on a work squad.