There's something about Favre - injury may keep him out of action in near future

That's the thinking around Lambeau Field, where coaches, teammates and fans are all wondering what's wrong with Brett Favre.

The three-time MVP was erratic and inconsistent as the Green Bay Packers lost four of their last five games and stumbled to a 4-5 record. With the losses, his poor play and a nagging injury to his right thumb, those close to Favre - including his father - say the quarterback's confidence has dropped as well.

The Packers realize they have to get Favre back on track, or Green Bay might find itself out of the playoffs for the first time since 1992. Coach Ray Rhodes plans to try everything from increased use of the no-huddle offense to a bigger emphasis on

Brett Favre leads the NFL in interceptions this season - an unlikely fate that has befallen one of the league's top quarterbacks.

the running game when the Packers play host to Detroit on Sunday, their opportunity to exact revenge on the Lions for an earlier loss at the Silverdome.

"There's a sense of urgency to solving these problems, because Brett, he's our meal ticket," Rhodes said. "As he goes, so this team goes."

Favre suffered a bruised and swollen thumb during the preseason when he slammed his hand into the helmet of Denver's John Mobley, and the injury has been aggravated several times since. He bruised a tendon in the thumb, which has affected his ability to handle the ball.

And even though both Favre and the team's medical staff say the injury is inconvenient but minor, speculation still exists that it has affected him more than anyone is letting on.

Most recently, Favre was 26-of-50 for 260 yards and two interceptions in the Packers' 27-13 loss to Dallas. Favre sprayed the ball around the field, by his own count missing at least 10 receivers on throws that were too long, too short or just plain bad.

"There's throws I've missed this year that I can make with my eyes closed," Favre said. "And it would be easy to blame it on my hand and thumb, but I can't do that.

"I know guys are saying, 'Hey, if Brett was healthy, he'd make those throws.' Well, no one really cares about that. You have to make them."

Favre's 15 interceptions lead the NFL, and his quarterback rating of 69.5 is 26th. He has 13 touchdown passes, putting his streak of five consecutive seasons with more than 30 TD passes in jeopardy.

There were even rumors - completely untrue, as it turns out - that Rhodes was close to sitting Favre down for one or two games to heal his hand and collect his head. Favre's father was quoted last weekend as saying his son has little confidence in his game, a notion Favre himself disputes.

"I can't get down on myself. Too much is asked of me," Favre said. "I want to be the guy that guys can count on."

Favre has been at his best this season when his back was against the wall, leading several furious drives and three game-winning comebacks with a no-huddle offense. Rhodes said the Packers are considering using the no-huddle more often during games as a way to allow Favre to relax and play on instinct.

"I don't think you can do it the whole game," Rhodes said. "You'd have to say, 'OK, in the first quarter, the second series of a game, the third series, we're going to go no-huddle.' But you couldn't do it the entire game."

Favre was the NFC's Player of the Month for September, largely on the strength of his clutch performances in the Packers' three come-from-behind wins. He set the NFL record for consecutive starts by a quarterback against the Chicago Bears on Nov. 7, but he led the Packers to just one offensive touchdown in that game.

Offensive coordinator Sherman Lewis said the solution to Favre's problems might lie in the Packers' running game, which has yet to establish itself as a threat this season even though Dorsey Levens is third in the league in yards from scrimmage. Levens had just 31 yards rushing against the Cowboys.

"Brett's one of those warriors who wouldn't hurt the team if he couldn't play," receiver Bill Schroeder said. "Even though he's made some mistakes, he makes more plays than any quarterback in the league. Brett Favre at 75 percent is better than just about anybody."

AP PHOTO

11-18-99