2007 Green Bay Packers season


The 2007 Green Bay Packers season was the franchise's 89th overall and 87th season in the National Football League. The Packers finished the regular season with a 13–3 record. They received a bye for the first round of the playoffs, won their divisional round playoff game, and lost in the NFC Championship game to the eventual Super Bowl champion New York Giants. This was the last season for quarterback Brett Favre as a Green Bay Packer, as he initially retired following the season but came out of retirement and was subsequently traded to the New York Jets during the offseason.
This season also marked the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Packers' home stadium of Lambeau Field. The Packers' tenure at Lambeau, now at 63 seasons, is the longest in NFL history at a single stadium, breaking the Chicago Bears' previous record of 50 seasons at Wrigley Field.

Offseason

On February 2, 2007, Brett Favre announced that he would return for the 2007 season. "I am so excited about coming back," the 37-year-old quarterback said on the website of The Sun Herald in Biloxi, Mississippi. He also commented, "We have a good nucleus of young players. We were 8–8 last year, and that's encouraging."
Ted Thompson, Green Bay's general manager, confirmed the news, saying, "The Packers are excited by his decision and look forward to a successful 2007 campaign." This would be, however, Brett Favre's last season with the Packers, after 16 years on the team.

2007 NFL draft

The 2007 NFL Draft occurred on April 28–29. The Packers picked 16th overall, selecting defensive tackle Justin Harrell in the first round.
Round/PickPlayerPositionCollege
1/16Justin HarrellDefensive TackleTennessee
2/47Traded to NY Jets along with No. 235 for Nos. 63, 89, and 191--
2/63 Brandon JacksonRunning BackNebraska
3/78James JonesWide ReceiverSan Jose State
3/89 Aaron RouseSafetyVirginia Tech
4/112Traded to Pittsburgh for Nos. 119 & 192--
4/119 Allen BarbreOffensive tackleMissouri Southern St.
5/157David ClowneyWide ReceiverVirginia Tech
6/191 Korey HallInside linebackerBoise State
6/192 Desmond BishopInside linebackerCal
6/193Mason CrosbyKickerColorado
7/228DeShawn WynnRunning BackFlorida
7/235Traded to NY Jets along with No. 47 for Nos. 63, 89, and 191--
7/243 Clark HarrisTight endRutgers

Reportedly, the Packers were in talks with Oakland Raiders wide receiver Randy Moss at the behest of Brett Favre. If the Packers had made the move to acquire the 30-year-old wide receiver, the trade would no doubt have been a controversial one, as Moss has a long and storied history with the Green Bay franchise. While Moss's salary was high, Green Bay, at the time, reportedly had $24 million of cap space, and could have absorbed his contract easily. These rumors were put to an end on April 29, 2007, when Oakland dealt Moss to New England for a 4th round draft pick. In the days following the NFL draft, Favre was upset concerning Green Bay's inability to acquire Moss. Favre was reportedly so upset that his agent requested that the Packers trade him. Coach Mike McCarthy was able to calm Favre down over the phone, and Favre eventually admitted that while he wanted to win, he did not want to be traded in order to do so.

Departures

On March 5, the Texans signed running back Ahman Green to a contract.
On March 5, the Dolphins signed tight end David Martin to a contract.
On March 7, the Packers cut fullback William Henderson.

Free agents heading into the 2007 season

Final roster

Depth chart

Schedule

Preseason

Regular season

Standings

Regular season

Week 1: vs. Philadelphia Eagles

The Packers began their season at home against the Philadelphia Eagles. In the first quarter, Green Bay's Jarrett Bush recovered the Eagles' Greg Lewis's muffed punt in the end zone for a touchdown. The contest was tied in the closing minutes but the Eagles again muffed a punt return, setting up a 42-yard game-winning kick from Packers rookie kicker Mason Crosby. This was the only game the Packers did not score an offensive touchdown. Crosby was named NFC Special Teams Player of the Week. Crosby is the only player in league history to boot a 50-plus-yard field goal and game-winning field goal in the final minute in his first NFL game.

Week 2: at New York Giants

Playing a close game until the fourth quarter, the Packers took a commanding lead late in the game and winning the game 35–13. Early in the 4th quarter, Favre capped off a drive with a pass to the outside of the endzone to Donald Lee, and then followed it up with a 10-yard pass to Donald Driver by the goalpost for a score after the Giants fumbled the ensuing kickoff deep in their own territory. In the victory, Brett Favre threw for 286 yards and 3 touchdowns and gave him his 149th career win as a starter, the most by any quarterback in NFL history, surpassing John Elway. Favre was named NFC Offensive Player of the Week for games played September 16–17. Mike McCarthy was voted the Motorola NFL Coach of the Week.

Week 3: vs. San Diego Chargers

Quarterback Brett Favre threw three touchdown passes against the Chargers in the victory, bringing his career total to 420 and tying Dan Marino's career touchdown record. With just over two minutes remaining in the game and San Diego leading 21–17, Favre found wide receiver Greg Jennings for a 57-yard catch-and-run across the middle of the field for the go ahead score. On the Chargers ensuing drive, linebacker Nick Barnett intercepted a Philip Rivers pass and returned it to the San Diego 1-yard line setting up the Packers final score and a 10-point lead. Barnett was voted the GMC Defensive Player of the Week for games played on September 23 – 24. This win made the Packers the only team to have missed the playoffs the previous season to return to open 3–0 against teams that made the playoffs the year before.

Week 4: at Minnesota Vikings

Coming off their home win over the Chargers, the Packers flew to the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome for an NFC North division game against Minnesota. In the first quarter, QB Brett Favre threw a 16-yard TD pass to WR Greg Jennings surpassing Dan Marino as the league's all-time leader in touchdown passes. He also became the league leader in pass attempts. Favre was named the NFC Offensive Player of the Week for the second time this season, having thrown for 344 yards and two touchdowns.
With the win, the Packers stayed undefeated and improved to their first 4–0 start since 1998.

Week 5: vs. Chicago Bears

Coming off a record-setting divisional road game against the Vikings, the Packers went home for a Sunday night divisional clash with their nemesis, the Chicago Bears. This would be the 174th meeting between the two teams.
In the first quarter, Green Bay got off to a fast start by capping off the game's opening drive with rookie RB DeShawn Wynn getting a 2-yard TD run for the only score of the period. In the second quarter, the Bears tied the game with RB Cedric Benson's 10-yard TD run. The Packers would end the first half with QB Brett Favre completing a 41-yard TD pass to WR Greg Jennings, along with rookie kicker Mason Crosby converting a 37-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, Chicago crept closer with kicker Robbie Gould converting a 44-yard field goal. Green Bay responded with Crosby kicking a 37-yard field goal, yet the Bears pulled to within three as QB Brian Griese completed a 19-yard TD pass to TE Greg Olsen. In the fourth quarter, Chicago erased their deficit completely with Gould's 36-yard field goal and Griese's 34-yard TD pass to TE Desmond Clark.
With a turnover-plagued loss, the Packers fell to 4–1. Also, with two interceptions, Favre tied QB George Blanda at 277 for the most career interceptions.
Also of note, Brady Poppinga intercepted a pass in the fourth quarter, extending the streak of at least one Packer interception per game for the 11th consecutive game. This matched the longest streak in team history, which occurred during an 11-game stretch in 1984–1985.

Week 6: vs. Washington Redskins

On October 14, 2007 Charles Woodson picked up a Santana Moss fumble and returned it 57 yards for a go ahead touchdown in a 17–14 victory over the Washington Redskins. He also recorded an interception in the game, his first of the season. This was the 12 straight game that Green Bay has recorded an interception, making it a new team record surpassing an 11-game stretch in 1984–1985. In the third quarter, Redskins safety Sean Taylor intercepted a Brett Favre pass making Favre the career interception leader in NFL history, eclipsing George Blanda's record of 277 interceptions. Favre threw two interceptions for the game. Woodson was named the NFC's Defensive Player of the Week for his performance versus the Redskins. It was the first time he has received this award.
With the win, the Packers entered its bye week at 5–1.

Week 8: at Denver Broncos

Following their bye week, the Packers flew to Denver to take on the Broncos on Monday Night Football. In the first quarter, Bronco quarterback Jay Cutler opened the scoring with a 5-yard touchdown pass to tight end Tony Scheffler. On the first play of the ensuing series Brett Favre completed a 79-yard touchdown to rookie wide receiver James Jones. In the second quarter, rookie kicker Mason Crosby converted a 19-yard field goal, followed by a 26-yard field goal, and the Packers took a 13–7 lead into halftime.
In the third quarter, Broncos kicker Jason Elam converted a 45-yard field goal to cut Green Bay's lead to 3 points. In the fourth quarter, after getting the ball back with 2:27 remaining in the game, Cutler led a drive that began on the Bronco seven-yard line down the length of the field to the Green Bay four-yard line. On a 3rd and 1 Cutler attempted a quarterback draw to win the game, but Ryan Pickett stopped Cutler for no gain on the play. With no time outs remaining Elam and the kicking unit ran onto the field and converted a field goal to tie the game on the final play of the quarter.
Greg Jennings called heads and won the overtime coin toss, allowing Green Bay to receive the ball to begin overtime. On the first play, Favre threw an 82-yard touchdown pass to Jennings, who had outrun Bronco cornerback Dré Bly for the catch. This was Favre's 13th TD pass of 75 yards or more, most of any player in NFL history. Favre also becomes the first Packers player to throw two touchdown passes of 75 yards or more in the same game. Only three quarterbacks have accomplished the feat since 1990. Ryan Grant ran for 104 yards, the first Packer to break the 100 yard rushing mark this season.
With the win, the Packers improved to 6–1. On November 1, 2007 Aaron Kampman was named the NFC Defensive Player of the Month for October, having recorded 5.5 sacks during that time period. Brett Favre was voted the Fedex Air and Ground NFL Player of the Week award for games played on October 28 – 29, the third time this season he has received this award. Wide receiver James Jones of the Packers was announced as the Diet Pepsi 2007 Rookie of the Week for games played on October 28–29. Jones made three receptions for 107 yards including a first-quarter 79-yard touchdown.

Week 9: at Kansas City Chiefs

Coming off their Monday Night road win over the Broncos, the Packers flew to Arrowhead Stadium for a Week 9 interconference duel with the Kansas City Chiefs. After a scoreless first quarter, Green Bay drew first blood with rookie kicker Mason Crosby getting a 48-yard and a 36-yard field goal. However, the Chiefs would take the lead into halftime as RB Larry Johnson completed a 1-yard TD run.
In the third quarter, the Packers regained the lead as Favre completed a 13-yard TD pass to WR Greg Jennings for the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, Kansas City regained the lead with QB Damon Huard completing a 30-yard TD pass to Johnson. Green Bay replied with Crosby kicking a 32-yard field goal, yet the Chiefs answered with Huard completing a 17-yard TD pass to TE Tony Gonzalez. The Packers pulled back into the lead as Favre and Jennings hooked up again on a 60-yard TD pass. Afterwards, Crosby made a 45-yard field goal, and CB Charles Woodson returned an interception 46 yards for a touchdown.
With the win, the Packers improved to 7–1. Brett Favre also became the third quarterback to defeat all of the other 31 NFL teams at least once. Peyton Manning and Tom Brady had been the first two to do so, just hours apart, the week before.
The Packers scored 17 points in the final 3:05 on a defense that hadn't given up more than 20 all year. Favre joined Peyton Manning and Tom Brady as quarterbacks who've beaten all 31 other teams in the NFL. Favre rallied the Packers to victory from a fourth-quarter deficit or tie for the fourth time this season and 40th in his career, second only to John Elway’s 46 fourth-quarter comebacks. The Packers have won 11 of their last 12 games, dating back to last season. Their sixth straight road wins tie for the second-longest away-from-home streak in team history.

Week 10: vs. Minnesota Vikings

Playing their first home game since mid-October, the Packers hosted their division rivals, the Minnesota Vikings.
In the first half, the first career touchdown by Ryan Grant came on a 30-yard run and gave the Packers a 7–0 lead, and two field goals by Mason Crosby would provide all the first half scoring, as the Packers went to the locker room leading 13–0.
In the second half, Brett Favre threw a pair of third-quarter touchdown passes, one to Donald Lee and one to Ruvell Martin, giving the Packers a 27–0 lead. With an additional Martin touchdown catch in the 4th quarter, the Packers shut out the Vikings 34–0, their first shutout of 2007. The Packers defense held Adrian Peterson to a season-low 45 yards on 11 carries a week after he set the NFL single-game rushing record with 296 yards against the San Diego Chargers. Grant became the first running back to reach the century mark against the Vikings this season, rushing for 119 yards on 25 carries, his career best.
With the win, the Packers improved to 8–1, which matched the best start to a season in Brett Favre's career. This game was the first time the Vikings had been shut out since 1991, and halted the Vikings’ NFL-record run of 260 consecutive regular-season games with a point. The game was Green Bay's first shutout of the Vikings in 94 games of the rivalry.
During the game, Favre became only the second NFL quarterback to throw for 60,000 yards in a career. He now has 60,257 yards' passing in his 17-year NFL career, second only to Dan Marino's career passing record of 61,361 yards. On November 15, 2007, the NFL announced Favre and running back Ryan Grant were voted the FedEx Air & Ground NFL Players of the Week for games played on November 11–12. Favre has received the Fedex Air award four times this season. Coach McCarthy was voted the Motorola NFL Coach of the Week for games played on November 11–12, the second time he has received the award this season.

Week 11: vs. Carolina Panthers

38-year-old Brett Favre faced off against 44-year-old Carolina quarterback Vinny Testaverde in a game that featured the oldest starting quarterbacks duo in NFL history. Favre threw 3 touchdown passes, and Tramon Williams returned a punt 94-yard for another touchdown as Green Bay defeated the Carolina Panthers 31–17. It was Favre's 62nd career game with at least three touchdown passes, tying Dan Marino's record.
The win moved Green Bay to 9–1 on the season, its best start through the first 10 games since 1962. This is also Favre's best 10 game start to a season in his career. Packers punt returner Tramon Williams was named Special Teams Players of the Week for games played the 11th week of the 2007 season. Packers defensive tackle Corey Williams was voted the GMC Defensive Player of the Week for games played on November 18–19. Williams posted four solo tackles, two sacks and two forced fumbles during the game.

Week 12: at Detroit Lions

Coming off their home win over the Panthers, the Packers flew to Ford Field for a Week 12 Thanksgiving NFC North duel with the Detroit Lions. Lions kicker Jason Hanson completed a 47-yard field goal, and followed it with a 41-yarder to give the Lions a 6–0 lead after the first quarter. Brett Favre started the second quarter with an 11-yard TD pass to Greg Jennings. The Packers held on to the lead for the remainder of the game, winning 37–26. The win moved the Packers to 10–1 on the season.
Favre finished the game with 3 touchdowns, the 63rd time he has thrown 3 or more touchdowns in a game, breaking the record he held with Dan Marino. At one point during the game, Favre completed 20 consecutive passes, breaking the Packers team record of 18. Favre threw for 381 passing yards, which was his seventh 300-yard passing game of the season, tying a career-high. For his performance, Favre was awarded Fox's Galloping Gobbler Award. Favre also was voted Fedex Air NFL Player of the Week, the fifth time this year he has received the award.
Green Bay has equaled its best 11-game record since 1929.
With the win, the Packers improved to 10–1.

Week 13: at Dallas Cowboys

Coming off their Thanksgiving win over their divisional foe, the Lions, the Packers flew to Texas Stadium for a Week 13 Thursday night intraconference duel with the throwback-clad Dallas Cowboys. This match-up would see two 10–1 teams face one another for the first time since 1990 when the New York Giants lost to the San Francisco 49ers. Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo faced off against his boyhood idol Brett Favre in the game.
The Packers started the game missing two key players of their defense, with injured cornerback Charles Woodson and pass-rushing end Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila on the inactive list. In the first quarter, Green Bay took the early lead as rookie kicker Mason Crosby completed a 47-yard field goal. On the first play of the Cowboys opening drive, Al Harris stripped the ball from Terrell Owens and side judge Laird Hayes signaled Green Bay ball, but head linesman Derick Bowers overruled him. The only option for Mike McCarthy to challenge on the play, since the whistle was blown, was whether it was a reception – the strip could not be reviewed. The replay upheld the reception and Dallas retained possession. Nick Folk completed a 26-yard field goal to tie the game. Folk also completed a 51-yard field goal, and QB Tony Romo threw a 3-yard TD pass to WR Patrick Crayton. The Packers would end the first quarter with rookie RB Ryan Grant running for a 62-yard touchdown. In the second quarter, Dallas responded with Romo completing a 26-yard TD pass to TE Anthony Fasano and a 10-yard TD pass to WR Terrell Owens. Brett Favre left the game in the second quarter after he hit his right elbow on the helmet of a blitzing Cowboys DB Nate Jones. The throw led to Favre's second interception. Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers took over for the Packers next series and led the offense on a 74-yard drive, capping it off with an 11-yard TD pass to WR Greg Jennings.
In the third, Grant finished off a 69-yard Packer drive with a 1-yard TD run for the only score of the quarter. In the fourth quarter, Romo completed a 4-yard TD pass to Crayton. Mason Crosby kicked a 52-yard field goal with just over 5 minutes remaining in the game to pull the Packers within a field goal. Dallas sealed the win as Folk kicked a 25-yard field goal with 1:03 left in the game. The Packers were flagged for a season-high 142 penalty yards.
With the loss, the Packers move to 10–2.

Week 14: vs. Oakland Raiders

Hoping to rebound from their Thursday night road loss to the Cowboys, the Packers went home for Favre's 250th consecutive start, along with Green Bay's Week 14 interconference duel with the Oakland Raiders.
After a scoreless first quarter, the Packers sliced away in the second quarter with rookie RB Ryan Grant getting a 6-yard TD run, while CB Will Blackmon returned a punt 57 yards for a touchdown. The Raiders would end the half with their only score of the game as QB Josh McCown completed a 25-yard TD pass to WR Jerry Porter.
In the third quarter, Green Bay took control with rookie Mason Crosby nailing a 44-yard field goal, QB Brett Favre completing an 80-yard TD pass to WR Greg Jennings, while Blackmon recovered an Oakland fumble in their endzone for a touchdown. In the fourth quarter, the Packers pulled away with Favre completing a 46-yard TD pass to TE Donald Lee.
With the win, not only did Green Bay improve to 11–2, but they also clinched the NFC North division title.
It was the Packers' 18th division title, along with their 24th playoff berth with three games remaining in the season – the second-fastest division title in team history. Blackmon was awarded NFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors for his performance.

Week 15: at St. Louis Rams

Coming off their dominating home win over the Raiders, the Packers flew to the Edward Jones Dome for a Week 15 duel with the St. Louis Rams. In the first quarter, Green Bay drew first blood as rookie RB Ryan Grant got a 1-yard TD run. Afterwards, the Rams responded with QB Marc Bulger completing a 4-yard TD pass to WR Torry Holt. In the second quarter, Green Bay went back into the lead as QB Brett Favre completing a 4-yard TD pass to TE Donald Lee, yet St. Louis answered with RB Steven Jackson getting a 46-yard TD run. The Packers would regain the lead prior to halftime with rookie kicker Mason Crosby getting a 44-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, Green Bay took control as Crosby kicked a 50-yard field goal, along with Favre completing a 44-yard TD pass to WR Greg Jennings. In the fourth quarter, the Pack finished the Rams off with Crosby nailing a 25-yard and a 46-yard field goal.
With the win, the Packers improved to 12–2.
Brett Favre came into the contest needing 184 yards to break Dan Marino's all-time record mark of 61,361 career passing yards. He broke the record, as he threw for 227 total yards in the game. The new record came on a seven-yard completion to Donald Driver. Ryan Grant and Greg Jennings each had a touchdown during the game, making it the first time two Packers players have each scored a touchdown in the same four consecutive games. Atari Bigby was voted the GMC Defensive Player of the Week for games played on December 13 – 17. Bigby made four tackles and two interceptions. Bigby intercepted the ball on the Packers' 22-yard line late in the second quarter to keep the Packers ahead by three going into halftime. Kicker Mason Crosby was voted the Diet Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Week for games played on December 13 – 17. Crosby went four-for-four in field goals, including a long 50-yard field goal and 46-yard and 44-yard kicks, and three-for-three in extra points.
With the Carolina Panthers defeating the Seattle Seahawks on the day, the Packers clinched a first round bye for the playoffs.

Week 16: at Chicago Bears

In cold and windy conditions, Brett Favre threw 2 interceptions, and the Bears blocked 2 punts, en route to a 35–7 victory over the Packers, giving the Bears a sweep against Green Bay for the 2007 season. The Packers had not had a punt blocked in 12 years. The last time the Packers had 2 punts blocked in a game was September 21, 1975, in a game against Detroit.
Favre ended the game with 158 passing yards, and he surpassed 4,000 yards passing for the season, the 5th time in his career to achieve the mark. Ryan Grant ran for 100 total yards and the only touchdown for the Packers.
With the loss, the Packers fell to 12–3 on the season.

Week 17: vs. Detroit Lions

left less than a minute into the second quarter with the game well in hand, as he had thrown two touchdown passes, and running back Ryan Grant had another one on a 27-yard run. Backup quarterback Craig Nall threw another touchdown in his first playing time in the NFL since 2004. Packers punter Jon Ryan had a 72-yard punt in the fourth quarter, the longest punt at Lambeau Field since 1965. Running back Brandon Jackson topped the 100 yard mark for the first time in his career, running for 113 yards. Packers rookie kicker Mason Crosby finished the season leading the NFL with 141 points, the highest-scoring season by a kicker in franchise history and third-highest season point total by any Packers player. Green Bay has 17 consecutive home victories over Detroit, a team that has not recorded a victory in Wisconsin since 1991.
With their 5th straight win over the Lions, the Packers finished the season with a record of 13–3. The 13-win season was the fourth in the history of the Packer team.
On January 2, 2008 Brandon Jackson was voted NFL Rookie of the Week for games played December 29–30, 2007. Jackson ran the ball 20 times for 113 yards and made two receptions for 22 yards in the Packers' 34 – 13 win over the Detroit Lions.
On January 3, 2008, the NFL announced McCarthy finished second in voting for The Associated Press 2007 NFL Coach of the Year, garnering 15 votes to Bill Belichick's leading 29 votes.

Playoffs

Playoff roundDateOpponent ResultRecordGame siteNFL.com
recap
DivisionalJanuary 12, 2008Seattle Seahawks W 42–201–0Lambeau Field
NFC ChampionshipJanuary 20, 2008New York Giants L 20–23 1–1Lambeau Field

Divisional Round: Seattle Seahawks

and the Seattle Seahawks played the Green Bay Packers for a chance to play in the NFC Championship game. The Packers beat the Seahawks 42–20. Ryan Grant fumbled twice in the first 69 seconds, the turnovers led to an early 14–0 Seahawk lead. Grant redeemed himself by running for 201 yards and three touchdowns – both franchise play-off records. Brett Favre went 18-for-23 for 173 yards and three touchdowns, two to Greg Jennings, joining Joe Montana as the only passers in league history with 5,000 yards in postseason play. Other Packer team records set during the game include most points in a game with 42, most touchdowns with six, and most first downs with 25.

NFC Championship: New York Giants

The Green Bay Packers were defeated by the New York Giants at Lambeau Field in overtime. It was the 3rd coldest game in NFL history. Favre extended his NFL record to 18 straight playoff games with at least one touchdown pass. It came on a 90-yard touchdown throw to Donald Driver, the longest playoff pass in Packers team history. This would also be the final game in Favre's legendary career as a Green Bay Packer.

Season statistical leaders

Awards

Individual

The Packers had five 2008 Pro Bowl selections, 9th most in the NFL. Head coach Mike McCarthy was also the coach of the NFC.
PositionPlayerTeam
QuarterbackBrett FavreStarter
Wide receiverDonald DriverReserve
Offensive TackleChad Clifton
Reserve
Defensive endAaron KampmanStarter
CornerbackAl HarrisStarter

Notes:

2007 All-Pro selections

The following is a list of players that were named to the Associated Press 2007 All-Pro Team.
PositionPlayerTeam
QuarterbackBrett FavreSecond
Defensive endAaron KampmanSecond
LinebackerNick BarnettSecond
CornerbackAl HarrisSecond

Hall of Fame Inductions

In July 2007 the following players were inducted into the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame