Bears ruin Favre's return

MINNEAPOLIS — For once, Brett Favre actually surprised someone by making a comeback.

The Bears all admitted Monday to being stunned when word came out Favre went from “out,” to “questionable,” to starting. It was anything but a successful comeback from a shoulder injury, though, as the Bears clinched the NFC North Division with a 40-14 victory while knocking Favre out of the game in the second quarter with a concussion.

“It was a surprise,” coach Lovie Smith said. “All through the week, of course, they didn't say he was out right away, but I assumed he was. And at the end of the week they said he was out, so we weren't really preparing for him.

“But you have to prepare as much as anything for the quarterback position. That's what we did. Again, he gave them a boost. Whenever you have one of the all-time great players all the sudden be ready to go it has to give you a boost. But our guys met the challenge.”

Defensive end Julius Peppers produced what could be Favre's last career interception when he hauled in a pass tipped by Henry Melton to set up a Robbie Gould first-quarter field goal.

“I was a little surprised,” Peppers said about Favre playing. “But I don't know why I was, really, because you never know with Brett.

“I was actually happy that he decided to suit up. That was probably my last time playing against him so I was glad he was out there.”

Normal NFL procedure is for a player who is doubtful or out to watch from the sidelines. Commissioner Roger Goodell said prior to the game he saw nothing wrong with Favre going from out to starting.

Smith wasn't so sure afterward.

“I assume out means out, but you learn something every day,” Smith said. “We're learning. It doesn't necessarily mean that.”

But Favre was definitely down and out when rookie defensive end Corey Wootton delivered a hit with 11:27 left in the first half for his first career sack, one that caused Favre to slam his head against the turf and walk off with help. He didn't return and finished 5 of 7 for 62 yards with a first-quarter TD to Percy Harvin.

“It was a pass-rush situation and I had a 1-on-1 with (tackle Bryant) McKinnie and I gave him a little power inside, I ripped off him to the outside, he thought I was coming from the inside so I was able to get Favre down,” Wootton said.

Wootton realized afterward it could be Favre's final career play.

“There were so many emotions going on,” Wootton said. “People mentioned it to me. The game was still going on. It was still early so I tried to keep focus on what my job was.”

The Bears' defense, which hadn't created a turnover for two games, caused 5, as Chris Harris made his fourth interception of the year, Charles Tillman had an interception, and Matt Toeaina and Henry Melton each recovered fumbles.

“We made plays when we had to tonight,” linebacker Brian Urlacher said.

Lance Briggs took the moment to reflect on Favre's career.

“I've been an opponent of Brett Favre's, watching him as a kid on the couch, rooting for him, to playing against him, getting my first pick against him and scoring a touchdown, so it's a respectful farewell,” Briggs said.