Packers don't want to hear the F-word again

You can always tell when Cubs manager Lou Piniella is unhappy with a line of questioning.

No, it's not just the scowl on his face that exposes his displeasure, rather it's his use of and emphasis on the word "sir" in his response.

During this week's conference call with Chicago reporters, Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers borrowed directly from Piniella's playbook, dropping the "sir" bomb while responding to what he evidently thought was an inane question.

It was absolutely fitting on a day when the exchanges with Rodgers and Packers coach Mike McCarthy got somewhat "surly" at times, particularly when the line of questioning centered on a certain No. 4 who no longer is with the team, one Brett Favre.

Like it or not - and it's apparent McCarthy and Rodgers don't - the former quarterback continues to cast a shadow on Green Bay, equally as long as the one the 1985 Bears team does on Chicago.

Check out this exchange with Rodgers:

Are you still friends with Favre?

"(Pause) ... Um, you know what? I haven't talked to him in a little while."

Has that been difficult for you?

"In some ways, yes."

Do you and Favre hope the relationship gets back?

"I'd like to think so, but right now I'm just focused on what I'm doing here in Green Bay."

His coach was a little more forthcoming - before hitting the wall.

"I don't understand what this has to do with the game," McCarthy snapped after being asked a third straight question about No. 4. "As far as Brett Favre, I have no negative feelings toward Brett. I got a congratulations (call) from him when my daughter was born.

"I'd like to move on to the game if we can."

No problem, coach.

PC QB: With five 100+ QB rating games under his belt this season, it would seem a no-brainer that Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers and Co. would be salivating at the chance to torch the Bears' anemic pass defense the way future hall of famers Brian Griese and Kerry Collins did earlier this season.

But when asked if he was surprised that teams have thrown the ball so well against the Bears this year, Rodgers wouldn't bite.

"That's a loaded question there," he said. "It's kind of pick your poison. They're really doing a great job against the run, as they showed against Tennessee, and when that happens you've got to try to throw the ball to try to be effective.

"I think they're playing incredibly well."

Big hurt: The Packers suffered a big loss when it was announced that middle linebacker Nick Barnett (knee) will be lost for the rest of the season.

Not only is Green Bay losing a stellar defender, the Packers are also losing a team leader.

"There's no question Nick Barnett was one of our leaders," coach Mike McCarthy said. "He was our defensive signal-caller, he was an important personality in our locker room - so that's what we lose with Nick's injury."

But McCarthy said Barnett's injury does offer guys like A.J. Hawk, Desmond Bishop and Brady Poppings a chance to step up.

Big hurt II: Don't expect to hear Aaron Rodgers (shoulder) complain about playing through pain this year.

"As an NFL player you have a lot of pride in what you do and anytime you can be on the field - we all play with injuries, we all play with pain," he said. "There's a difference between playing hurt and playing injured. I've been hurt and played throughn it."

Just like a certain you-know-who.

"We tell them all the time - availability and accountability," coach Mike McCarthy said. "Aaron's followed a guy in Brett Favre that's been the best ever at it. It's a great example for him to learn from."

Old home week: Regardless of whether or not he starts, Bears quarterback Kyle Orton can rest comfortably in the knowledge that he has a fan across the field at Lambeau in Aaron Rodgers.

"We met after his junior year and my sophomore year at a quarterback camp in California and hit it off," Rodgers said. "We had a great time, kept in touch a little bit. I enjoy seeing him and seeing what his facial hair looks like during the season.

"He's a good guy, it's good to see him getting an opportunity to play. I'm not surprised at all by the way he's playing."

He said it: Packers QB Aaron Rodgers on the Bears' 5-0 mark in Green Bay under Lovie Smith: "Lovie's done a great job. He's a phenomenal coach. The first thing he said when he came in is you gotta beat Green Bay. It's a rivalry game for us, it's an important game. We're one game out in the division - we need to get this one."

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