Packers shoot down Seahawks

Seattle left sleepless by Favre and Grant's show in the snow

Last updated: 13th January 2008

Brett Favre Green Bay Packers celebrating in the snow

Favre: Singing in the snow

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The Green Bay Packers overcame an early 14-0 deficit to defeat the Seattle Seahawks 42-20 and advance to the NFC Championship game.

Playing through a driving snowstorm, the Packers moved a step closer to the Super Bowl with an outstanding offence performance at Lambeau Field.

Running back Ryan Grant overcame two crucial fumbles in the first quarter to rush for 201 yards and three touchdowns.

Not to be outdone, quarterback Brett Favre also threw for three scores, as Green Bay set a new franchise record for the most points scored in a post-season game.

Stepped up

"I can't say enough about the performances," said Green Bay coach Mick McCarthy afterwards.

"That's the performance you're looking for and our guys definitely stepped up."

In the end the game wasn't close, but Seattle, who had defeated Washington 35-14 last week, had threatened an upset in the opening stages.

Making the most of two turnovers from Grant, who had fumbled just once in the regular season, the Seahawks stormed ahead.

Shaun Alexander's one-yard run was followed by quarterback Matt Hasselbeck finding receiver Bobby Engram in the end zone with an 11-yard pass.

However, Seattle managed to score only six more points in the remaining 55 minutes, Josh Brown slotting over field goals in the second and third quarter.

Firing Favre

As if sparked by the deficit, as well as the falling snow, Favre and the offence came to life, scoring on their next six possessions to move their post-season record on home soil to 13-2.

The 38-year-old twice hit Greg Jennings in the end zone, while Grant ran in from one and three yards.

When Favre hit Brandon Jackson from 13 yards out five minutes into the third quarter, the Packers were 35-17 up and on their way to their first Championship game since 1997.

Fittingly, Grant - who only became the team's starting tailback midway through the regular season - rounded out the scoring, going in from one yard out at the start of the fourth quarter.

Green Bay will now meet the winner of Sunday's clash between the Dallas Cowboys and the New York Giants to decide who will be champions of the NFC.