{image1}This time, the Packers were the ones forcing the big turnover. The dominant lines in the game came dressed in Green and Gold. And, Brett Favre looked like a three-time MVP again.

The result on Sunday was a rather easy 38-10 win over the Detroit Lions, who obviously were not as good as their 3-1 record coming into the game.

Darren Sharper's interception and 36-yard return for a touchdown at the 10:52 mark of the third quarter was the key play for the Packers. The play put the Pack up 24-10. After that, the Packers had their way with the Lions.

After four games of a porous defense and ineffective ground game, the lines on both defense and offense played well for Green Bay. Detroit had virtually no rushing game. Without one, quarterback Joey Harrington was not effective in the passing game.

The offensive line also established itself early and allowed Ahman Green and a healthy Najeh Davenport to establish a running game. Green gained 81 yards and Davenport, who had missed the last two games with a leg injury, had 62 and a touchdown. Unlike it was in the losses, the Packers did not fall behind early and therefore were not forced to abandon the ground game to play catchup.

With a running game as part of the attack again, Favre could play more like Favre. He completed 25 of 38 passes for 257 yards and two touchdowns.

Packers' fans should be encouraged by the performance, on the road, at an indoor stadium, where Favre and his teammates have not always played well.

But, the Lions also are still not that good of a football team. Their 3-1 record coming into the game had been built largely on some big plays by their special teams and some breaks.

Detroit was averaging fewer points, first downs and total yards than the Packers coming into the contest. The Lions showed very little on offense before displaying virtually nothing for most of Sunday.

One thing that had helped the Lions had been a lack of turnovers -- two interceptions to the Packers eight before Sunday. But, in this game, an interception turned out to be the big play.

Players of the Game

Sharper definitely gets the honor on defense for his huge interception and touchdown. He also was in on some other big plays.

Give cornerbacks Al Harris and Ahmad Carroll honorable mentions. Both were burned toast last week, but played much better.

On offense, Favre avoided interceptions and looked more like his old self. Give honorable mentions to Green and Davenport, who made sure the Packers had a running game. Green also threw a touchdown pass.

Also, give an honorable mention to receiver Donald Driver. With Robert Ferguson out with an injury, and Javon Walker seeing limited duty after getting injured in the second quarter, Favre went to Driver, who caught nine passes for 110 yards.

For Detroit, give a mention to return man Eddie Drummond, who reeled off returns of 27 and 58 yards that at the time looked like they could matter.

Plays of the Game

Sharper's big pick in the third quarter gave the Packers all the momentum.

Ryan Longwell's 50-yard field goal as the first half ended gave the Packers a 17-10 win and sent them into the locker room on an upbeat note. Green's pass for a touchdown should get an honorable mention just because it was a surprise.

Goats of the Game

Load this dishonor category up with Lions. Harrington missed numerous receivers and ended up a rather poor 12 of 23 for 101 yards, an interception and one touchdown.

The offensive and defensive lines of Detroit just did not respond. Especially on defense, the Packers had been weak in the line, but the Lions linemen could not open holes for the Detroit backs. The Lions had a paltry 33 rushing yards.

Next week

The once-hated Dallas Cowboys come to Lambeau Field for a 3:15 p.m. game next Sunday. The rivalry has cooled somewhat since the days when Mike Holmgren's Packers kept getting knocked out of the playoffs by Dallas.

But, the Packers need to re-establish dominance at home, where they have not won yet this season. They also would love to go into the bye week on Nov. 7 with a 4-4 record. Wins over the Cowboys and Redskins the next two weeks would move them to .500.

Remember, the Packers were 3-4 last season and ended up making the playoffs. So, they have to avoid a letdown after making some desperately needed repairs in the Motor City this weekend.