GREEN BAY, WIS. — Charles Woodson heard it, like everybody else.
Champ Bailey is the NFL’s best cornerback. Somebody said it once, and then Bailey, the Broncos’ star cornerback, would back up the claim with another interception. And then somebody would say it again.
It’s not that Woodson felt compelled to protest the claim so much as he thought people got a little carried away. After some forgettable years in Oakland, the 1997 Heisman Trophy winner had a career-high eight interceptions in his first season with the Green Bay Packers in 2006.
Woodson scored on a 57-yard fumble return Sunday to help lift the Packers past the Washington Redskins 17-14 on a soggy and chilly afternoon at Lambeau Field. It’s the kind of big play that could put him back in the game as Bailey’s top competitor for the league’s top defensive back.
“I’ve been in the game,” Woodson said. “It just seems like when one guy has all the pub, then everybody runs with it, whether they see a guy play or not. You look on TV and see every commentator saying who’s the best and who’s not, and that’s what people think.
“I know playing in Oakland, I had some injuries that kept me out of games, but the games I was in, I don’t think there was anybody better.”
The next time Woodson plays, he will be able to compare himself to Bailey on the same field. The Packers (5-1) first head into their bye week, which gives them time to rest up for their game Oct. 29 against the Broncos at Invesco Field at Mile High.
Among the more intriguing matchups in that Monday night game will be the Broncos’ defense, which ranks 32nd in the NFL in stopping the run, against a Green Bay offense that ranks 32nd in rushing.
The Packers’ one-dimensional offense isn’t helping quarterback Brett Favre, who completed 19-of-37 passes for 188 yards Sunday and had two record-setting interceptions against the Redskins.
Afterward, Favre voiced concern about his running game.
“Sure, I am,” he said. “How can you not be?
“We need to force people out of the cover 2 (zone defense). They’re playing cover 2, which is so difficult to throw the ball against, but we’re not able to dominate the run game when they’re in cover 2.”
Favre has set several career passing records the past year and now has the unwanted mark of most interceptions thrown. Favre has thrown 279 picks, two more than George Blanda.
“I could care less, We won the game,” Favre said. “I’m glad it’s over just like the other records. We’re 5-1, so it feels a heck of a lot better than having no picks and being 1-5.”
Packers kicker and former University of Colorado star Mason Crosby also was relying on victory for perspective. Crosby missed two field goals by a combined 3 feet – slightly hooking a 46-yard attempt to end the first half and clanking a 38-yarder off the left upright – but he made one from 37 yards to provide the winning margin.
“It’s one of those where I have to put it past me,” Crosby said. “I felt like I hit the ball all right. I was just unfortunate on those two with the conditions and everything.”
Mike Klis: 303-954-1055 or mklis@denverpost.com.
