Parker Certainly Not Under Weather

CHICAGO — As the wind howled and cold rain swept across Soldier Field, Green Bay Packer rookie running back De’Mond Parker told himself to just deal with the conditions. His chance to play had finally arrived.

“I didn’t have butterflies. I was just cold,” Parker said. “I felt really good all game. When the fourth quarter came, my only was focus was ‘Just stay warm, just stay warm.’ ”

Parker, who was playing because leading rusher and receiver Dorsey Levens was sidelined because of cracked ribs, also focused on finding the end zone in the final quarter.

That’s when he ran for the first two touchdowns of his NFL career as the Packers handled the weather and beat the Chicago Bears, 35-19, for their third consecutive victory.

“The conditions were as tough as they get,” Green Bay quarterback Brett Favre said. “We handled it as well as I think we could. When we had the wind, we looked good. When we didn’t have the wind, we were OK.”

The Packers (7-5) made the most of the wind at their back in the final quarter as Favre led an 88-yard drive after the Bears (5-8) closed to 21-19. Two plays after he was sacked, Favre passed to Antonio Freeman for a 33-yard gain to the Bear 23.

And then Parker, who along with Basil Mitchell filled in for Levens, carried twice--for 11 and then 12 more for the touchdown with 9:02 left. Six minutes later, he had a 21-yard touchdown run.

Parker, a fifth-round pick from Oklahoma, gained 113 yards in 19 carries. He had rushed for 71 yards previously. Favre was 17-for-24 passing for 155 yards to become the second quarterback to get 3,000 yards passing in eight consecutive seasons. Dan Marino had a streak of nine.