[Bette]

To put Brett Favre's MVP-level 2007 season in context, consider this: At 38, he's the third-oldest quarterback on an NFL roster this year, and the oldest regular starter.

To put Vinny Testaverde's 2007 season in context, consider this: The 44-year-old didn't go to an NFL training camp this year, arrived for his first practice of the season partway through the Carolina Panthers' Wednesday workout Oct. 10, which coincidentally was Favre's 38th birthday, and led the Panthers to a win a over Arizona four days later.

So, how's that for a potential matchup Sunday when Carolina plays the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field? If Testaverde gets the call for the Panthers, two quarterbacks with a combined 38 years of NFL experience will be starters on the same field.

"It may be the oldest quarterback combination in history," said Packers linebacker Nick Barnett. "I've watched both of those guys growing up. It would be fun to see both on the same field."

At 44, Testaverde is by far the oldest active quarterback in the NFL, ahead of 39-year-old Brad Johnson, the Dallas Cowboys' backup. Favre is next at 38, followed by New Orleans backup Jamie Martin (37), Tampa Bay starter Jeff Garcia (37) and Washington backup Mark Brunell (37).

The oldest regular starters this year are Favre, Garcia and Arizona's Kurt Warner (36).

If Testaverde starts Sunday, the game will feature two quarterbacks who entered the NFL as gunslingers but now are pointed examples of the benefit of experience as long as there's also still enough physical talent to play the position at an NFL level. Testaverde, for all the rust he must have from not practicing in the offseason, has a passer rating of 70.0 points and has thrown one interception in his three games.

"I think he still has some throws in him," Packers cornerback Al Harris said. "With guys like that — I mean the older guys, and I mean that with all the respect in the world — I think he's dangerous, because he knows where to go with the ball"
PackersNews.com - Veteran QBs could square off Sunday