After All the Testimony and All the Doubt, the Show Must Go On

By my (shaky) account, this is the fifth time the Packers have hosted an NFC or NFL title game in Green Bay (the '39 title game won by the Packers over the Giants was played in West Allis, Wis.). In the four title contests in Green Bay, the Packers beat the Giants, 37-0, in 1961; the Cleveland Browns, 23-12, in 1966; the Dallas Cowboys, 21-17, in the 1967 "Ice Bowl"; and the Carolina Panthers, 30-13, in 1997.

Two longtime friends were on the short end of two of those games. Hall of Fame linebacker Sam Huff was playing for the Giants in '61 and Frank Ryan quarterbacked the Browns in 1966.

"It was soooo cold that day," remembered Huff, now a Redskins broadcaster and businessman. "Who had gloves in those years? Not us. We weren't prepared for the weather, or Vince Lombardi's offense or his defense. Or their home-field advantage, which I still consider unfair.

"But I can't wait for the game. It's a reminder of what the NFL was -- and what made it so great. Lombardi would love it -- except when the Packers go leaping into the stands after they score a touchdown to be patted like a dog by their fans. Vince wouldn't like that at all."

¿ Am I the only one scratching his head at the Redskins' hiring process ("Assistants on Parade") to replace Joe Gibbs? Okay, I know about the Rooney Rule. Still . . .

Gregg Williams, defensive boss under Coach Joe for four years, reportedly has had four interviews with team owner Daniel Snyder, including one that supposedly lasted 10 hours. Williams has worked for Snyder for four years and he had to sit through four interviews, including a 10-hour marathon? I hope Williams got a Morton's steak out of that one. And did Jim Mora get frequent-flyer points for flying with Snyder during his interview?

When I hired Feinstein at The Post nearly 30 years ago, I told him after 20 minutes he had the job if he would just leave my office immediately. Just go.

Williams is The Favorite, of course, aware he has to win right away, or the owner will try to hire Bill Cowher in 2009, or someone else with equal star appeal.

¿ Tough break for the surging Caps, who lost center Michael Nylander for the season after rotator cuff surgery. Also disheartening was the recent spat between Coach Bruce Boudreau and goalie Olie Kolzig -- first reported by Post columnist Mike Wise. Kolzig was miffed by Boudreau giving him a quick hook last Sunday against Philly. Boudreau needs to make it right with the popular goalie.