So much for all that pre-game chatter about "inexperience."

The Packers had ample opportunity to crumble, crater and crap out Saturday afternoon at Lambeau Field, especially after running back Ryan Grant fumbled twice in the first four minutes and Seattle capitalized with a pair of touchdowns.

With snowflakes flying and Super Bowl dreams flashing before the eyes of 72,168 fans -- the largest gathering ever at the NFL's most hallowed venue -- Green Bay recovered from Grant's early mistakes in spectacular fashion.

In their best performance of the season, the Packers scored touchdowns on six consecutive possessions to transform the early deficit into an astonishingly easy 42-20 victory that earned them a berth in the NFC Championship Game, which will be played at 5:30 p.m. Jan. 20.

If the Cowboys beat the Giants later today, the Packers will return to Dallas and attempt to avenge a 37-27 loss Nov. 29 that dropped Brett Favre's all-time record at Texas Stadium to 0-9. If New York wins, the Packers will host the championship game at Lambeau Field. No matter who the Packers play next week, the winner will earn a trip to Super Bowl XLII Feb. 3 in Glendale, Ariz.

For the first five minutes Sunday, the Packers seemed headed for vacation rather than the next round of the playoffs. Overcoming an early 14-point gap is tough for veteran teams and the Packers, with an average age of 27, have the youngest roster in the National Football League. Of the 53 players on the active roster, 36 were getting their first taste of playoff action. Second-year head coach Mike McCarthy was making his playoff debut as the man in charge.

And none of it mattered.

Undaunted (and largely blameless) after the first two scores, the Packers defense swarmed the increasingly snow-covered field and simultaneously intimidated the visitors and energized the crowd. While cornerbacks Al Harris and Charles Woodson provided their usual airtight coverage, safety Atari Bigby dished out some punishing hits, including one that caused a fumble by Marcus Pollard. Tackle Ryan Pickett occupied two blockers for much of the day, allowing other linemen to make plays.

Not only did Grant avoid another fumble, he rushed for 201 yards and three touchdowns.

Favre, who has been prone to making mistakes with his team in comeback mode, didn't push the panic button.

Both Grant and Favre benefited from an outstanding performance by the offensive line, particularly tackle Mark Tauscher, who neutralized Seattle defensive end Patrick Kerney.

There were plenty of heroes wearing yellow helmets in the snow, but the ceremonial game ball from this game probably belongs on a shelf in McCarthy's office.

Facing a formidable foe in Mike Holmgren, McCarthy had his team prepared and pumped at the outset and somehow still poised enough to overcome the early deficit. McCarthy himself showed incredible restraint by not yanking Grant from the game after fumble / touchdown No. 2.

In the media auditorium after the game, McCarthy said that he never considered benching Grant. That decision alone was enough to hand the coach MVP honors for the day, but there were other reasons that tipped the scales.

Despite rushing just four men for much of the game, the Packers put pressure on Seattle quarterback Matt Hasselbeck and neutralized the Seahawks' already shaky running attack.

On offense, McCarthy utilized his red challenge flag to contest a suspect placement of the ball by officials and was rewarded with a key first down. He also surprised Seattle with some unbalanced formations and trusted Favre to offset blitzes and stunts with a quick, precise passing attack.

Favre, who created a media frenzy by making ill-advised comments about his future to a Biloxi reporter at midweek, added a pair of video highlights for his personal time capsule. First, there was the stumbling, scrambling shovel pass that set up a score. Then, there was the impromptu snowball exchange with Donald Driver.

Next week, the 38-year-old icon will have a chance to add more unforgettable moments to his football resume. Nobody knows the stadium or the opponent yet, but one thing is certain: enraptured Packers fans will be hanging on his every move.