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Yoyo Brett Favre and his re-re-return to football...now last shot at glory corrupted? |
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Now an Archive: (Let's see how the Mississippi scandal plays out before I can properly comment. not lookin' good, Brett.) This blog chronicles the ups and downs since his tearful departure from Green Bay in early 2007 to his brief flirtation with the Jets to another renaissance in the land of 10,000 lakes. Little did I know this rollercoaster ride would have this many ups, downs and turns. And then there were the accusations of a bounty on Favre in that NFC Championship game against the Saints. This blog is mostly an archive but will be updated from time to time. There's no chance he'll come out of retirement now? Favre is still the NFL's version of Elvis. It's his 20th and likely final NFL season. Does the long trail end in Minnesota after one remarkable season? We wait again to see if Brett Favre is 'all in' for another Super Bowl run. Along the way, he still knows how to make headlines. Reread and recall the events leading up til now. It's on again...it's off again...now it's on with one last Super Bowl push in 2009-10 Stay tuned as the title of this blog changes with the mind of Brett Favre.}/hide} Move forward? How about trudge forward, with the indignity that clasps about your indifferent ankles. My old lead in...I had many purposes for this recent blog, but now it is devoted to the Brett Favre retirement saga and all the bull that Ted Thompson can fling at the wall to see what sticks. Clearly, we've moved away from that since the Packers were bounced in the first round of the playoffs. They got schooled by the master Favre who lead the Vikings to the NFC North division title. Putting up the best stats of his careers, people keep waiting for him to run out of gas. As of this writing, he's heading into New Orleans. Now, on to my bloggin' until this thing is done. Who's the yo-yo (Favre) and who's the string (Packers)? And who is yanking my chain (?!) I grew up in Upper Michigan and followed teams like the Green Bay Packers and Milwaukee Bucks and Brewers, because of the geography and what little sports programming the rabbit ears could pick up. But when I became a reader, sports took on all kinds of dimensions as I became a huge fan of Johnny Bench and the Cincinnati Reds or that college phenom 'Pistol' Pete Maravich. I followed the Packers since their mediocrity in the post-Lombardi days before another legend was born with the Mississippi mudslinger Brett Favre. I unwittingly started blogging about him in the wake of his retirement and little did I know I would still be writing about him now. I take aim at sports with a naive perspective, hopeful that the icons can still inspire little ones to follow the glory and dreams of tomorrow. I'd like to separate the intense media focus and remove the cynicism while avoiding the maudlin over-hype to see what's real and appreciable about players and sports today. I don't know what I just said...  but moving on...
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| It was no mystery Favre was hurt at the end of last season. And now the current Minnesota Viking QB has some insight into the matter, capsized and linked in a piece at profootballtalk.com where they put their own unique conspiratorial spin on it... http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2009/09/09/favre-says-mangini-should-have-b... You want to spin it even further, then consider the fact that Favre had nothing to play for by the end of the 2008 season. He'd already proven he could lead this team to big victories while the Packers were having a forgetful year without him. Why not just say he faked the injury and packed it in for the rest of the season so Green Bay got the worst possible draft pick for shipping him off to Siberia New York. So he didn't have to go to the playoffs (save wear and tear on that old body), and then hope the Jets would give up on him after he got everyone fired because of a gamble that didn't payoff. Then, get cut loose, act like his career was over for good, just so he could slip into a purple and yellow jersey and play for the team he'd always intended to go to. Furthermore, you could attest the long courtship was just a ruse to keep us from talking about how he really intended to go to the Vikings all along and never really planned to retire. A PR campaign to appear honest and thoughtful about his choice to eventually return and hope that no one put together all the random pieces and think that he might just be pulling wool over the collective eyes with this phony injury thing. Face it, Favre draws blog hits. You have people at profootballtalk putting a controversial spin on some honest commentary just to get debators out of the woodwork and drive, drive, drive that web traffic. They're just stirring up the put and watching all the idiots jump into the stew time after time after time. I gotto go back there and share my comments with them! No, seriously.  Just a follow up on that... http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2009/09/10/league-looking-into-favres-comme... Another story that will wind up being nothing at the end of the day. It's intriguing to think that the league might get the truth of the situation, which would validate Favre's contention he was hurt. I doubt they would find out otherwise, since he's had a doctor look at it and the injury is provable. |
| For someone who's old with the kind injuries he alleges, Brett Favre threw a mean block on the field against Houston Texans cornerback Eugene Wilson last night, drawing a penalty and talk from some that he should be fined... http://blogs.startribune.com/vikingsblog/?p=3251 Regardless, whatever rust accumulated on his armor he officially shook off with 13-18 completions, 142 yards passing and a 28-yard TD pass. He looked good drawing the Texans offsides with his signal calling and crisp passes, including a near miss to Percy Harvin in the endzone on a 30-yard touch pass that reached the receivers fingertips and went out of bounds. The old man took a few more hits tonight and I want to see if there's any more cracked rib talk or soreness in that throwing shoulder he blocked with. He got up wincing and the announcers essentially said he was stupid for making that play. Sounds like his teammates think he's pretty special. I wonder if he has a death wish. Of course, I've seen him wiff on tackles before, so it surprised me he connected as well as he did. And that he himself was not injured. I could see how he would have to run for his life after that. Good thing it was just about the time for him to come off the field. If it was premeditated, that hit could have been a message to end any doubt about his desire to play to win. Or that he is a Minnesota Viking, a soldier ready to serve and protect his team. Let's put it another way, since he's got a lot in common with Manny Ramirez...It's just Favre being Favre...or Brett being Brett. That's the kind of stuff that endeared him to his fans. I think many will come out on Favre's side for his actions on the field last night. |
| ...and an article of mine that is not related to Favre for a change. http://www.helium.com/items/1563062-steroids-in-baseball Not that I'm done with the subject of the new Viking quarterback. |
| Now I've taken to writing for a sports website and published my editorial on fans anticipating the return of Brett Favre at Lambeau field this fall... http://bleacherreport.com/articles/240440-take-the-high-road-on-favre?just_publi... I signed up at this site a year ago because they were looking for Green Bay writers to post articles related to the Packers. I didn't feel compelled to commit a writing to this site until a recent email calling for articles on the topic of how fans should react when he's introduced as a Viking. |
| Of all the writers and sports pundits who've kicked around this Favre issue, Howard Bryant at ESPN makes the most logical argument that essentially says let Brett play. Let this one play out. Far be it for the world to decide his fate for him. Like the old gunslinger has been saying all along, only he needs to be concerned with his legend and how he's perceived after he finally walks away from the game... http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/print?id=4409317&type=story That's the printable version of the story, so you won't have to scroll those that alphabet junkyard to read Bryant's piece. |
| The Read and React To Favre Comeback: There's a bunch of haters over at Profootballtalk.com, but their feedback on the latest story following the press conference that introduced Favre as a Viking is pretty hilarious to read. http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2009/08/18/chilly-to-favre-now-or-never/ Now, the reasons Favre decided to do an about-about-about face on his un-unretirement might seem vague and easy to second-guess. I think he planned to play all along and just wanted everyone to go away for awhile so he could focus on this return in peace. I don't think he really cares who it hurts or affects that he didn't put his time in at the training camps. He knows what he can do and what he can offer. And at this point in his career, he has earned the right to get ready to play when he's ready. And the Vikings have the right to wait until he's ready, even if it affects certain players. This is a business. These are men who make millions of dollars. i will not cry any tears for anyone kicked to the curb over this decision, because there aren't any players on this team that measure up to the level of the team's new No. 4. Favre may fail. The Vikings may wind up looking silly. That's their prerogative and I'm sure when all the money is counted, fans will have shown their appreciation for this one last push for a Super Bowl. I'll be watching those jersey sales, too. Gobble up that merchandise. It's super bowl while you go bust! ...and already it begins... http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2009/08/18/favre-and-vikings-translates-to-... |
| The whirlwind blew into Minnesota and has already gusted out to the practice field. Seems this Favre to the Vikings deal was done behind closed doors some time ago and likely sandbagged the media until the quarterback was ready to take the reins. http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2009/08/18/its-official----favre-is-a-vikin... So much is happening so quickly, but it looks like Favre will suit up for a preseason game this Friday... http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2009/08/18/favre-definitely-starting-friday... And a bit of humor from the PFT crew and the conspiracy theory surrounding that surgically repaired arm that was supposed to have kept Favre from considering another NFL season is now his bail out plan should he not shine like expected with the purple gang... http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2009/08/18/favres-rotator-cuff-injury-is-hi... Whatever the outcome this season, it all hangs on how he performs in those two games against his old team. I think he could play as poorly as he did in the final days with the Jets and get away with it, should he perform well and come away with W's against the Pack. Time will give perspective. Sits back to watch... ...oh, and when does the media start the John Maddon un-retirement watch? |
| The speculation that started with a tidbit from FoxSports' Jay Glazer has snowballed into a likely converging of Brett Favre and the Minnesota Vikings today. Many sources are confirming he is on a jet to Minneapolis. There's reports he'll ink a $12 million contract. How will it all play out? As Favre was quoted as saying, everyone will know something by 'dinner time.' If these reports are true, then the Vikings and Favre have sandbagged the media for several weeks so the future hall of famer could prepare for his new gig in peace. This will not set well with many and will further inspire the ire of those sitting on the fence about the legend and how he's tarnishing his image. But, only the man knows what he's got left to give. And the only true answer is one that can play out of the gridiron. It's Favre's choice to sink or swim and how his fans choose the accept this latest twist may rely heavily on his engaging style of play and flair for the game. If he plays well, he'll win back fans. But, does he really care at this point? It looks like he is on a mission. He has something to prove if this signing comes to fruition. Here's a few links as the media is trying to catch up with Favre's latest antics... The slow burn...in reverse order... http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2009/08/18/report-favre-to-get-12-million-f... http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2009/08/18/report-favre-is-expected-to-sign... http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2009/08/18/report-favre-is-on-a-plane-to-mi... http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2009/08/18/favre-to-minnesota-rumors-run-ra... Leading into today, this was the inital speculation on what to watch for: http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2009/08/18/keep-an-eye-on-favre/ |
| Through much media speculation and cajoling from the Vikings, Brett Favre has finally decided to call it a career. And already people are shrugging their collective shoulders and saying, 'yeah, sure.' But the writing has been on the wall for this one, even before he had the shoulder surgery. Many thought he wanted two more shots at the Packers this season, but ultimately, it was about his desire and continued ability to play. And it's not just about the repaired throwing arm he's been working out, but the knees and ankles along with all injuries that now nag the ironman. http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=4362093 You can say what you want about the waffling, but he truly gave it a try. He went through all of his progressions to make sure that this time he was making the right decision. His body may feel better later. He may get that urge when the season nears or as it progresses. But it was all right there for him in Minnesota and he knew he couldn't make a go of it and they know they have to move on without him. That window closes. So for all the scrutiny and doubting about his intentions, you have to consider that Favre was honest about his intentions all along. He never said he was coming back, denied reports to the contrary, whlie trying to get himself back into shape to see if he could make another run. I don't think it was his intention to join the Vikings when he retired from the Jets back in February. I think they came calling and then he decided to have the surgery and see where to go from there. He would have had that surgery much sooner if he really intended a comeback. I doubted he even wanted the surgery when he tried to work out his arm to see if the tendon would release naturally. When it did not, he explored the next option. By that time, he was committed to seeing if he at least could get in shape before training camp, but could not make that commitment. It wasn't about him holding anyone at hostage. Negotiating a contract before signing on the line is just good business sense. If his body was going to be able, you don't want all the loose ends or those kinds of distractions before getting into camp. Everything was squared away and he gave it his best effort, but he realizes now that he can't be the player he wants to be in his current condition. Again, his body could repair and the desire may return. But this is effectively it, because there are no other teams interested in him. At least not now or this season. Things change. Favre could change. But the opinionated have to accept that he considered his options, did everything the Vikings expected of him, but he knew he would let that team down, especially late in the season when the body and mind started to wear down. If the Packers had let him stay that additional season, it never would have played out like this. He might have stayed healthy and actually had a championship run and a visit to the Super Bowl. The organization traded that all in and made him walk away to start over with the Jets. He performed admirably under those conditions and if it were not for the tendon tear, who knows what legacy he could have left behind in New York. Instead, many want to ignore the injury and just say he was stinking it up. Ignore than he was learning a new offense and flying by the seat of his pants. He was on top of the mountain gain by week four with that six TD performance against eventual Super Bowl contenders, the Arizona Cardinals. But it wasn't meant to be. He still had something to prove in his final years, but was shunned by the organization he helped return to glory. He now has to endure those who would say he tarnished his reputation as a prima donna. He earned his right. He didn't do anything different than any other quarterback that wanted the best for his franchise. I think that the Packers brass spread those seeds about his character to place doubt in the minds of many, because their agenda was to run him out of town. Yeah, he'd talk about retirement every year. But what went on behind the scenes that was draining his desire to play year in and year out? It all started with GM Ted Thompson and the notion that Favre had to be out of the picture. I think Brett knew Thompson was not in his corner, especially after drafting his replacement in Aarons Rodgers in 2005. This will all pass. Favre will mend fences with the Packers organization. I don't believe he will ever suit up for the NFL again. He may stay out of the limelight for a bit. He'll still have those commercials airing and maybe a few more talk show appearances. But as far as a permanent gig, he'll take it easy for awhile to readjust to his life as a former NFL star. Here's to you, Brett! |
| If Brett Favre's intentions weren't clear enough, his surgeon is now on the record about the comeback... http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2009/07/04/dr-andrews-on-favre-he-wants-to-... And with Viking ticket sales about to commence later this month, expect an official annoucement within a week to 10 days to fuel a sales frenzy...unless the media can concretely break the story first...or just continue to speculate to the point of absurdity and blame number four for all the inane banter to turn our collective stomaches. On a very sad note, I expect the murder of former NFL star Steve McNair will hit close to home for Favre. Playing the same position, the duo hail from the same region of Mississippi and share the same agent. And McNair was done in much worse by his former team than Favre when he got locked out of the Tennessee Titan's facilities after his services were no longer required. I suspect McNair's tragic end will be another scenario in which Brett will be forced to further reflect on his career. |
| Brett Favre has re-entered the building and gave his thoughts on his current unretirement bid...Here's the story... http://www.profootballtalk.com/2009/06/15/favre-my-intentions-are-not-to-create-... Perhaps, his comments will end a lot of speculation. The fact that he referenced the Vikings as 'we' at one point might raise questions about how committed he is to this comeback. But, figures of speech are what they are and you can't read too much into that. It really says he wants to play again, but the arm is still the thing that's holding him back.  |
| The latest... http://www.profootballtalk.com/2009/05/18/report-favre-planning-surgery-on-torn-... ...and yet...maybe NOT.... http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=4176703&campaign=rss&source=NFLHeadl... Is this the famous "waffling" that has annoyed so many....OR...is it the zeal to scoop a story on the overplayed subject of Favre's unretirement that has us all confused what gives with that arm? Aren't reporters getting tired of putting stuff into print that fails the sniff test, with substantiated rumors being passed off as newsworthy tidbits. The media creates the stories, creates the aura that surrounds Favre and blames him with every changing storyline. But, who's to say what's truth or fiction without getting it directly from the source? If people are getting a bit tired of all this unretirement hype, blame the media first and NOT the player. These stories are just rumor and not necessarily items that should be freely floated about when reporters themselves are decrying every topic that surfaces related to Brett Favre. On another note, if he really is trying to work the arm out until that ligament snaps...all I can think is 'how much pain does this man have to endure' to avoid anesthetic and a doctor's scapel that could give a simpler and cleaner result? Why doesn't Favre want to take the prescribed treatment which involves a more defined timeline? Is he a-scared of the doc? Is there some other reason he doesn't want to get it over with and move forward with the healing process? Me thinks the man is not completely committed to coming back, if he wants to do it his way. He could be working out that arm until he's dead and it might not ever release that wily tendon that threw away the Jet's chances at the post season last year. Does his body have a mind of it's own, because he certainly is leaving a lot to chance. I just think each time I hear another rumor, I'm not going to give it any creedence now until he suits up or signs a contract to play. |
| Even NFL.com is stirring the pot with Favre's impending possible unretirement. Somehow a private conversation with the league's commissioner was leaked to sweeten a reporter's story about the future hall of famer's mindset, albiet a year removed from the current situation leading to headline fodder. Let's see what this link does for the collective imaginations who are trying to avoid any more Favre comeback water cooler talk.... http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d8105843b&template=without-video-with-co... Of course, that's how Favre felt at about the time he was on the way out of Green Bay. It doesn't necessarily speak to how he feels now. But, you have to believe if he discovers he's healthy enough to play, this will be part of the motivation to stick it to his old boss. Not counting chicks before their hatched...two, three, four.... |
| The latest story should give an indication as to Brett Favre's situation and why the decision making process has been draggin on for so long. Bottom line is he feels like he can play until his arm says othewise and he wrestles with what path to take at this stage, as he does each year. He's getting older, but the mind is still willing. The latest in this link from ESPN... http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=4167747 |
| The media is jumping back and forth with each new report of the 'will he or won't he' return to football dance. The latest news is what should have been the main focus from the outset. Favre cannot recover from his latest injury to play this season. A link on that... http://www.jsonline.com/sports/44627277.html You have to muddle half way through the article to get to the part buried in this story that should be the lead... "But there is a palpable fear around Favre that there is a more serious injury to the shoulder. One source said, 'If you put your finger in (Favre's) shoulder it goes right through. That's not a good sign. There's a reason why he hasn't picked up a football yet.' The fear, according to two sources, is that one of three other injuries will be found: additional damage to the rotator cuff; that the biceps tendon has come out of its groove possibly by a rupture in the sheath that surrounds it; or that there is cartilage damage in the shoulder. Any of the three would likely end Favre's latest comeback attempt." Of course, considering all the reporting that hasn't amounted to a hill of beans on this subject yet, we still remain in the dark as the speculative sources continue to clutter the airwaves with unsubstantiated fodder. But, makes for great water cooler talk in the meantime, right? Something to print. There is a lot of judgment on bad or partial information and the pundits are too quick to call Favre a liar or a yo-yo or whatever. Everyone wants to blame him for the conundrum that he faces, while he's spoken very little to the media. And it very well may be the unequivocable 'No' he texted to Trent Dilfer at ESPN just a week ago. But when more reports surfaced that he might become a Minnesota Viking, everyone just assumed he changed his mind again. Perhaps, there are those who want him to play and are trying to ascertain how serious his injury is. Maybe, they think there is a way to get him back on the field. But, it would seem he's made up his mind even though others like NFL types like the Vikings and the media haven't given up on his retirement. Unless there is a miracle cure for his arm injury, he's done. I'm sure if his arm were functional, he might have the desire to play again. Given the situation in Minnesota, maybe they figure he could just hand the ball off to Adrian Peterson, and the threat that he might throw the ball would be good enough to keep defenses honest. Until they plaster those x-rays all over the internet, no one is going to be satisfied that he's finally done. Those who keep the story alive are just looking for another payday...but I guarantee it's not Favre. |
| If Brett Favre unretires, so will this blog. In the meantime, there's nothing but a bunch of speculation. Rumors start and you don't want to give creedence too quickly. To the chances he's considering a return...I think he might be exploring his options before completly closing the door on the game. I think he has no intentions of playing "at this time" as he has said. That doesn't mean if the right situation avails itself to him that he wouldn't be tempted to take the opportunity. If Favre is looking for a personal trainer and if he has his agent fielding calls, it's for the preparedness. Bus Cook's end is purely exploratory. He might want to consider his options. Some are calling it a leverage game, because he wants to get paid the big salary. I don't think Favre is trying to extort millions for his services once again. I do believe, however, he would play the revenge card if everything was stacked in his favor for a stint with the Minnesota Vikings, which everyone seems to think he's leaning toward. If Minnesota does land him, Favre would further divide his fan base in Packer nation. Does he care about that? I think he figures he's paid his dues here and deserves respect for services tendered. Green Bay wanted to lock up his personna up in a bottle with a $25 million marketing deal that he walked away from. That's not what he wants right now, because he is so beloved as a football star he can make his money anywhere. What's wants right now? He hasn't had a chance to win another championship in Green Bay until the year after Packers GM Ted Thompson gave him the ouster. If they were that close to making it to the Super Bowl with Favre, it was insane to think they didn't have another shot before his time was up. Something went down in those offices at 1265 that forced Favre out of the picture. It could have been a storied ending, but for whatever reasons, Packer brass had the balls to cut ties with a legend who proved he had plenty in the gas tank for another run. So, I'm opining again. I'll keep my mind open to this. I really am leaning toward wanting him to stay retired. All the talk makes you wonder. And I did wonder why he didn't commit to some broadcasting gig, having gone this deep into the offseason without any serious unretirement talk. So, he's kept his options open for a return, because he knows in his heart he's not completely finished with the game. If Favre does opt to back away from the game, he should take a year's hiatus to make an Elvis-like disappearance before returning to the spotlight. He needs to get some perspective before moving forward. |
| This will be the last entry for this blog on Brett Favre's incredible career, unless of course I'm wrong about the outcome of today's games. I have a prediction for today's final game for number four as a professional football player. Favre has talked about troubles with his arm in the media as of late and talks about having it checked out after the season. That will become a factor today. Considering the Patriots and Ravens will win their respective games before the Jets and Dolphins take the field, it's likely Miami will be the only team playing for anything. I expect the Jets will play Favre for like a half a game, rather than expose him to the Dolphin's defense and risk hurting him any further. Miami will likely win the game and the division and the Patroits will miss the post-season with an 11-5 record. I'm further inspired to believe coach Eric Mangini will let his team lose to Miami rather than let old mentor Bill Belichek make the playoffs with his squad. But back to Favre. He's not finishing strong and it's now being revealed (by at least the Jets) that he's gone through these ailments at the end of recent seasons, which would explain why he's had difficulty closing out games late or at the end of the year. He was the Packer's best bet to return to the post-season this year. He didn't have to lead that team with his arm, but with the threat of what he could do and the leadership that inspired his teammates and fan base. Without Favre, the Packers eventually fell apart because they lacked identity. Helping a Jaguars team find themselves late in the season in that loss really spoke volumes about the Pack and the struggles they will face in the years to come. They were rebuilding all along. A playoff run could not have been expected this year by oustering number four. And it won't come anytime soon. Favre on the other hand will retire after this season, though the Jets likely want him back. This season was the most difficult for him, he'll find in retrospect. There should not be enough gas in the tank for another run, even if he gets two weeks into the 2009 preseason with doubts this time around. He'll call it a day. |
| I don't know how anyone would interpret this as a positive story for the Packers, but here goes... http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/11/30/favres-good-season-helps-packers/ Okay, think about it. Use those analytical football brains you inherited from years of beat writing and covering professional football and explain to me how the Packers get a big win if Favre does well with the Jets this year. It drives home the point to me, while the Packers are just managing to keep their head out of the water, that they gave away a pretty good chance to make it to the Super Bowl this year. A first round draft pick for Favre if the Jets make the Super Bowl? That's a win? That's supposed to be the Packers goal, especially one season removed and one playoff loss shy from getting there by losing to eventual NFL title holders in the New York Giants. It seems to me the media is getting caught up in the numbers game, watching the Jets' performance with Favre at the helm escalate as it drives the value of that traded pick. But, any way you look at it, the Packers lose. And not just by missing out on a Super Bowl, but depriving Packers fans of a chance to see the kind of run they should be enjoying this year. In my mind, there's no doubt the team would be performing better at this point with Favre in the mix. That's not a knock against Rodgers. He's a great quarterback. He just doesn't give his team that extra bit of oomph you get with number four. Teams prepare for him different. They don't give Rodgers the same kind of respect. They're willing to let him beat them with his arm while they stuff the Packers run game. Favre made defenses play straight up, be honest, not cheat. Where's the enthusiasm number four brought? That fire? Rodgers isn't as emotional on the field, and if he gets upset, it's at himself. Does he really hold other players accountable at this point? Favre would...he'd get more out of the people around him like the situation right now in New York. A first round pick is as likely to be a bust as any other first round choice many teams have gambled and lost with. And a pick like that doesn't guarantee a Super Bowl, at least not now, and maybe never. The Packers threw away one last shot at glory for the compensation they get from the Jets, who will happily hand over this pick like it's Monopoly money. It won't mean a thing to give away that draft position, if they make it to the big dance. Ted Thompson should be applauded for rebuilding his team for the future. Yeah, way to go Mr. GM. Way to keep the eyes on the prize. Nope, he doesn't care about winning now. He sold short when he jettisoned Favre from Green Bay. He threw away the franchise's chances this season without swallowing his pride and assessing the true value of what he had in a proven veteran. By The Way...my comment on the Profootballtalk.com story... The Packers likely traded away a Super Bowl bid for a number one draft pick. It holds true to Thompson's rebuilding plans, essentially throwing out the window any chance they had going into this season. The Packers are in the hunt, but not like they were last year. Thompson should just admit he wanted to be rid of Favre and didn't care if it would cost the team a title run this year, because that is the way this will play out. And if Favre makes it to the Super Bowl, you might as well flush that pick down the drain. Fans will say that was supposed to be our team. They don't care what kind of compensation comes. It looks bad for the Packers if Favre does well. The Packers need to outperform the Jets to justify Thompson's decision. |
| There isn't much need to crow about Favre, because the Jets current win streak and knocking off an undefeated team in the Titans speaks for itself. It has the media's full attention and even has some proclaim he's an MVP candidate once again. At this juncture, to borrow an overused NFL cliche, 'it is what it is.' As Favre gels with his new teammates and is achieving what he most easily could have accomplished elsewhere, it behooves me to once again put Packer's management on notice. See? This is what you gave up, and what have you to show for after a disappointing Monday night performance in what was supposed to be your "Big Easy" win in New Orleans? Could it be the Packers underestimated what Favre brings to the table? Is there something more to steering the ship that now doesn't have a chance of making the playoffs unless it rights itself and manages to win its division? The Packers are in a hole they might have trouble getting out of, unless the Bears AND the Vikings both stumble and relinquish their shared hold on the divisional first place lead. Steve Young's assessment after Monday night's game hit home with me. Whoever comes out of this division as the champion, they aren't going to be considered much of a threat in the playoffs this year with teams in the NFC South and East easily dominating the scene. So, that brings me to my next thought. Do you think they had a better chance with Favre this season? Do you think the Packers would be disrespected as much if number 4 was at the helm? They were 13-3 last year and on the doorstep of a Super Bowl bid. But, they plucked the ball from Favre's hands and gave it to Aaron Rodgers. He's had a great year, but is anyone chanting his name in the current MVP race, even before Monday night? Everyone could have defended Rodgers' performance this season, up until he was picked off three times and soundly defeated by a team not known for defensive prowess. It could be said that Rodgers might not be a big game quarterback just yet, not like the proven veteran in Favre. Another measuring stick: the Tennessee Titans. Both the Packers and Jets visited this powerhouse team on its turf this season. The Packers lost in OT by a field goal. It showed they could contend. But then the Jets had their turn this weekend and dismantled and befuddled the Titan squad. Consider further, Rodgers was leading a team that was 13-3 last year. Favre came upon a group that finished 4-12 in 2007. Can there be any doubt that Favre's ability to lead and come up big in these important games gives him a decided edge over Rodgers this season? Does it mean Packer's management essentially threw away this season to be rid of Favre? Could they sell their fans and support base on this decision on the future of the team, when the future was within their grasp with the 2008 campagain? Say all you want about how Favre may have clashed with the Packer's brain trust over game management, which is emphasized so much. He throws more than a few dumb picks, because he is not afraid, because he believes in his ability to make big plays. Jet's coach Eric Mangini had his talk with Favre mid-season because of this and reasoned with his quarterback that it was like 'hitting on 20' in a game of blackjack. It's apparent Favre has adjusted his game, becoming a manager. Why couldn't Packers coach Mike McCarthy get in Favre's ear and get him to obey? Is it possible Favre is more willing to bend now and prove he is adaptable to beat this perception of you can't teach the old dog nothin' new? I still recall Favre taking McCarthy's advice on his footwork that helped him cut down on interceptions. So, it seems to me the Packers didn't want to work with Favre for their own reasons, perhaps because the rebuilding process required a jersey retirement. Ted Thompson, here's some egg on your face. Mike McCarthy, you're not such a great coach without your captain on the bridge. I can say without a doubt that we all could have been spared the drama and the smear campaigns and had one more term with a proven winner. We've been force fed a diet of bull since Thompson took over as GM, with a great amount of over consumption since the Favre fallout. This is your legacy now and you must accept that it was your ego that foiled a franchise from achieving and sustaining one more shot at glory. Congratulations on bringing Green Bay back to inevitable anonymity. Being a shareholder owned team doesn't make this franchise any better than any other NFL team. And, if this season isn't pulled out of the bucket, I will be the first to root for reparations against those who deprived Green Bay fans of what could have been an exclamation point on a hall of fame career that clearly will be defined in New York this season. |
| So, it came down to the big game and the big name got the job done. Not bad old man: http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/2008/11/13/2008-11-13_jets_victo... |
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