Entry #620496, added on 02-10-10 @ 9:37 pm EST
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| A Proven Winner | Entry #620496 |
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.
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