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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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| I thought he was done after that run with the New York Jets. Would it be irony if his old team of a year ago and new team met up in Super Bowl XXXXIV? (did I type that right?) Anyway, the Saints are the favorites on their home turf. Vikings coach Brad Childress is handing out ear plugs to handle crowd noise. Will this be the Big Easy win, an embarrassment, or something no one can script? I opt for the latter. What people are looking for in some camps is Favre choking on the big stage. Believe me, he hasn't forgotten '07. And someone reminded me the other day that the person who really choked on that day was Al Harris who couldn't stop Plaxico Burress. And where was Charles Woodson, 2009 Defensive Player of the Year, then? They let little brother Eli beat them. Packers didn't have a good defense. It was evident in 2008 and in their recent playoff track meet in the desert. 51 points? I think Minnesota's defense will fair better. I believe Favre will keep his team from getting too far behind and make the game manageable with a few plays from the defense late to keep hope alive. I don't feel a win is as likely here, but would not be the least bit surprised if they dominate in New Orleans the way they did against the Cowboys. The old gunslinger will take the crowd out of it. They should hand the ball off a lot to Adrian Peterson and take their shots down field to Sidney...er...Percy Harvin. I want Rice to be a decoy early in this game. Hit Harvin off the line of scrimmage, in motion, or go to the tight ends. Yeah, what do I know. That's what I want to see. Mix it up and take what they give you. Be patient and wait for Brees to get pressured and falter. You have to cross your fingers that the Saints QB has a little choke in him. This is his first big game and might feel the pressure. He could also write his name in the annuals of NFL history if he beats number four and goes to the Super Bowl. Us old guys and long time Favre fans want to see one last miracle. It has been a magical season. Can he give Minnesota one last chance to hoist a trophy before the team is sent packing for the west coast for lack of a decent playing field? Favre against the Jets. Favre against Peyton Manning. Both are very marketable. The Saints also have a story to sell if they earn the conference championship. I just don't know. Favre still tops jersey sales by a landslide. Sorry Mr. Brees and eventually Mr. Manning (you must pay for what little brother done ... although it did give us two more years of Brett). If you're wondering how ear plugs will help the Vikings, Kevin Seifert @ ESPN has written an interesting column on the subject. http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcnorth/post/_/id/9240/battle-in-the-bayou-ear-plugs-re... |
| Fran Tarkenton just will not let it go. He still doesn't like Favre in a purple jersey... http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/01/20/tarkenton-still-doesnt-like-favr... You can read the comments by members of PFT and see what they think Tarkenton is insinuating. It's sad when a former athlete has to reach for straws when he is diminished by the achievements of today's NFL stars. Keep stirring the pot Fran and you'll never see the inside of the Metrodome again. |
| And now Brett Favre ventures back to where it all began...New Orleans and the Superdome where he won his first Super Bowl. Can he recapture that old magic 13 years later? An unlucky number for such a superstitious town. Favre leads all post season QBs with the highest passer rating of 134.4, if that means anything. No doubt it was Minnesota's defense steamrolling Tony Romo and the Cowboy's front line that paved the way for last Sunday's victory. When Dallas suffered miscue after miscue, number four took advantage. Letting it lose three times for TDs to Sidney Rice seemed like taking that speedy car out on the highway to see what it could do. Watching him play and how fired up he is, you see more tenacity than that boy playing in the back lot. I think he's very serious this time. it begs a lot of questions. Is this his last run? You have to laugh if he says he's going to retire this year, even if the Vikings win it all. Does he have it in him to finish the way his entire season has gone. You can't doubt that he is playing like he did in the mid-90s, yet with more savvy and understanding of the game. It's obvious, Favre's magic could be the stuff that will finally give Vikings fans what they have long wanted. And even if they fail, you have to admit it's been a fun ride. I think Favre will be most disappointed if it doesn't get fitted for another ring. Back to the dominance over the Cowboys, there has been some debate over Favre throwing that last TD pass with time nearly out. I had some immediate reaction and tried to make an educated guess as to why they went for another score. Obviously, it looked like the were rubbing it in. But this is not Pop Warner, but the pros. But I noticed the Cowboys used their timeouts late in the game when it seemed they didn't have a shot at winning. They also were mashing it up at the line of scrimmage and the only way the Vikings could get yards was with the pass plays to extend the drive and run out the clock. When i saw the TD pass on fourth down, I liked it but then wondered if it was unsportsman-like. Then I saw the shots of Keith Brooking shouting his displeasure at Favre as he left the field. I thought, sore loser. So, I do agree. You got to stop them and try not to let your frustration show that you are getting butt-whooped. Further thought, gave me some reasons: This could be Favre's last game in the Metrodome. It was one last throw to excite the crowd. There is something to be said about the psychological aspect of that last TD. Fans want you to score and the more you do the more they roar. The more they voice their support, the more the team absorbs that love and uses it as part of their momentum going to New Orleans. So, they could be saying, look out Saints, here we come. It also was the lone catch for their tight end and no doubt made him feel a part of the festivities and gave him something to feed on going into the championship game. The game is mostly mental. The teams talent-wise are evenly matched. Look at watch confidence and bravado have done for the New York Jets. You could almost say that team is betting for having Favre in their lockerrom and on the field last year, because they learned to win in some big games. It would be fitting if the Vikings and Jets square off in the Sunday in February. I think the Colts will have something to say about that. But, the league is being put on notice. Minnesota is not a team to be taken lightly. With Favre driving the machine, it's going to be a hell of a ride. Hold on to your hats as he attempts to drive through New Orleans to get to SB 44. |
| No chants of MVP? Brett Favre definitely made a case for himself while leading candidates Drew Brees and Peyton Manning were sidelined to prepare for the playoffs. Number 4 just showed he's primed and ready for his next opponent... http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/01/04/week-17-morning-aftermath-viking... I had predicted his consecutive starts streak would end to rest for the playoffs. But he had to play to earn a bye week and proved he didn't need it. Making a case for MVP. A lot of voters might overlook: This was his first year with a new team and offense (that he's knows well) and fit right in. And don't forget he slept in and skipped training camp. He became a leader on this team while helping Percy Harvin to offesive rookie of the year (will hear if that's true tomorrow) and making a name for Sidney Rice. He's 40 and no other quarterback his age has had a season like this. Don't forget the week three miracle win against the 49ers at home that lead to a perfect season at home. You could sense his magic lifted this team and its fans on the start of a great and memorable journey. What they might discount: An easy schedule. But don't discount wins against the Bengals and twice against the Packers (showing his steely resolve to get the job done, revenge or not) The old man played most of his games in a dome or in the warmth of the sun. He had Adrian Peterson behind him with eight or nine players on the line of scrimmage. Hey, those guys could easily turn into blitzers and Peterson did not have a season worthy of his abilities. In fact, Favre fought with Childress over play calling because he knew it was on his arm. And he's prove in the last game and a half, he's right. What's obvious: The stats! Over 4200 yards passing with 33 TDs to only 7 interceptions. His completion percentage and passer rating of 107.2 were the highest of his career. Manning and Brees made their statements early. Favre punctuated his year and made it obvious you cannot forget about him and how valuable he is to the entire league, let alone his team who chose him as their captain at the start of the season and MVP near the end. |
| Let's not get too focused on the Favre/Childress drama and look at what's failing...the Vikings offensive line. They protected him so well in that Oct. 5th meeting with the Packers. It's what has made Favre so good all year long. Now, people are pointing to a December swoon like others Favre has suffered in recent seasons. But, it's always been for the same reason (except his arm failing him last year)...lack of protection. Ted Thompson wasn't willing to put enough able-bodied men in front of Favre then and Rodgers has been running for his life most of this season (why Thompson wanted Favre out, someone with fresh legs). Now, Minnesota's line is beginning to crack and fissure. Favre knew how important that game was. One win and they can shut it down knowing they locked up a first round buy. It's inexplicable Childress would want to pull him. I'm not even certain how more protection could not be provided. And why Chilly is so in love with a running game that's gone south in recent weeks, most of the season even. I have seen him give away games by not using Peterson enough. And now that he has Favre as a compliment, he's not adjusting his game plan to compensate for injuries like the weakened offensive line. Minnesota's going to need those players when it comes playoff time. But, they might not be in the necessary condition to play if coach doesn't figure out the right schemes to protect all his players while getting that one elusive win so they can lick their wounds and have time to heal. Favre was thinking on his feet. He's followed Chilly's game plan until it doesn't appear to be working. That's when it's time for your stars to shine. Peterson wasn't getting it done. Favre knows this offense and knows how to exploit defenses. He had a decent day throwing the ball, they just couldn't move the sticks because Chilly couldn't adjust with the injured lineman. If the two of them don't work out their game plans, schemes, contingencies, and talk out what they need to do to win just one game, maybe we should doubt whether they can put together a Super Bowl run. Look for a big win in Chicago and then a big shut down. I'd been professing that Favre would miss at least the last game against the Giants. It seemed to make a lot of sense then. It looked like Favre was willing to scale back his work load to make it through the season. But, the old hard head might not want to let up now. Maybe, he does think he has something left to prove. I've heard what he's said about his legacy, but he's also trying to write a final chapter. I think he may need a good editor to pull off this last novel attempt, or it will be a ghost writer coming to finish the story. Here's a good summation on the Favre/Childress situation: http://www.postbulletin.com/newsmanager/templates/localnews_story.asp?z=34&a=430... |
| While the Belicheck blunder captures headlines around the league among many other prominent games worthy of fodder, the Vikings managed yet another victory against a lowly team. Some might find fault with the way the team went about their business toward the ultimate result. But, a win is a win, some philosophic genius once opined: http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2009/11/16/week-ten-morning-aftermath-vikin... To find fault with this team for not burying the Lions early and getting some rest on the backside requires some consideration. You don't want to underestimate your opponent while you still see your opportunities to try plays like the reverse that was fumbled, knowing they aren't likely to capitalize on your mistakes. I give the Vikings credit for closing out the game more than expending a bunch of energy to put the Lions on the ropes early. You pace yourself and make sure you save up enough emotion and energy for the upcoming battles that will require more attention/focus. It's naive to assume the Vikings should blow a team like the Lions out of the water. I saw a team that is raw and developing, and like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers can rise up to bite ya if your not patient/careful (ahem, Green Bay). You don't want to give these teams hope, confidence, a notion that they can hang with ya, or worse, beat you. If anything, the Packers blunder during Minnesota's bye week should have been an eye opener about these much ballyhooed "trap games". The Vikings can put the pedal to the metal when they need. With upcoming tests, they should be in a position to be healthy and energized for a stretch run that will land them a division title and possibly homefield advantage for the playoffs. Saints fans beware. Your team may be about to hit a wall. Just saying. On another note...look for Favre's consecutive starts streak to end when this team has clinched homefield advantage. I think he plays the last game against the Bears, but skips the final game of the season. I expect they will be 14-2, and possibly 15-1, if they get past a team like Cincinnati (who knew...beside no. 85?). |
| I think the Packer's head coach is a vindictive man and has some 'splainin' to do. Just read: http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2009/11/13/firing-of-lambeau-field-worker-c... You'll see a link in that story that goes to the original Journal Sentinel story detailing the story of the man who was fired. I think McCarthy needs to apologize to that worker and clear the air, because this is going to get a lot of negative airplay and just piles on to this current sentiment about the Packer organization under GM Ted Thompson. Packers are supposed to be a class organization. After ushering Favre out of town, they've proven Green Bay can be just as crude as any other privately owned team that watches its bottom line before thinking of its fan base and supporters like the guy who got canned for just making a misunderstood remark. |
| Gilbert Brown sums up my feelings on the situation in Green Bay... http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2009/11/10/gilbert-brown-rips-mike-mccarthy... I do think the losses to Favre (not just the Vikings) did something psychologically to that whole organization. They lost face and it was like admitting fault in the whole Favre fiasco, because he bested his replacement. Meanwhile, the doors are falling off the Aaron Rodgers vehicle because the offensive line can't protect him. And maybe he is feeling a bit of that shadow cast on him by number 4. The rumblings in titletown are about the job safety of GM Ted Thompson and coach Mike McCarthy. They decided to roll the dice on Favre and when the Pack misses the playoffs and Favre moves on, possibly to a Super Bowl, they'll be standing on the platform with their heads in nooses wondering when the executioner will pull the lever. I would add one more name to the list, CEO Mark Murphy. He is as culpable as the others, because he stood behind them as this was an organizational decision. He had tried to lure Favre to retire with money, rather than welcome him back. He clearly was part of that 'football decision' that has gone bust. It's more like a ticking time bomb that can blow up in their faces. Having said that. This is Green Bay. They stuck through many bad coaches post Lombardi. McCarthy had some success (albiet with Favre when he was 21-11...10-14 with A-Rod), so I imagine he's got another season to prove himself. Ultimately, the biggest mistake was the hiring of their defensive coordinator, without anticipating a Favre return. Norm Capers has never beaten Favre with his 3-4 defense. They have misfits and missing pieces to make the defense function more like the Steeler's D. Aaron Kampman is sorely misused and now may be lost inside his scrambled and concussed mind. Either scrap that defensive or trade away Kampman and get players that fit the formula. It's very quiet on the Favre front. He's taken care of business and shut down the speculative media. Having said that, let's hope he doesn't go into the tank now like he did last season after taking the Jets to 8-3 after victories over the Titans (then undefeated) and rival Patriots. He may be still motivated to keep the Pack out of the playoffs by taking the division and then taking the team to the Super Bowl to rub their face in it. |
| Recap of Favre's final revenge: Or Return of the Jedi, which means there is yet a third chapter in this saga: http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2009/11/02/week-eight-morning-aftermath-vik... Rowdy bunch: http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2009/11/02/13-arrested-43-ejected-at-lambea... I already blogged about this possibility loooonnng ago. What's taking people so long to speculate on this. He obviously was not getting along with Thompson who had no plans of building a team that could win a Super Bowl. Why stick around? He was forced to retire, under contract for another two years and no options to get out of Dodge: http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2009/11/02/aikman-reveals-window-into-favre... The big show: http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2009/11/03/vikings-packers-peaks-at-39-mill... Another accolade for the mantel: http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2009/11/03/brett-favre-named-nfc-offensive-... |
| I'm not making any predictions for round two of Favre vs. former team in his old haunts of Green Bay. But my son will. When prompted, my eight year old came up with a prediction of Vikings 42 and Packers 33. Granted, I was asking him how many touchdowns each team would tally. Take that for what it's worth. I'm tired of the overdone stories on how fans will respond to his return to Lambeau. It doesn't have a bearing on the game. No amount of fan noise is going to rattle him, even if it's his former home crowd. Besides, they've booed him plenty before. I expect Fave is going to be focused and doing his job. Then there are the questions of who is under more pressure, Favre or Aaron Rodgers. They are both proven professionals. I don't expect either is going to succomb to pressure. Although, I would say Rodgers is less scrutinized. Fox isn't going to have a camera on him for every second of that game like they plan to do with Favre. Knowing how much the media has pried up until now, it would be just another day at the office. What I'll be watching is the Packer's offensive line. Can Rodgers continue to sling it downfield despite horrible protection? I figure he's going to break at some point. And their two top lineman are likely out for this game. Second, the Vikings have been facing stiff competition and holding their own in recent weeks. The Steelers loss was nothing to be ashamed of. If anything, it fuels the desires to come into this game before the bye week and get their business done. The division lead is at stake. The Packers, on the other hand, drubbed two lowly teams in the past few weeks. They are still making mistakes and not capitalizing in the red zone. They have to show the ability to come on strong early and close out in order to win this one. Until they prove they can, they're are the underdogs. This should be Adrian Peterson's time to shine. It was Favre last time and the old man just flung the ball around 51 times in the Pittsburg defeat. With everyone wanting to see him on his back and the Packers need to get pressure on him after what he did last time, it's time to shift focus to the running game. If Favre keeps it under 25 throws, the Vikings should win. Of course, I said of the Steeler game they needed to dominate the time of possession to win. They did and outgained the Super Bowl champs on offense and still lost because of two late turnovers that were returned for TDs. If just one of those doesn't go back to the house, the Vikings were still in it to win. I guess that was one game where they couldn't convert in the red zone against one of the top defenses in the league. I don't expect the Packers D to give them the same kind of fits. R-E-S-P-E-C-T http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2009/10/31/favre-all-i-ask-for-is-respect/ R-E-S-P-E-C-T Part ll http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2009/10/31/mccarthy-nothing-but-respect-for... |
| I don't think the Vikings hang their heads after this one. They've proven they're Super Bowl worthy with the effort given on Sunday. For more, check out the PFT recap here: http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2009/10/26/week-seven-morning-aftermath-ste... |
| Favre vs. the Steel Curtain should make for great television. Too bad the game won't be telecast in Green Bay. I'll have to find a bar that's showing the game, because I want to see this one live. What we have here is Favre's toughest challenge to date. He proved he could beat the Ravens last Sunday. But I don't think they are the toughest matchup, but a good tune-up for Pittsburgh. Favre's offensive line will have to keep him upright and protected and they have been doing that well of late. That doesn't mean some team with a great defensive line like the Steelers won't find a weakness to exploit. I don't think they'll rattle Favre as much as they would like and will get no more than one INT. What I expect is a defense that will continue to make the future hall of famer prove he can win with his arm. Adrian Peterson will be the focal point of a defense that is one of the best against the running game. The Steelers have their x-factor back in the line-up with Troy Palumalu. He may still be a bit dinged up and that may make things a tad easier for number four. What's going to be more interesting to watch is Minnesota's defense. They have to prove what happened against Baltimore will not repeat itself against a pass-happy offense led by Ben Rothlesburger. The Steelers have been spotty in the running game and Rashaard Mendenhall will be out to prove he's worthy of being the starting back. If the Vikings can keep the Steelers off the field for more than half the game, they should be able to win this game. But, this is a road game against a very tough team. I know Favre will be up to the challenge. I envision him being in a two-game stretch just like last year when he led the Jets to victories over the Titans and Patriots. Baltimore was his Titans win this year. I expect him to pull off a dazzling performance against the Steelers who are his Pats of '09. What happens after this weekend's game is anyone's guess. Favre does not likely want a repeat of last year. He is out to prove he can sustain himself through a full year plus the playoffs. He's not likely to have arm issues again. Many are expecting the wheels to come off. But, coach Brad Childress has addressed the fatigue factor by putting the veteran on a pitch count of sorts, limiting his play in practice and having Tavaris Jackson back him up in games they are leading. With that, I expect a three game stretch of greatness punctuated with a big win over the Packers at Lambeau. He won't rest until he and the Vikings have a strangle hold over first place in their division. I wouldn't be surprised if he sat out the last game or two of the year. That will be something big to watch, if he can put his team in a position to rest him for the playoffs. So, this game against the Steelers is huge: 7-0 with a chance to go up three games in their division after the midway point in the season will be pivotal in the old man's last push for another Super Bowl. If I had to guess on a score, it might depend on the weather. Pittsburgh has had some issues with the turf in recent years. But, I expect a game that will reach the high 20s. Vikings 27 Pittsburgh 24. |
| Vikings 30 Packers 23 It wasn't as close as the score looks, as Green Bay added some late scores in their desperation. You would be fooled if you thought it was going to be Adrian Peterson's night. I know I was. Even after Brett Favre clutched the still beating hearts of the San Francisco 49ers with last week's last second heroics. Well, here he came again to put on a Monday night show to rival the night he had in 2003 against the Oakland Raiders after the passing of his father. Favre put the pedal to the metal when he needed scores. He knew his heir in Green Bay was no slouch and would have been in this fight to the finish, if he only had an offensive line that could keep him standing upright. Aaron Rodgers was on his back eight times, turning the ball over on a fumble and on an interception, plus one safety after being demolished by DE Jared Allen for the 4th and a half time (sacks). Meanwihle, Favre was like a mint condition, still in it's wrapper Christmas gift that no Packer could open. Peterson, on the other hand, was like the unwanted fruitcake that got kicked about. He was stuffed at the line of scrimmage and held to 55 yards rushing on 25 carries. It's like the Packer's game plan was to ignore the washed up old has-been they tossed away, daring him to beat them with his arm. And he did! The announcers on ESPN, both in and out of the booth, were gushing over Favre's 'magical' performance. Not like that's being over used. But Favre did say after the game this felt a lot like the Monday night game he dedicated to his dad. Completing three touchdown passes, Favre directed four of the first five drives the length of the field for touchdowns. If you thought he was going to cool off after his first half performance, you'd be as wrong as head coach Mike McCarthy and defensive coordinator Dom Capers for their game plan to beat him. He marched the team down the field for a TD right after intermission to make it 28-14. By the way: Capers, who was hired in the offseason to revamp their shabby 4-3 defense with a 3-4, is now 0-7 against the old quarterback. Green Bay defenders looked dazed by the end of the game. Favre spun them into a tizzy, zipping all kinds of throws in and around the likes of Al Harris and Charles Woodson (who many believed would come away with at least a pick after collecting three INTs to start the season). Favre would finish 24 of 31 for 271 yards with the three TDs and no INTs to give him a guady quarterback rating. Numbers too astronomical or inane to report here. To Favre, after the game, it was about going 4-0 on the young season. He was proud of his team, who had an early birthday surprise waiting in the lockerrom for the near 40-year-old... a rocking chair. And thanks to the ESPN interviewer Michele Tafoya who reminded Favre he was old, as he was asked all the questions about revenge and how good it felt to beat his old team. He was coy, diplomatic, even funny, but he did not go there. He's thinking about the long haul and hoisting that Lombardi trophy when it's all said and done. Who's the grumpy old man now, Frank Tarkenton? Was that a fun game for ya, Mike McCarthy? Additional notes: Rodgers does hang on to the ball too long. Some of the sacks are on him because he wouldn't get rid of the ball. If he takes his shots like Favre does he'd hang a few more INTs on his stat line. Do you think he might have been coached not to be like Favre in that respect? So the fault is with the coaching from the O-line to the QB and even the defense that couldn't figure out a supposed washed up has-been. The better quarterback won. It's not about the stats like passer ratings. And yet, Rodgers turned the ball over three times (INT, fumble, safety) to Favre's big goose egg in that department. And the score was close in the end because the Vikings took their foot off the gas. It was just prevent D until the clock ran out on the Pack. Don't give them credit for being in that game at the end. It could have been Vikings with the ball on the one with a chance to go up 35-14, if McCarthy doesn't challenge fumble that turned out to be a safety. This has been an ongoing joke at PFT: http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2009/10/07/favres-list-of-injuries-grows/ I suggested they add gangrene to the report, if the Packers could have managed on sack. Also, Farve was named NFC offensive player of the week for his performance. Marks the 14th time in his career that he has done that. |
| What's everyone reporting before the Purple People Eaters munch on the Green Gang Monday night? There's the subject of Favre? http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2009/10/04/favre-to-packers-fans-you-just-h... Favre is interviewed by John Gruden in Sunday conversation on ESPN and tells Packers fans to move on.... http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=4530828&categoryid=2459789 He's not wrong. |
| It took me some time, but finally got my second article at Bleacher Report online. Take a look: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/265247-favre-v-packers-and-the-revenge-factor... Another interesting article about how former Packers feel about Favre playing fot the 'dastardly' Vikings: http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2009/10/02/packers-legends-have-issues-with... |
| Where do you begin but at the ending of yesterday's game against the San Francisco 49ers. Favre was brilliant and showed he still has that old magic... http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-cant-miss-plays/09000d5d812f33ea/WK-3-Can-t-Miss-P... The doubters better become believers after that victory snatched from defeated jaws. Favre did have three drives to finish that game on Sunday. But the last three and out by the 9ers with the depletion of the Vikings timeouts left the old master 89 seconds to glory. Tossing a pass to a player he likely doesn't know and may have never spoken two words to shows how anything can plug into the formula with this guy. It's all about the mojo. This is what the Packers cannot replace with Aaron Rodgers. Favre makes things happen out on that field that his heir in Green Bay has yet to show he possesses. Throw away the crutches, tear off the bandages and hand him the ball. Then watch him zing a 50-yard rope unlike any hail Mary into the back of the end zone knowing a 300-pound lineman is about to munch up his backside. And just as incredible was Greg Lewis' toe dance while stretching behind a defender to snare that dart, managing to retain that reception as he falls down. I have never been a Vikings fan. But, watching that highlight and views of the crowd reaction inside that dome made me envious. It made me hate Ted Thompson even more for taking away this one who loves the game so dearly, putting smiles on millions of faces. Evil, Ted Thompson. Pure evil to disown our fortunate son and allow him to suit up in that gaudy uniform and horns to become the enemy. And were supposed to hate him now? If there is any bad Kharma, voodoo, black magic, it's in his traveling case. Don't look him directly in the eye or shake a stick at the man, because he'll bite ya. He'll get you back. And, you're coming to his new digs next Monday night. If ever their was a preview for a much anticipated match-up, ESPN is going to reap huge ratings benefits. Any schism that could exist will widen between Favre fanatics and Packer fans who once shared a tailgate together. It seemed ironic, nostalgic that ESPN touted him 'Magic Man' on their web pages minutes after the miraculous comeback win. It was 1992 when he replaced Packer's Majik man Donald Vincent Majkowski and never looked back on his way to breaking all conceivable passing records. What goes around comes around. The old man is not done yet. Mr. Thompson better kept a bag packed with one eye on the exit, because this season could be a career ender for at least two people who wronged our displaced saviour. All hail Lord Favre. You know what I'm talking about profootballtalk lemmings. |
| I'm branching out and trying new locations on the web to share my insights and the latest on Brett Favre, which can be found here: http://briankeithcompton.blogspot.com/ Or, I'll post what it says right here: Give Mr. Favre His Respect Back It's not too late. You can still jump back on the bandwagon. He's not in green and yellow any more and purple with horns might seem an acquired taste, but you still love him. Come on. The Vikings stand alone atop the NFC North thanks to the man whose name is on the tips of every football fan's tongues. Adrian Peterson. Oh, you thought... Yes, I meant...Brett Favre. I didn't get to watch the game today. The Fox affiliate (who shall remain nameless) did not have the audacity to air the game against the Packers-Bengals disappointment airing on the CBS affiliate, who I will spare with further anonymity. I'll have to settle for NFL Replay, if they'll just announce when the game will re-air. I did follow on my laptop and watched the updates, as the Vikings got off to another slow start. But, some say their opponents matched their intensity for one half a game before the better team wore 'em out. I can look at the stat line, and know from the play tracker on the NFL website that Favre was masterful. What I can appreciate is the way he is keeping everything on a tight rein and trusting the explosive talents of Peterson and Percy Harvin to set the tone. Brett's a game manager?! I thought he was Kerry Collins-like in his performance against Cleveland, and what's wrong with that? Nothing, as I see it. Intriguing is a better word. The press labels Favre's aw-shucks mentality aptly, as I see it. You could say he's sandbagging a bit, laying in the hay, a sheep in wolve's clothing. If he doesn't have to press, throw deep, try to save the team, he'll take a sack rather than throw an interception at this stage. Look at the competition and the schedule ahead. He didn't need to report to training camp early, because he is easing into this offense until he is ready to go full throttle. Many critics say he doesn't have a 16 game season in him anymore. But at this pace, he should be just fine. Step on that accelorator to get over those bumps in Green Bay and Chicago, then floor it right into the playoffs. Yet, Favre can still sail into the curves of each lap knowing he can draft off his teammates to build speed. He's not the number one guy in this offense. Pace yourself Brett, let Tavaris Jackson spell ya in the eight and ninth innings to get those much needed saves. I'm all over the sports realm with these metaphors! The first team that ignores Favre and puts its focus on the Vikings running game is going to get a wake up call. And likely the Packers will be the one being served a reminder of what they passed up by packing up their golden boy and shipping him off to Siberia, New York last year. Whatever happened in Green Bay may stay in Green Bay. But, if there's a tell all book in the works Mr. Favre, please let me write it. I've blogged your journey since you announced your retirement and have supported you since day one. Your name and your legacy are intact here and should remain wherever you roam. The day of reckoning will come for those who distrusted this future hall of famer. Now that Favre is out of the equation in Green Bay where losing is becoming a regularity once again, fans now turn to face Ted Thompson with their doubtful expressions. |
| Brett Favre was Kerry Collins-like in his debut with the Minnesota Vikings today against the Cleveland Browns. This is what a game manager must be like. It wasn't Favre-like, though he showed the veteran skills to call audibles that exposed the Brown's defense on way to a 34-20 victory. Going 14-21 with 110 passing yards and a TD pass, the old QB was the 2009 version of what the Tennessee Titan's resurrected in Collins last year. And it makes you think of the possibilities. Favre will be able to pick his spots. He is there to keep defenses honest, to sniff out their guises to lead the Vikings down the field. He will have games when he can throw for a lot of yards, and others when he can tuck the ball and take a sack like he did four times today. He didn't turn the ball over in those pressure situations and it shows he's buying into the plan. A sign that the game manager is on board. Don't expect a big statistical season. He might not throw for 3,000 yards or 20 TDs, though it's possible those offense weapons he throws to will likely pad his stats with a lot of YAC, like the receiving corps did his last year in Green Bay. That's why he can be Collins-like. The 'aw-shucks' ole Country boy will keep on selling that he's an aging man with nagging injuries to get defenses to relax and then pick them apart whilst they've gone to sleep on him. Favre's in a perfect position to take advantage of any defense that cheats. With Adrian Peterson and Percy Harvin to bait defenses, he'll have plenty of opportunities to show what he still has. Ignore those who will just point to the low stat lines and remember what Collins did last year with Tennessee. When needed, number four will light it up again. This is a luxury, too. He can ease into his role and take on more responsibility with his passing in the weeks ahead. They have an easy schedule to start and with very little effort will have this team poised atop the division even after they've faced the Packers. I have no clever ending, so I'll just end here. |
| I went to the "Eve of Destruction" demoltion/monster truck show in Kaukauna last night. It was my first time and was entertaining...for me. There were about 12,000 people in attendance and assured to have a great number of Packer backers. One of the events was an annual tradition with a twist. They have cars play a game of football with an LP tank filled with sand. Pretty much anything goes, since it's a demolition show. Usually, it's a Packers/Bears rivalry. The twist this year was to line up purple cars, one painted number four. So eight cars total square off and they are supposed to push this LP tank until one team gets across a goal line. They keep playing until the cars are too banged up to run any more. The MC was trying to stoke the crowd to root for the 'Favre' car's supposed inevitable demolition. Kinda like what Favre haters want to see on the field this season. The fans roared their support once but were pretty much quiet for the rest. The Vikings team scored two touchdowns to none for the gang green. In fact, after the first play two Packers vehicles had to be hauled off by wreckers. It was four on two for the second and last face-off. A green mini-van got flipped in the air while three of the purple cars pushed the tank and lonely sub-compact across the goal line for the last touchdown. Ironically, the Favre car followed the play like he would after throwing a TD pass. Unscathed. I don't think it was a big let down for the crowd, but a victory for the old QB. At the outset, the chuckeheads in the radio booth said they were going to send a video to Favre of his likeness in autodom (I made up a word) being destroyed. Looks like it will just be another highlight reel? I didn't take any video of the event, which was pretty unwatchable. At least I got to see some cars with trailers get blowed up pretty good in some figure 8 racing. People I went with said it was lamest "Eve of Destruction" show they had been too. Not enough stuff blowed up. Guess there's always next year. |
| So now the truth is out? http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2009/09/10/jets-gm-admits-he-shouldve-liste... Yes, he was hurt and he took the blame for the Jets inability to make the post season. Anyone going to give Brett Favre credit for playing through the pain and giving his team a chance at going to the playoffs? I think Mangini erred in how Favre was used. He should have been mostly a decoy, but they tried to get him to throw the ball deep in situations where they should have trusted their short yardage game. I think Favre should get a pass on the 2008 season. He did his job, did what was asked of him. You know a competitor like him is going to play if the GM and coach want him in the game. This says a lot about how they feel about Kellen Clemens and about how much the entrusted Favre to lead this franchise last year. It's not like he let them down. The whole team went into the tank. Mangini recently said that it was not one guy and took the brunt of the blame for last year. And now the Jets GM is falling on that sword. You can say Favre threw the Jets under the bus on this issue. But he was telling the truth. He wasn't trying to deceive anyone about what happened in New York or about how it felt to be there. He's attacked by the media and fans for not bending over and kissing a bunch of ass for the opportunity he had. What did it get him but deemed a 'scapegoat' for these past nine or so months. He held up his end of the bargain and the GM and former coach both had his back in the media and what are critics at profootballtalk.com and other places going to say? Are they still going to blame Favre as some co-conspirator? You saw how much control Favre had over his destiny at the end of his days in Green bay. None. He was forced to retire. It's obvious now. Someone who has competed and been such a legend has been forced to take his lumps, for what? For just being honest and stating how he feels about the game and how he's undecided about playing. He's not your villain. They've spun it to make him look bad. He's not perfect either, but that's what makes him special. He will stumble into the truth, leave it out there with no regrets. Though, I sense he's hurt a bit by the way many have turned on him. I'd say at the end of the day, many will look back in shame for their feelings. The haters will always be there. You cannot justify the treatment he has received in the media or by his former team in Green Bay any longer. It's clearer to me now that he's the fatted calf the Packers slayed so Ted Thompson could continue his mission to rebuild his team with Aaron Rodgers at the helm. He had to take Favre down to deflect criticism and to keep a once proud franchise from becoming divisive. How does this all affect me? Why so passionate? I don't feel sorry for millionaires. I do hate what they do to sully good names and take away a fan's appreciation of the game. They brand and market these supposed role models and then force them into obscurity when they're done using each commodity. As a fan, I feel manipulated and used by those whose main goal is to profit. Favre was just a player who was played. At least New York, an organization that owed very little to Favre, stood up for him. What does that say about Green Bay? |
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