Posts Tagged ‘brett favre’

Hey, Brett Favre, It’s Okay If You Don’t Finish the Season

It’s official. Brett Favre is human, and as much as you may despise him, he’s apparently pretty honest, too.

He admitted he wasn’t at the top of his game during the Jets’ five-game slide to end 2008. But he also said he would have gladly hit the bench, and probably even for good.

He’s even declaring 2009 as his “the streak may end” campaign, and regardless of your opinion on him as a player, his personality, or his supposed hidden agendas, that’s damn respectable.

He’s a sure-fire Hall of Famer, and for all intents and purposes, he’s still “got it.”

But he’s not an idiot. He may talk as if he were one. He may wear dirty, crusty red hats that only under-paid (are they under-paid?) fat truckers would wear.

But damn me if I’m wrong; this guy is honest.

Maybe to a fault, but still. You have to admire Favre’s recklessness. His love for the game.

Because no matter which side you’re on: Green Bay’s, Minnesota’s, or hate the NFL altogether, this is still a remarkable story.

Oh, and the best part? We’re just getting started.

Favre was done, people. He truly was. ESPN’s “Skip” Bayless had it right. Favre was done after retiring from New York, and he wasn’t kidding around when he shot-down the Vike’s before training camp, either.

Call him an OCD gambler, but the guy just couldn’t kick the habit. He simply couldn’t pass up the chance at going out on top. Or at least coming close.

But the best part in this entire “Favre Saga”, as many journalists so eloquently put it, is Favre’s calm demeanor and realistic outlook on everything.

He’s not coming back for revenge. Not completely, anyways. That would be foolish, and even he admits it.

He’s not shy about hating Ted Thompson or feeling spurned by the Packers. That stuff is true. But to come back and risk it all for two lousy games that he might even lose? It’s not worth it.

It has nothing to do with the stats, his legend, or (now that we’ve heard from the horse’s mouth) that remarkable streak he started 16 years ago.

Love him or hate him, it’s time to open your mind to the possibility that Favre may actually have something left to give the NFL.

Even if it’s for less than 16 games.

NFL Quick Hits

 

Tennessee Titans Work-out Receiver Matt Jones

The ex-Jaguar is getting his first official look from an NFL club, even after a humbling interview on ESPN about a month ago.

Jones still has outstanding size and speed, and even though he knows nothing of Tennessee’s offense, he could still emerge as their top receiver if signed.

As it stands, he’d probably step in behind Justin Gauge and Kenny Britt, while surpassing the injured Nate Washington.

The Chicago Bears and Dallas Cowboys, both in need of an impact receiver, are reportedly keeping a close watch on the situation.

No Progress in Brandon Marshall Trade Talks

The heat is on Josh McDanies and the Broncos, as they have heard plenty of interest from the New York Jets, but still have a hefty asking price on the table.

The reported offer has been Marshall for a New York first round pick, along with veteran linebacker, David Harris.

If Denver doesn’t budge on either Harris or the pick, the reportedly won’t happen.

Bengals’ Carson Palmer Expected to be Ready for Opener

Isn’t this the same news we got all of last season?

Palmer was apparently at full health heading into pre-season, but then arm questions again emerged.

This time the concern is over his ankle, but with soid practices lately, head coach Marvin Lewis is holding him out of the final pre-season game, merely as a precaution.

Brett Favre to Sit for Minnesota’s Final Pre-season Game

This isn’t news, but since it’s Favre, it still makes headlines.

Add the arm surgery, his age, and the reported cracked rib all together, and you’ve got a concerned Brad Childress.

Besides, they may want to give Tarvaris Jackson the full stage as they try to up his value in the wake of trade rumors.

Favre will be more than ready to go for the season opener at Cleveland.

Brett Favre Shakes Off The Rust in Vikings’ Win

While certain analysts and columnists are jumping all over Favre as “old and slow”, this writer saw something else on Monday night.

I saw a true gamer. Yes, he’s 39, going on 40, and probably isn’t as nimble as he once was.

But he’s still got it. Boy, does he ever. (Cue over-hyping and under-hyping here)

Still, Favre was an impressive 13-18 for 142 yards and a touchdown in just under three quarters, while leading the Vikings to 10 points, and also watching as Adrian Peterson scampered 80 yards for a score on the opening play.

Some nay-sayers are already nit-picking the future Hall of Famer’s prime-time performance, citing his two taken sacks in only 20 drop-backs, while offering the fact that he’s not athletic or quick enough to elude defenders.

Plain and simple, that’s a bunch of bull.

If these so-called “experts” actually were watching the tape, they’d see that both of the sacks Favre took had absolutely nothing to do with his athleticism or anything to do with his decision-making.

His first sack came on a blown blitz pick-up, as a Texan defender blew threw a gaping hole and crushed Favre, who had no chance to make a play.

The second sack was actually a result of Favre making a smart play, as a defender nicked the ball from behind while Favre was in his throwing motion, forcing Favre to tuck the ball down and take the sack, rather than force a bad throw or fumble the ball.

Add in Percy Harvin’s dropped touchdown pass (a beautiful pass by Favre), and some shady line-blocking, and Favre’s performance was actually borderline flawless.

The Favre-haters can keep jumping on the bandwagon all they want, but this small showing in pre-season action went a long way in assuring Minnesota fans everywhere that Favre brings more to the team than they originally thought.

Besides, with the way Adrian Peterson was playing on Monday, will it really matter if Favre isn’t his old vintage self?

In one over-used cliche’ expression: probably not.

On that same note, Favre wasn’t over or under-used, as Head Coach Brad Childress began with the run (which resulted in a touchdown on the first offensive play), and did a fine job of sprinkling Favre into the offense, rather than force the issue.

While it’s still extremely early (and just the pre-season), it’s clear Favre has at least shaken off the rust, and is already showing signs of making a significant impact for the Vikings.

Are Minnesota Vikings Final Missing Piece to Brett Favre?

You can talk about deja vu, waffling, retirement, the Packers, betrayal, or legacies all you want.

None of that changes what’s about to happen to the NFL in 2009.

While we probably all thought we knew what we were getting from Brett Favre as a Packer for 16 seasons, we had a “first” with Favre landing in New York last year, and are once again heading into the unknown with the future Hall of Famer.

However, while “unknown” could mean just about anything after a second consecutive summer of Favre drama, the Vikings are still inheriting an ageless quarterback who possesses all the excitement and possibility that Sage Rosenfels and Tarvaris Jackson couldn’t muster up, not even if their talents were combined.

Forget about Favre’s shoulder, the new “tear in the rotator cuff” bit, and don’t buy that he’s coming back to “stick it” to Ted Thompson.

Don’t even make the mistake in assuming he’ll have another late-season meltdown, simply because his past four seasons haven’t ended favorably for him.

If you take a good, hard look at Favre, his role players, and what Minnesota has to offer him, this signing and this entire team has the makings of division winners, and quite possibly Super Bowl contenders.

The offensive line is solid. That means we shouldn’t be cringing in fear of an end to Favre’s streak.

That also means the holes for Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor should remain open enough for the to do what they do best.

The special teams is good, led by consistent and reliable Ryan Longwell, while boosted by the versatile and explosive Percy Harvin.

The deep passing game? Check. Got it. See ya later.

Favre to Berrian. Write it down and save it. You’ll be hearing a lot of it.

Their tight end is probably the most athletic and complete tight end Favre has had in 10 years. Adrian Peterson is ten times the player and runner that Thomas Jones is, and Favre helped turn Jones into a red-zone free agent bust, to a Pro Bowl, 13-touchdown back.

Oh, and that defense led by the “Williams Wall” and Jared Allen-it ain’t half bad.

The point is, this team was already pretty damn good. So good, I might add, that people were picking them to win the division without Favre.

Really. And now some people out there actually have the audacity to predict they’ll miss the playoffs?

Favre could stink it up for the final five games just like he did last year, and this team could still make the post-season. But with such a good supporting cast, not to mention and offense he actually knows (and has mastered), that doesn’t seem nearly as likely as Favre being successful.

The truth is, too many people aren’t giving Favre and the Vikings much of a chance. And the sad part is, they really don’t have much reason not to.

You see, fans across the nation got it all wrong.

This isn’t about Favre coming into an NFL town and trying to will it to victory. Instead, this championship-ready team is merely joining forces with the veteran to form a complete roster, one that was simply short a true, reliable passer.

Does Brett Favre put the Vikings over the hump and into Super Bowl contention?

Maybe, and maybe not.

But do the Minnesota Vikings give Brett Favre one last shot at a title? You bet.

2009 Minnesota Vikings: Five Things to Watch For

The Vikings drafted the explosive and dynamic Percy Harvin, courted future Hall of Famer Brett Favre, and now are dealing with an MCL injury to Tarvaris Jackson.

While we may never be able to fully close the door on Favre, at least Minnesota can focus on their new, electrifying player, and finding out who their best quarterback is.

If they can get their focus back to simply playing football, this could still be a team to be reckoned with.

Continue on for more things to watch for.

5. Can Percy Harvin Be Their X-Factor?

Harvin is already being projected as the “target” in over 100 plays, which could leave him with 50 catches and close to 20 rush attempts.

He’s also going to be potentially used as a quarterback in Minnesota’s Wildcat formation.

There’s no question the height of his early value, as he brings so much speed and explosiveness, despite not running pure routes.

Harvin should also have a large impact on the special teams as a returner, where his play-making ability may best be showcased as a rookie.

4. The Pat and Kevin Williams Suspension Saga

Recent reports have the “Williams Wall” getting by their suspension from the league.

There were originally scheduled to miss the first four weeks, but hen requested there be no suspension through an appeal, and and it was apparently granted

With all four of their opening games being against teams that didn’t make the playoffs last season, having their run-stuffing wall intact could mean a hot start.

3. Can Adrian Peterson Stay Healthy For a Third Straight Year?

Adrian Peterson has had plenty of knocks early in his career, despite arguably being viewed as “the best back in the league.”

He fumbles.

He plays recklessly.

He does nothing in the passing game.

But he’s also a true gamer and has jaws preparing to be dropped with every touch he handles.

But still, what everyone wonders is when will AP finally get a serious injury, and how will Minnesota respond?

Without Peterson, the Vikings could still potentially not miss a step, as they have a proven veteran in Chester Taylor to step up.

2. Brad Childress on the Hot Seat

While Childress has kept the Vikings competitive, and even led them to a 10-6 division title last season, he is still not a lock to keep his job.

Childress was already a hot seat candidate entering last season, and to keep his job, he must prove that he can stick with and win with ONE quarterback.

He must also get Minnesota back to the playoffs in order to prove 2008 wasn’t a fluke.

With the whole Favre fiasco behind us (maybe), Childress needs to stick with whoever ends up being his guy, and let Adrian Peterson and the defense do the rest.

Even without the Hall of Fame presence of Brett Favre, Minnesota should still make the postseason.

1. The Brett Favre Affect

The Favre “effect” could go in a few different directions.

If Favre decided to come back, this could positively affect the team with an entrance to the playoffs, and possibly a shot at a Super Bowl.

Then again, there are many skeptics that are convinced that Favre, 39, is no better than the options they already have.

Regardless of whether or not he does come back, the mere possibility of adding Favre at any time of the season could disrupt team chemistry and focus.

2009 Green Bay Packers: Five Things to Watch For

After going 13-3 in 2007, many fans felt they had their 2008 Green Bay Packers figured out.

But here we are, almost two summers later, and now we’re all making biased predictions on a 6-10 team without a true identity.

We know Aaron Rodgers can get it done on offense, but what about the offensive line and—almost as important—what about Ryan Grant?

Read on for those issues, as well as three others to monitor as the Packers gear up for an August that hopefully is full of answers.

5. The Brett Favre Affect

Yes, he’s retired, for now.

But even though he won’t be wearing green and gold again, he still could very well play a key role in what happens with the Packers in the NFC North this season, and quite possibly the playoffs.

The truth is, with Favre, you can never say never, and it’s ringing especially true when discussing his retirement plans.

There are rumors going both ways, and they’ll continue to do so until the initial kickoff to the 2009 season.

Until then, prepare for an August full of Favre drama, and a possible impending signing with the Minnesota Vikings or some other team.

4. Ryan Grant and the Ground Game

Grant began 2008 with hamstring and YPC issues after a contract hold-out, so this time around, he should be far more ready for the rigors of an NFL season.

Without the proper reps and training last season, Grant’s body wasn’t completely ready for the pounding, and his vision was nowhere near it was in 2007.

Still, despite not being at his best, Green Bay committed to the run, and Grant ended last season with over 1,200 yards.

The disappointing side of that was the team’s average 17th ranking in the NFL in rush yards per game, as well as Grant’s inability to convert at the goal-line effectively (four scores).

While the Packers will attempt to maintain a balanced offense as always, they still plan to run Grant 20-25 times a game, while spelling him with Brandon Jackson.

But after last year’s slow start, combined with another season of uncertainty in regards to the offensive line, can we truly expect progression?

3. The Offensive Line

The Packers O-Line has been a constantly changing group, and could possibly change for the worse (or better) depending on how you look at them, with the loss of Mark Tauscher.

It still isn’t unrealistic to imagine Tauscher re-joining Green Bay, but with so many young, active bodies ready to compete, it’s probably time to let the 32-year-old walk.

Another issue for Green Bay is assessing if Chad Clifton is still good enough to keep around, or if he has enough left in the tank to warrant any kind of a commitment.

In the mean time, it’s fair to say that this could be the make-or-break season for several players on the inconsistent line, especially Daryn Colledge.

In all regards, this is a very talented group of players in a solid system, although their consistency and toughness is routinely questioned.

2. Is There a Sophomore Slump in Line For Aaron Rodgers?

True, Rodgers isn’t “literally” a sophomore quarterback, but as far as his starting experience goes, he’s a newbie.

Rodgers performed sensationally last year, as he took over for the departed Favre, and tossed 28 touchdowins, over 4,000 yards, and even ran for three more scores.

Rodgers helped make Green Bay one of the more productive and efficient offenses, as he guided them to a 5th overall ranking in points scored, as well as 8th in total yards per game, and 8th in passing yards per game.

1. Will the Transition to the New 3-4 Defense be Successful?

Dom Capers came into Green Bay to shake up a few things.

In their old 4-3 defense, the Packers had too many players in wrong positions way too often, and it was clear that several of the players didn’t always understand their roles fully, as some of them often looked lost.

With Capers’ new switch to the 3-4, the goal is to get the right guys in place, get after the quarterback, and end the season with a better ranking than 2008′s 26th against the run.

With rookies Clay Matthews Jr. and B.J. Raji, it’s not impossible to expect at least a slight improvement, as the 3-4 defense is designed for active linebackers (which Green Bay has) to make plays and rush the passer.

The success of Aaron Kampman’s transition from traditional defensive end to outside linebacker will also be something to watch, going hand-in-hand with the defensive changes.

If the offensive line and running game can pick up some slack, the likely much more comfortable Rodgers should be able to put up even better numbers.

Top Five Clutch NFL Quarterbacks

We can safely assume Joe Montana is at the top of this list, if not the easy-call to be the best clutch performer to ever hit an NFL field.

But, as periods change and times goes on, people lose their sight on relevance, and it begins to get increasingly more difficult to truly compare people.

This rings especially true for quarterbacks, as they are often lifted up or held down by their offensive systems, good or bad defenses, and their supporting casts.

Stats don’t always tell the whole story either, but sometimes that’s really all we have to go by. That is, unless you were there for some of those heroic moments delivered by the Fran Tarkenton’s, Terry Bradshaw’s, John Elway’s, and even Brett Favre.

But let’s keep it relevant, at least, as much as possible.

With Favre still retired, here’s a look at the top five active quarterbacks who you’d want running your two-minute drill, throwing that last pass, and ultimately leading your team into every game.

Look for the usuals to make the list, but especially keep your eye out for a surprise or two.

Honorable Mentions: Matt Hasselbeck (Seattle Seahawks)

Hasselbeck has registered 57 wins as a starter in the regular season, and played a big hand in bringing the once lowly Seattle Seahawks to a competitive level.

In eight seasons as the starter, Hasselbeck as racked up over 23,000 passing yards, 145 touchdowns, and has led Seattle to four postseason trips, including a Super Bowl loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2005.

Other Notable Semi-Clutch Passers

Jake Delhomme (Carolina Panthers)

Philip Rivers (San Diego Chargers)

Drew Brees (New Orleans Saints)

Delhomme has been to a Super Bowl and the playoffs several times, Rivers hasn’t won much, but is a clutch performer, and Brees is a great performer with a trip to the NFC Championship and three career postseason trips under his belt.

5. Donovan McNabb (Philadelphia Eagles)

Despite nagging injuries and not always having elite receiving weapons (save for one good year of T.O.) McNabb has had to make a lot out of nothing, and much too often.

Sure, he’s almost always had Brian Westbrook, a stout offensive line, and a supportive defense, but he’s still won more games by himself than he has by leaning on his teammates.

McNabb has reached one Super Bowl and helped the Eagles appear in five NFC championship games in his career.

Really, when you think of McNabb, all you need to think of is the 4th and 26 play that helped beat Green Bay and put the Eagles in the NFC Championship back in 2003.

The Numbers (Career):

TD: 194

INT: 90

YDS: 29,320

Regular Season Wins: 82

Postseason Wins: 9

Best Season: 13-2 (Super Bowl Appearance)

4. Kurt Warner (Arizona Cardinals)

While he’s probably better known for a three-year run of two Super Bowl appearances (one win) and a sick display of offensive production in St. Louis, Warner has had enough moments in Arizona to keep his “clutch-ness” relevant.

Warner had a righteous time in St. Louis, losing only eight regular season games in his first three seasons, while throwing for over 36 touchdowns and over 4,000 yards in two of those three seasons.

With three Super Bowl appearances and his insane accuracy in tight moments, including a game-changing touchdown pass to Larry Fitzgerald in 2008′s Super Bowl loss, Warner deserves a place on this list.

The Numbers (Career):

TD: 182

INT: 114

YDS: 28,591

Regular Season Wins: 57

Postseason Wins: 8

Best Season: 13-3 (Super Bowl Champions)

3. Peyton Manning (Indianapolis Colts)

Manning has a rocket arm and lightning quick release, and is known as one of the most efficient, cerebral players in the league.

He’s a student of the game, as he practices and studies by himself and with his receivers constantly, even during the off-season, as to keep timing and chemistry at it’s highest possible level.

While he has the tools, smarts, and dedication to deserve to make this list, he also has the stats, experience, and wins.

Manning is slowly climbing up the ladder in almost every major passing category, and will either eclipse Brett Favre’s final numbers, or finish second behind him in most of the major passing categories.

After being regarded as “another Dan Marino”, an elite quarterback who can put up numbers but couldn’t win games, Manning finally separated himself from the Marino’s of the world, and won his first Super Bowl in 2006.

After starting his career in the postseason with a lackluster 0-3 record, Manning has since carved a niche for himself as one of the more prepared and clutch performers, leading Indianapolis to a solid 7-5 post-season record.

Throw in his 117-59 regular season record, as well as over 30 fourth quarter comeback victories, and you’ve got a guy who knows how to win.

The Numbers (Career):

TD: 333

INT: 165

YDS: 45,628

Regular Season Wins: 117

Postseason Wins: 7

Best Season: 12-4 (Super Bowl Champions)

2. Ben Roethlisberger (Pittsburgh Steelers)

Big Ben is a household name, especially after his heroics in 2008′s Super Bowl win. If he wasn’t famous before that night, he surely is now.

Chalk it up.

Two Super Bowl titles, and a slew of regular season wins. 51, to be exact.

In just five seasons, Roethlisberger has helped the Steelers eclipse 50 regular season wins, including going 13-0 as a rookie, and 22-3 in his first 25 starts.

Talk about a first impression.

Roethlisberger was so clutch and effective, that his team was able to be competitive right away in 2004, and then re-grouped to win his first Super Bowl in 2005.

With an 8-2 career record in the post-season, as well as his “money” late-game winning touchdown pass to Santonio Holmes in last year’s Super Bowl, Big Ben easily makes his way on this list.

The Numbers (Career):

TD: 101

INT: 69

YDS: 14,974

Regular Season Wins: 51

Postseason Wins: 8

Best Season: 12-4 (Super Bowl Champions)

1. Tom Brady (New England Patriots)

Brady is quite arguably the most effective clutch performer, as he was 3-3 in Super Bowl clutch moments until the New York Giants front line crushed his hopes of winning a fourth championship.

Still, there are few other quarterbacks, even in the NFL’s history, that you’d want guiding your team with under two minutes to go.

Brady has an impressive 87-24 regular season record, while guiding the Patriots to six seasons of 10-6 or better, including the NFL’s only undefeated season, as New England went 16-0, and 18-0 until they lost 2007′s Super Bowl.

Brady’s worst season as a starter came in 2002, where he and the Patriots could only finish 9-7. What’s most impressive, however, is that’s the worst record he has ever had as a starter.

With a 14-3 postseason record, several comeback wins, and three Lombardi Trophies to his credit, Brady, knee injury or not, is still the guy the majority of teams would want behind center when all the chips are on the line.

The Numbers (Career):

TD: 197

INT: 86

YDS: 26,446

Regular Season Wins: 87

Postseason Wins: 14

Best Season: 18-1 (Super Bowl Appearance)

6. The Wild Card: Eli Manning (New York Giants)

Personally, I’m not sold on Manning as an elite passer, but his numbers (not fantasy-wise) are fairly consistent, and he appears to be a good leader, and most importantly, knows how to win.

His career will likely forever be defined for his 2007 run and win against the 18-0 New England Patriots.

However, he doesn’t make the cut for the top five, due to the extraordinary help he got from his extremely aggressive defense that year.

Besides, when he had Plaxico Burress to throw to, too.

The other thing to note is that he and the Giants went 4-0 during that run, and Manning hadn’t won a playoff game before, and hasn’t since.

Still, Manning delivered clutch performance-after-clutch performance in 2007, and has since cemented himself as one of the better, and more complete young quarterbacks in the NFL.

The Numbers (Career):

TD: 98

INT: 74

YDS: 14,623

Regular Season Wins: 42

Postseason Wins: 4

Best Season: 10-6 (Super Bowl Champions)

Will Failed Brett Favre Courtship Haunt Vikings 2009 Season?

First and foremost, regardless of any “No chance” quotes coming from Brad Childress, let’s all agree that this whole “Favre thing” isn’t quite dead yet.

There have been tiny birds chirping from tall trees about a possible Favre signing mid-way through August, rather than mid-season.

But biting on hearsay, a coach’s words that you can never trust, or even the word of the great one (Favre) is nothing short of letting yourself get knee deep in a wild goose chase.

No, instead, let’s drop the drama off at the pool, let it sit a while, and get back to what we know.

What is absolutely for certain in Minnesota, is that Childress and co. have one hell of a running back, a solid offensive line, an active special teams unit, and an aggressive defense.

But, again, we knew that.

That’s why they were dipping their fingers in the Brett Favre dip all off-season. Not necessarily because it tasted so good that they had to keep on dipping, but because the alternative, was, well, not so tasty.

But here the Vikings are, ready to go in training camp today, with Tarvaris Jackson and Sage Rosenfels duking it out. Oh, and let’s not forget that not-so-coveted former USC quarterback, John David Booty.

He might just get to keep that number four jersey, after all.

But since we’re back to square one, are we honestly going to allow ourselves to believe that this is going to be a fair fight?

Let’s face it, people, Rosenfels was brought in for a reason.

No, he’s not overly athletic (or athletic at all), and probably isn’t the long-term answer (make that a definitely), but he’s a proven pocket passer with a good arm and has shown he can put up solid numbers.

Jackson, on the other hand, finally showed spurts of decent play late last season, but then made everyone forget about his blissful play against the Detroit Lions, as he stunk it up in a playoff loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.

There are two doors Brad Childress can choose to open, and quite sadly, neither will lead to that possible Super Bowl run that Brett Favre was tempting the entire state of Minnesota with.

With Rosenfels, you have a guy who will make some plays and can manage games, but can also go all “helicopter” on you, and blow games at the last second.

Jackson, on the other hand, offers to versatility, athleticism, and potential.

But 2009 isn’t about potential. Or helicopters.

It’s about getting someone behind center who is competent enough to manage games, and good enough to win a few when called upon.

Call me crazy, but Childress had his guy last year, and he went by the name of Gus Frerotte.

But like Jackson before him, Childress gave up on Frerotte, went back to Jackson, and well, the rest is history.

So what does the crystal ball have in store for the Jackson vs. Rosenfels match-up?

It could very well be a tight race, and either winner could easily emerge as a serviceable quarterback that simply does what he needs to to help the Vikings win games, i.e., a Trent Dilfer.

That, or Childress could suck up his pride and turn to door number three.

Yes, friends, there is always a door number three.

He could take back his “no chance” remarks, give ol’ Brett another call in eight weeks (or less), and ride that 40-year old arm as far as it gets him.

After all, at this point, what does he really have to lose?

Brett Favre Still Working Out, Despite Reportedly “Staying Retired”

Despite reports from the Minneapolis Star Tribune and ESPN that Brett Favre is staying retired, NFL Network’s Scott Hanson is reporting that Favre will continue throwing and working out, just in case he gets “the itch” to play again.

Well, that might be the first logical thing we’ve seen out of this whole fiasco.

Okay, so it’s obvious that Favre isn’t simply conflicted. The dude has flat-out worries. He knows his arm is fine and roaring to go after surgery and training, but after recent ankle and knee issues after work-outs, he’s beginning to doubt his body’s ability to hold-up over a 16-game schedule.

Go figure.

The guy is almost 40 years old, and now he’s starting to wonder if the hundreds of sacks he’s endured in the last couple of decades will affect him in 2009.

Even if the government rebuilds Favre, those hits are still going to haunt him. Probably even until the day he dies. That’s just the way it is.

But at least he’s conflicted for the right reasons.

Favre is reportedly weary about a return, not because of money, not because he feels bad about “betraying” the Packers or his fans, but because he respects the game, and isn’t 100% positive he can pull this off.

But several NFL player would agree, and some have even told him personally, “ya think?”

It’d be crazy for any NFL player to step into a season without any doubts or concerns about injury or poor play, especially after a season in which they had just endured both.

However, Favre, as usual, is pulling the trigger a bit too early. And perhaps, this is why he’s leaving the door open by continuing work-outs. And so it seems, Brad Childress agrees.

While there had been reports out of ProFootballTalk.com that the Vikings (and everyone else in the football world) were moving on, head coach Brad Childress (who’s opinion actually matters) has not set a date, and would still welcome Favre to Minnesota with open arms.

It’s true, Favre has been “adamant” about retiring for good this time after speaking with prestigious and reliable reporters, Ed Werder and Peter King. However, in a recent conversation with friend, mentor, and former coach, Steve Mariucci, Favre was again unsure of his decision.

There’s a shocker.

After Mariucci asked Favre how he would feel the next morning about his decision, Favre replied, “I’m wondering that myself.”

But before you add to the pile of criticism that is already on Favre’s legend, take a step back and think about what he’s actually doing.

He’s telling the team, Minnesota, that his been courting him all summer, that right now he cannot commit. He’s not holding them hostage. He’s not demanding anything. And he can’t make any promises.

He’s merely stating the obvious, and being completely candid. The guy is 39, has been beaten up, and despite feeling able and strong enough to still play in the NFL, he just doesn’t want to show up for 11 games again and then ruin another team’s season with a horrible five-game stretch.

And can you blame him?

Well, some will, and some won’t.

But either way, this isn’t about Favre necessarily being indecisive anymore. It’s more about doing what’s right at the moment, and then making a concrete decision before the season kicks off.

There are still other variables in place that Favre could be pondering.

Perhaps Minnesota isn’t the only team he’s interested in playing for? Maybe he’s just saying no for now, and his a behind-doors-agreement with Childress that he will return to the league at a future, set time.

Maybe, and maybe not.

Still, the latest reports from ProFootballTalk.com are now saying that many players on the team “are convinced” that Favre will return, and his delayed un-retirement is due to soreness and all sides not wanting to put him through a rigorous training camp.

Considering his legend, his healing arm, and his age, can you really argue against that? I can’t. Especially not if Minnesota (or some other team) fully intends on having him around for a full 16 games.

Regardless of your take on Favre or Minnesota, I am happily sad to inform you: the Favre Saga is far from over.

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Information, quotes, and names can be credited to Rotoworld.com, Minneapolis Star tribune, ProFootballTalk.com, and ESPN.

Brett Favre to Stay Retired

Favre broke his weeks of silence by informing Vikings head coach, Brad Childress, that he would in fact stay retired.

The decision apparently happened sometime Tuesday afternoon, and the definite answer from Favre prompted Childress to inform the Minneapolis Star Tribune of the future Hall of Famer’s decision.

The “daily grind” of the NFL was the cited reason for Favre ending his comeback attempt, as the near 40-year old didn’t feel his body could compete with the rigors of a 16-game NFL schedule anymore.

It now appears that the starting quarterback job in Minnesota will be decided in a battle between Tarvaris Jackson and Sage Rosenfels, two quarterbacks that never stopped working toward the goal of starting for Minnesota, despite the constant Favre rumors.

Vikings player had been expressing their “want” for Favre to sign with the team lately, while others such as defensive end Jared Allen, wished he would make up his mind.

Favre originally set July 30th as his ultimate deadline, and has made his decision with two days to spare.

While it’s entirely possible the master of indecisiveness could change his mind, or even sign with a different team mid-way through the season, it is clear at this time that Favre is content with staying retired, and simply doesn’t have any more football left in him.