Posts Tagged ‘green bay packers’

There Still Might Be Some Magic Left in Minnesota

Favre may be down, but he's not out.

While initial reports stated Minnesota Vikings star quarterback Brett Favre had two “fractures” in his surgically repaired ankle, further information (or opinion), suggest the injury may not be as bad as first imagined.

Sports Illustrated’s Peter King no longer believes Favre’s ankle injury will keep him from facing the New England Patriots in week 8, after speaking with a top NFL orthopedist.

Honestly, neither do I.

But it’s not just because Favre’s fractures arguably equate to something more closer to a bad ankle sprain, but because it’s simply not in Favre’s demeanor, or Minnesota’s best interest, for Favre to sit out. Read more…

Brett Favre Does It Again, Vikes Go To 6-0

This old guy is fired up. You could swear it was 1996 up in this joint. And by “joint,” I mean 2009, the Mall of America Stadium, and this awesome Minnesota Vikings offense.

And by 1996, I mean this team looks better than Favre’s only Super Bowl winner. Oh, and as if it hasn’t been beaten to death already, the dude is old.

Stop me if you’ve heard this before, but Brett Favre is awesome. Read more…

NFL Power Rankings: Week Five

While few games lived-up to their hype, we were blessed with a classic game between the Baltimore Ravens and New England Patriots on Sunday, while getting the chance to watch history between the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings on Monday.

Still, when it’s all said and done, there are five teams who are undefeated after four games, and all of those teams have taken different journeys.

Read on to see who makes the top five, and then check to see where everyone else fits in: Read more…

Brett Favre Adds to Legend as Vikings Beat Packers, 30-23

This was the first of two, and if we’re lucky, there could be more.

True, Brett Favre turns 40 in a week, the very number that analysts and experts are afraid to say, weary of an old man’s bone breaking mid-sentence, but at the same time can’t help but blurt out with laughter.

That Favre is an old dude, and he can still sling it.

Read more…

Vikings Beat 49ers in Dramatic Fashion; Favre is Favre Again

Like it or not cheeseheads, the magic is back.

And you have a date with it next Monday night.

Brett Favre erased an otherwise forgettable second half of three-and-out’s, an interception, and a turnover on downs by throwing the game-winner against the San Francisco 49ers.

But it wasn’t so cut and dry as that. After all, with Favre, it rarely is.

Read more…

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.

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.

Fantasy Football: 15 Players to Draft With Confidence

After going through the top 50 players in the league who provide good potential but give you reason to worry, I decided to put together a smaller list of guys that you shouldn’t think twice about drafting.

Drew Brees (pictured) doesn’t even have to be on the list. But a better example there is not.

Outside of a freak, Tom Brady-like injury, Brees should easily top 4,500 yards again and could flirt with 30 scores for the second straight year.

He is clearly what makes that potent offense go, and with a healthy arsenal of weapons all around him, there’s no reason to doubt him or the Saints in 2009.

But Brees is just the first of many players you shouldn’t second-guess.

However, sometimes when you’re drafting, those “guarantees” will fly off the board, and you’re left with too many decisions and not enough real answers.

Read on to see if the players you’re targeting in your draft are “sure things.”

(List is in no particular order.)

1. Randy Moss, WR, New England Patriots

This isn’t Oakland or Minnesota.

Randy Moss is playing dominant football, and he’s doing it with a smile.

Even without his stud quarterback, Tom Brady, he had a solid 2008, with over 1,000 yards and 10 scores.

He may not get back to 23 touchdowns, but with Brady and that offense gearing for a potential return to 2007 form, he’s as safe a bet as any star receiver.

Prediction: 84 rec, 1,390 yards, 15 TD

2. Wes Welker, WR, New England Patriots

Much like Moss, Welker benefits from a great New England system, as well as the return of 2007′s NFL MVP, Tom Brady.

Again, like Moss, the most beautiful part about this receiver is that even without his star quarterback, his production really didn’t drop off too much.

Mark him down for two straight seasons with at least 111 catches and 1,100 yards.

I’d bet on a third.

Prediction: 115 rec, 1,224 yards, 7 TD

3. Peyton Manning, QB, Indianapolis Colts

Manning won’t miss Marvin Harrison as much as many think.

Harrison has been on a downward slide for two seasons now, and Manning has been able to build great chemistry with his No. 1 guy, Reggie Wayne, as well as Dallas Clark and Anthony Gonzalez.

Gonzalez gives the Colts the speed Harrison “used” to have, as well as reliable hands and good route-running.

With offensive coordinator Tom Moore back under contract, you can safely assume Manning should be in line for his usual 26-plus touchdowns and 4,000-plus yards.

You can talk about age (33) and last year’s knee surgery all you want, but the guy has never tossed fewer than 26 touchdowns and has passed for less than 4,000 yards just twice in his entire career.

Oh, and he was the league’s MVP last year. Yeah, he’s still got it.

Prediction: 4,177 yards, 30 TD, 14 INT

4. Reggie Wayne, WR, Indianapolis Colts

t’s as simple as this: If you’re even remotely sold on Manning continuing his dominance (he will), then Wayne is your second man in line.

He’s basically been Manning’s go-to guy for the past two years, anyways (sorry Marvin).

The guy is just entering his prime at 30 years old and is only one season removed from a sickening 104-catch, 1,500-yard season.

Expect a return to his 2007 form, or very close to it.

Prediction: 97 rec, 1,388 yards, 11 TD

5. Antonio Gates, TE, San Diego Chargers

Sure, Gates’ receptions have gone from 89 to 71 to 75, and then all the way down to 60 last year.

But he hasn’t scored fewer than eight touchdowns since his rookie year.

Yeah, that’s five straight years of being the league’s best tight end.

However, his bum toe has taken him out of his title spot (you’re welcome, Jason Witten), and now he mostly settles for touchdowns as the Chargers’ third receiving option.

Gates should be close to full health in 2009, though, which should mean fewer plays as a decoy and anywhere from 15 to 30 more grabs.

If all else fails, you have his insane touchdown production to fall back on.

Prediction: 80 rec, 985 yards, 12 TD

6. LaDainian Tomlinson, RB, San Diego Chargers

Like his teammate Gates, Tomlinson played through nagging injuries in 2008 that slowed him down and kept him from being his usual electrifying self.

L.T. put up solid numbers (1,110 yards and 11 TD) in what experts called a “down” year.

That may be true, but only because L.T. has shown us for so many years what he is capable of.

The franchising of Darren Sproles means that L.T.’s production is very unlikely to get back anywhere close to his majestic 2006 season, and possibly not even his elite 2007 production.

However, he’s still in his prime, and if he can do damage with all the injuries he had last year, he definitely has another year or two of quality production.

He may not be a surefire No. 1-4 pick, but he’s still a first-rounder.

Prediction: 1,390 yards, 12 TD, 55 rec, 477 yards, 3 TD

7. Clinton Portis, RB, Washington Redskins

Too much focus has been put on Portis’s late-season slump in 2008, where he failed to rush for a touchdown over a seven-game span and finished the season with less than 80 rushing yards in five straight contests.

His yards per carry was pretty pitiful down the stretch, too.

But here’s where common sense comes to the rescue.

The entire offense was pathetic during the last eight games, and a lot of that had to do with Jason Campbell’s lack of a killer instinct and Jim Zorn’s offense becoming too predictable.

Portis should be good for another hot start as the offense continues to grow and the other young weapons around him mature.

Be aware of the possibility of another late-season collapse, but at just 27, that’s a bit of a reach.

Prediction: 1,466 yards, 10 TD, 35 rec, 349 yards, 2 TD

8. Jason Witten, TE, Dallas Cowboys

While everyone else is reaching for Donald Driver or Jerricho Cotchery as their WR3, you can smile with confidence as you snag Witten as YOUR third receiving option.

With Terrell Owens gone, Witten is more like a receiver than ever, and he should keep his reception and yardage total high while he gets back to the six- or seven-touchdown range.

He’s too big, fast, and strong to be kept out of the end zone for long without pay dirt hog T.O. gone.

Prediction: 94 rec, 1,117 yards, 8 TD

9. Adrian Peterson, RB, Minnesota Vikings

Duh.

As if you weren’t expecting Mr. “All-Day” to show up on this list sooner or later.

Sure, he fumbles, plays recklessly, and is in an increasingly more competitive division (on paper) by the day.

But when the guy can run over AND around just about anybody he wants to, it’s pretty hard to doubt his abilities.

His play could catch up with him eventually, but if Brett Favre signs, something tells me it won’t be happening in 2009.

With a true presence (albeit a 40-year-old one) behind center, Peterson will finally shine to his fullest.

Just an interesting note:

Jets RB Thomas Jones’ 2007 TD total (before Favre arrived: ONE

Jones’ total with Favre at QB in 2008: 13

A.P. scored 10 times last year while leading the league in rushing with over 1,700 yards.

Oh, the possibilities.

Prediction: 1,669 yards, 17 TD, 27 rec, 288 yards, 2 TD

10. Aaron Rodgers, QB, Green Bay Packers

The entire 2008 season was about taking the place of a legend and making his own mark in Green Bay.

Aaron Rodgers did both. The only problem was, his defense didn’t back him up at all.

With a new scheme and players in new spots in some areas, Rodgers will hopefully have a serviceable defense defending the other end zone.

In the meantime, Rodgers still has a hell of a right arm, is mobile, and has a slew of offensive weapons who are just as productive as he is.

With over 4,000 yards passing and 31 total touchdowns in his first year as a starter, it’s safe to say he’s arrived.

Now just cross your fingers he makes it through 16 games—again.

Prediction: 3,988 yards, 27 TD, 14 INT

11. Steve Smith, WR, Carolina Panthers

Smith is being held back by an ineffective quarterback and average receivers surrounding him, yet is still an elite fantasy option.

And a consistent and reliable one to boot.

Despite Jake Delhomme’s poor play at times, Smith is still arguably a top-five option and is entering his prime.

He still has game-breaking speed, excellent hands, and body control, and he makes plays on every ball thrown his way.

Don’t let Delhomme scare you away from four straight 1,000-yard seasons.

Prediction: 85 rec, 1,369 yards, 9 TD

12. Roddy White, WR, Atlanta Falcons

White is officially “the” guy in Atlanta’s passing game, and even the arrival of Tony Gonzalez shouldn’t change that.

His chemistry with Matt Ryan is outstanding and should only improve, while two straight seasons of 1,200-plus yards and at least six scores should keep you salivating.

He’s also grabbed over 83 balls in each of the past two seasons.

He’s only 27 and is just going to get better.

Prediction: 90 rec, 1,444 yards, 10 TD

13. Larry Fitzgerald, WR, Arizona Cardinals

Forget about his ridiculous 2008 postseason run.

Tons of players go “off” in the playoffs and then fizzle out the next season.

Fitz, however, has been doing this for years.

Draft him based on the three 1,400-yard and 10-plus touchdown seasons out of his last four tries.

The guy has size, speed, reliable hands, excellent body control, and a Pro Bowl quarterback.

Just knock on wood when thinking about him being on the Madden cover.

Prediction: 101 rec, 1,515 yards, 15 TD

14. Kurt Warner, QB, Arizona Cardinals

What are you waiting for, Warner to grow a long, white beard, fall and break his hip, or retire unexpectedly?

Don’t wait on it.

Warner may be 38, but he isn’t playing with the body of the usual late-30s quarterback. He still has a good arm and is sickly accurate.

Oh, and he has two of the game’s best receiving options (Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin), as well as underrated third and fourth options.

Sure, he could always shatter like glass, but then again, so could anyone else in this league.

If you’re really that worried, grab Matt Leinart later in the draft as insurance.

Prediction: 4,377 yards, 29 TD, 15 INT

15. Steve Jackson, RB, St. Louis Rams VS. Frank Gore, RB, San Francisco 49ers

Both Steven Jackson and Frank Gore are elusive backs with exceptional speed, inside running ability, and vision.

The trouble is, they can’t stay completely healthy, and the rest of their offense stinks.

Neither has a reliable quarterback or passing game, and both of their defenses still could use some work.

However, the tide is turning.

Despite all of these things working against them, both backs have churned out back-to-back 1,000-yard campaigns and have tons of room for fantasy optimism.

Jackson has a new coach with an emphasis on defense and running the ball.

Ding, ding, ding! We’ve got a winner.

You can say much the same for Gore as well.

His quarterback situation may not be resolved completely in 2009, but his carries should increase, as the Mike Martz system kept him well below 300 carries.

Both backs should see the ball at least 18 to 25 times a game and are still the featured offensive players on their teams.

So, barring a major injury, they should easily be top-10 fantasy backs and are viable RB1 candidates.

Jackson Prediction: 1,359 yards, 11 TD, 64 rec, 525 yards, 2 TD

Gore Prediction: 1,288 yards, nine TD, 49 rec, 358 yards, 2 TD

Why You Should Still Be a Fan of Brett Favre

(Above: Regardless of opinions, he’ll always be a Packer.)

I just watched a Brett Favre montage this morning, and something dawned on me.

The media and NFL fans are hating on Favre way too much.

But then I realized something else. It’s not necessarily what we think about him now that matters.

What is important, is that we don’t forget everything he’s done.

Yes, he’s playing with our emotions, stepping on the fine line that is betrayal, and testing our patience.

But to a certain degree, he should be able to.

For a man that gave every part of his body to the game, he deserves a little more love and respect than a one-year turn around of “I hate Favre” discussion.

Not feeling the love?

Think back a bit, before the retirement drama, the New York Jets, or even the Aaron Rodgers selection.

To be a fan of Favre and the Green Bay Packers was bliss.

Here’s some stats (as a Packer) to swallow down before you write No. 4 off for good:

• Three NFL MVP Awards
• 9 Pro Bowls
• Two Super Bowls (One Win)
• Three NFC Championship Games
• The Consecutive Started Games Streak
• 22 Playoff Appearances (12-10 record)
• Broke Dan Marino’s major records in Green Bay
• 160 Regular Season Wins as a Packer
• 7 Division Titles
• 11 Playoff Appearances
• 15 Winning Seasons (above .500) in Green Bay

Those numbers are impressive enough to humble any scorned fan.

Now, written words and numbers may not completely melt your heart and turn you back into a fan of Favre again, but some video clips of some of his finer moments might.

Don’t think of the Jets or the possibilities with the Vikings when you think of Favre.

Think of the records he broke, the games he won, and the interceptions that had you pulling out your hair.

Because if you could put yourself back in that time and do it all over again, you know you wouldn’t want it any other way.

Remember when Dan Marino’s career touchdown record against the Vikings?

This was the moment in that 2007 season that you knew it was going to be special. After Favre broke Marino’s record, it was smooth sailing, as he ended the season with over 4,000 yards and 28 touchdowns, as Green Bay earned a playoff bye with a 13-3 record.

Stop filling your heart and mind with hate, and realize two things: Brett Favre is human, and he was a Green Bay Packer for 16 seasons.

Don’t those 16 years out-weigh the last two?

I think so. But I’ll let this do the rest of my convincing.

True, this “Ode to Favre” was before his two retirements, but if you’re a true Packer, Brett Favre, and football fan, it just shouldn’t matter.

Brett Favre Meets With Minnesota Trainer For Second Time

Let’s be honest. Brett Favre signing with the Vikings is as good as done.

It won’t be huge news. Well, not as big as it might have been, had he kept the rumors quiet through all this time.

But in recent weeks, despite “thinking” we knew he’d come back, we’ve begun to get concrete information that suggests he will sign sometime this month.

Then again, there’s that report swirling around that he may already be under contract with Minnesota.

In case you’ve been sleeping in a cave (it’s not winter yet, friends), here’s a quick look at what you need to know, in regards to The Brett Favre Saga:

• Dr. James Andrews, the guy that did the surgery on Brett’s arm, says that in conversations with Favre, he found out Favre did indeed want to continue playing, planned on it, and said that the Vikings were his only suitor.

• Andrews then reported that the arm was holding up well, and that Favre should make a full recovery.

• A report surfaced a few days ago that Brett Favre and his wife, Deanna, had placed a $30,000 down payment on a condo in Minnesota, furthering speculation that a contract was either already in line, or an announcement would soon be made.

• Eric Sugarman, a Minnesota trainer, made his second trip to Hattiesburg, Mississippi, to meet with Favre, and check in on his progress. Favre’s arm is reportedly 100%, and all signs point to a “go”.

• The last bit of information is the most interesting: Reports have the Minnesota Vikings designing 40% of their plays in their playbook specifically for Favre. Talk about sweetening the deal.

Now, for all those Favre-haters, Packers-lovers (I’m one of those), or just regular NFL fans, it’s becoming quite clear that what they feared/hoped for the most is almost certainly about to happen.

Brett Favre is poised to actually don the purple and yellow, and there’s not much we can do about it.

Just sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride.

As I’ve said before in other Favre-related articles, the guy is 40 and won’t be around forever. Whether you like it or not, it’s impossible to provide a completely logical argument for him to not return.

When he was healthy last season, he had 20 touchdowns, was leading the Jets past winning clubs, and owned an 8-3 record.

Now that he’s healthy again, and supported by a stellar cast, he could easily regain his 2007 form.

That, or he’ll slip-up in his own prima dona image and never recover.

But really, just cherish these moments, and these days leading up to his signing.

And when it happens, remember it as something glorious:

Brett Favre came back again, despite constant criticism, simply because he wanted to play football-or to spite Ted Thompson. Or both.

At this point, it doesn’t matter anymore. People are going to believe what they want to believe.

But regardless of their opinion, one thing is not up for argument.

Favre has made an impact on the league that will last a life-time, and for years beyond our children’s life-times.

Favre still makes the game great, and worth watching.

And that’s why, despite every tiny tid-bit of Favre news being minuscule and sometimes pointless, it’s such a big deal.