Favre Made the Right Decision

So it is now official. After my summer of anxiety and agony (where I had already mentally prepared myself to see someone not named John David Booty wear a purple #4 jersey), Brett came through for me and Packer fans alike one last time. He decided to stay retired!

Most of you know that I am a lifelong, die-hard Packer fan and grew up with Favre as my childhood hero. But I truly believe that this was the best football decision that Brett has ever made. His arm virtually fell off the last 5 games of last season and he just flat out did not play well. He was not going to make the Vikings immediate Super Bowl contenders. Two to three years ago, yes. This year, NO!

Regardless if the Vikings would have gotten Favre or not, they would have still started the year with the 3rd best starting QB in the division! Granted Favre probably would have been a step up from Tjack, or Rosenfels, adding him would have torn the locker room apart. I must say that the Vikings did not handle the situation very well at all, and now they need to pull themselves together as a team and move on from all this garbage.

It would have made for some great drama next season, but it is for the best. Thank you Brett for making the right decision. Now please try to enjoy your retirement like a normal player. Everybody knows what you are capable of. Everybody knows what you did 2 years ago in Green Bay. Everybody also knows what you did in New York last season.

Did you tarnish he tarnish his legacy? Yes he did. Should he have retired after the NFC Championship loss to the Giants? Probably. There is no denying that people will remember the whole retirement limbo that he's played at the end of his career. But for us true fans, we will look past it and remember the Brett pictured above.

Brett Favre is one of the greatest QBs of all-time and will go down like that. It's time that the old gunslinger realize that he has nothing to prove. Now let's hope we don't have to hear his name or see too much of him on ESPN until he steps up to the podium in Canton, OH!

2008 NFL Preview - NFC North

1. Green Bay Packers (13-3 in 2007)

Ok, so what everybody wants to know is will the Favre-less Packers be able to hold off the Vikings. I've been called a homer before but my true and honest opinion is yes. But the playingfield has certainly been evened dramatically.

Although replacing Favre with Aaron Rodgers causes the Packers to take a slight step back, if the young quarterback stays healthy he can complete a high percentage of his passes, and coolly handle the immense pressure he’ll be under from the very beginning of the season to the very end. He's really impressed me with how he's handled everything throughout the offseason and at this point I'm not so worried about his performance as I am his health. With Rodgers bringing those three factors to the table, a strong Packers squad that epitomizes the word “team” repeats as division champions. Favre alone didn't make this team 13-3 last season. The receiving corps is great, they have Grant and Jackson at RB and a quite above average D. I think they can edge the Vikes again. Schedules not too hard and they can beat up on divisional foes Chicago and Detroit.

Key Additions: LB Brandon Chillar, WR Jordy Nelson, QB Brian Brohm, TE Jermichael Finley

Key Losses: QB Brett Favre, TE Bubba Franks, DT Corey Williams

Prediction: 10-6 win tiebreaker over MN

2. Minnesota Vikings (8-8 in 2007)

Much like the Packers' season hinging on Rodgers, the Vikings season really hangs on Jackson. We all know what AP and Taylor can do, but if the Vikings are going to be relevant they have to be balanced. Jackson has made strides in my opinion. People just don't understand how bad he was last year. He had 12 picks, only 9 TDs while completing just 58% of passes when most everyone had the box stacked with 8 or 9 guys! He's better but I feel like he's just not quite there, and the injury bug worries me. Well, it actually excites me because I hate the Vikings but TJack is already running into knee problems and that's a red flag in my book.

Obviously the D is gunna be great and that will keep them in a lot of games. Had this team gotten Favre like so many Vikings fan's shasterbated about, I believe they would be a lock for the playoffs and compete for home-field advantage with the Cowboys. But, to this point they're short a QB and a WR to be great. Lucky for them they have an amazing D and Adrian Peterson to win games for them.

Key Additions: DE Jared Allen, S Madieu Williams, WR Bernard Berrian

Key Losses: FB Tony Richardson, S Dwight Smith

Prediction: 10-6 wildcard bid.

3. Detroit Lions (7-9 in 2008)

Jon Kitna ain’t getting any younger — he’ll be turning 36 in September — but the erratic veteran quarterback is still able to take complete advantage of the deadly receiving tandem of Roy Williams and Calvin Johnson. Rookie running back Kevin Smith makes an immediate impact and, along with Tatum Bell, to help balance the offensive attack. The Defense isn't very good however and that will stop this team from coming close to Minnesota or Green Bay.

Don't get me wrong, this team will be bad. They just won't be as bad as the Bears!

Key Additions: S Dwight Smith, CB Leigh Bodden, CB Brian Kelly, OT Gosder Cherilus

Key Losses: DT Shaun Rogers, RB Kevin Jones, LB Boss Bailey, DE Kalimba Edwards

Prediction: 6-10

4. Chicago Bears (7-9 in 2007)

The losses of Berrian and Muhammad prove to be a setback for the passing game, and both Orton and Grossman fail to solidify his status as the starting quarterback. The defense is forced to completely carry the team, and although it performs better than it did last season, a one-dimensional Bears squad is too inept to climb out of the cellar.

I mean for real, I consider the Bears to possibly be the least talented at the "talent" positions in the entire NFL. Think about it. At QB they have Grossman and Orton. At RB they have Forte, Peterson, and Kevin Jones. At WR they have Devin Hester & Brandon Lloyd(YAY!), Rashied Davis, Mike Hass, and Brandon Rideu. This team is BAD! Orton throws for 200 yds. +/- 5 times this year. Lemme know with a comment.

Key Additions: WR Marty Booker, WR Brandon Lloyd

Key Losses: WR Bernard Berrian, WR Mushin Muhammad, QB Brian Griese, RB Cedric Benson

Predictions: 5-11

Brett Favre is a New York Jet

J-E-T-S. BRETT BRETT BRETT!

Well it looks like this could all finally be done. Upon finalization by the league tomorrow Brett Favre will be a New York Jet.

I know that Brett has been all the buzz and as a big Brett fan and Packer fan myself I've fallen victim to this all the media attention with extra Brett posts lately. So, barring this trade becoming official this is my last post on the matter. I was going to start NFL divisional previews tonight but I think that TSF can put this one to rest for now.

As a Packer fan this is a hard pill to swallow. But as a Favre fan I'm ok with it. He just wants to play so I think he should be able to. As a Packer fan the Jets are a good place for him because we don't have to worry about him coming back to hurt us really. And as a Favre fan too I think it's going to be very different but kind of fun. I'll be rooting for Favre to do well as a Jet and for the Jets to keep winning so the Packers can get a 1st round draft pick!

By getting Favre the Jets become instantly, infinitely, better. With Favre the Jets can win a wildcard birth. I don't think they can overcome the Patriots (if they do i'll be ecstatic) but I think they can make the playoffs. The Jets did a lot in the offseason to get better and I think Brett will benefit from that.

Well I don't want to make this too long because I know we're all sick of the Favre talk. So I'm finally ready to move on with the Jets as my 2nd favorite team. I hope Brett is happy and I also hope he does well. However, doing well is going to mean avoiding the MADDEN CURSE! Is it too late to change the jersey on the cover?

More Favre Talk

I have to work a double shift today and I'm back on at 4 but as I flip on the TV for my hour of relaxation all I hear is more Favre talk. So, I'm going to join in just a little more.

Everyone continues to use the term "Open Competition". That is unnecessary. If you're like me you don't like bullshit and you can smell political correctness from a mile away. I said it then, and i'll say it now. Thompson, Murphy, and McCarthey are playing this very politically correct. Of course they have to fold in and let them "openly compete". They can't afford to just throw Aaron Rodgers under the bus and say, "Oh, Favre wants to come back. Well, we said Rodgers was out guy but now that this is really happening let's just give Favre his job back." They can't afford to piss off the future of the franchise.

This whole thing is a mess, and I truly must tip my hat to Aaron Rodgers for handling this whole situation like a true professional. He might understand what nobody else does. Football is a business. It's all about winning and winning now. Especially in a town like Green bay where the fans actually own the team you can't afford to go with Rodgers in a "win in the future" kind-of mindset. You absolutly have to go with the guy who helps you win now.

This without a doubt is Brett Favre. If you had any doubts Favre could beat out Rodgers I hope you saw Rodgers go 7-20 with an INT and 9 straight incompletions at one point in a scrimmage last night. The sooner that Ted Thompson, Brett Favre, and Mike McCarthy all get over themselves the sooner that this gets solved, and when it does number 4 will be lacing up the cleats September 8th once again.

TSF Favre Content:
Forget It Vikings Fans
Bold Brett Favre Prediction
QB Controversy Prediction

Packers QB Controversy Prediction

Well you know that I love to say I TOLD YOU SO! My prediction is starting to come true. Last month I said that Favre would come back to an open competition and surely win the job. I stand by that prediction now.

When Brett Favre takes the field later today it will begin. I'm not sure how long it will take but it's gonna happen. Favre-mania will set back in Titletown as the only professional fan-owned team begins their quest for a world championship.

There is no doubt in my mind that Brett Favre will win the starting job. He went 13-3 last year and had arguably his best (2nd best in my mind) year of his career! To choose Rodgers to start over Favre would mean you are saying that you are certain that he can get you past Overtime in the NFC Championship. To start Rodgers over Favre would mean that you know he will get you to the Superbowl. I'm sorry Aaron, you're a good player and I think you could be great one day, but you will not start over Brett Favre. The last time that Favre missed a start Rodgers was 8 years old! I've had the feeling all along that Favre will start September 8th against the Minnesota Vikings in Lambeau.

This is going to suck for Rodgers and I hope that he doesn't make a big fuss, but if he does i certainly understand. As a Packer fan I'm slightly concerned about what this is going to do to the locker room, and what it has already. I'm sick of the Favre drama and as a huge Favre fan i've lost a bit of respect for Brett. But I know two things. I know that when I see him sling that ball opening game against the Vikings all will be forgotten. I also know that Brett Favre will be the starting QB for the Green Bay Packers in 2008.

Forget it Vikings Fans

Please just stop Vikes fans. Brett Favre is not coming to your team. The Packers won't let him and even if he did, you guys wouldn't win the Super Bowl anyways.

He's not going to any NFC North team, period. The Packers will not do that to themselves. And there is no way he will grant a release from a team to get traded. Why would any team acquire him to release him? Come on people, let's use our heads.

Please Vikings fans, stop with the wishful thinking. Brett Favre is not going to be a Viking, so you can stop obsessing with it now. I am getting sick of it. Since I live in the heart of Viking nation it really gets annoying and old.

It's the same old rhetoric: "This is the Vikings year!" That's what you say every year. "The Vikings are winning the Super Bowl this year." When the Pope becomes Lutheran they will. "Brett Favre will be a Viking and we will win the Super Bowl." It just gets tiring.

It is most likely he will end up a Packer if he plays, mainly because of salary cap issues and the roster turnover that would be required by most teams to fit him under the cap.

If he end ups up anywhere else, three teams make the most sense right now: Tampa Bay, Baltimore, and Carolina. You could argue the Jets, but I think they will stick with either Chad Pennington or Kellen Clemens.

Favre would be a great fit for the Bucs. They won the NFC South last season. They're loaded with talent and a good defense. They're already contenders. Favre knows Gruden well and he would just about put the Bucs over the top and make them a legit Super Bowl contender.

Kyle Boller just hasn't gotten it done for the Ravens lately and recent draftee Joe Flacco will need a few years to be a backup before he becomes a legit starter. Nothing better than getting Flacco ready and prepared behind one of the greats. Plus, the Ravens still have a good defense with Ray Lewis and one of the best secondaries in the league.

The Panthers need to win now. Jake Delhomme has suffered through many problems of his own and injuries. After underachieving over the years, the Panthers are desperate to win now. Plus, Favre would have targets Steve Smith, DJ Hackett, and Muhsin Muhammad to throw to.

So in the end, Favre will not end up on a NFL North squad, especially the Vikings. The Minnesota fans need to get over their own egos and realize "the answer" has still yet to come.

Brett Favre Should Stay Retired

Most readers know that I am about as big of a Favre fan as there is. But upon hearing the news about Favre's apparent "itch" to come back I've started to worry a little.

I feel like that his retirement was something that I and Packers fans alike much feared. The retirement came and went and I think I'm ready to move on. The team is ready to move on, and the NFL is ready to move on. I understand he has the "itch" to play and his family is supporting it, but I think he should stay retired.

I know it must be hard because he is an extreme competitor, and can still play the game at a very high level, but he should stick to his guns and remain retired. I don't believe there is any way that Favre would ever suit up for another team.

I am very interested and nervous to see what will happen with this as training camp approaches. Yes, he's a reckless competitor, but he's also very smart and i think he knows that while he wants to come back, and could come back, he shouldn't come back. I will support him 100% if he does return but I don't want him to. I think it's time to move on to the Aaron Rodgers era. We all know what kind of person and player Favre is. And we all knew that he would eventually get "the itch". It's only natural.

I predict Favre will definitely be in Lambeau Field on September 8 for Green Bay’s first regular season game. However, it will merely be for the retirement of his jersey number.

That's all I've got on this matter for now. Have a great Fourth of July!

2007 NFL Championship Weekend Preview

NFC CHAMPIONSHIP
NY Giants at GB Packers

It has been almost a decade since my dad and I got to watch a Packer game this important and I couldn't be more excited! When I look at Giants’ newfound success it seems hard to pinpoint just because it’s so newfound and a little mysterious. When I look at their game against Dallas I find it necessary to mention the fact that they only ran 44 offensive plays in a game. That is ridiculously low. Their longest drive was eight plays long and ended in a punt. Their time of possession was 23:30. The Cowboys actually outgained them by over 100 yards. The G-Men were efficient on offense and scored touchdowns instead of field goals, with no turnovers. But they won with defense, especially that nasty pass rush that had Romo so rattled in the fourth quarter.

The Packers can shut down everything the Giants did well in the Divisional Round.
You think Charles Woodson and Al Harris won't eat Little Manning for dinner? Do you think the Packers will sacrifice Favre the way Dallas failed to protect Romo? Will they abandon their game plan in the second half? Mike McCarthy proved his maturity in sticking to the gameplan last weekend when the Packers found themselves in a 14-0 hole early. However he stayed committed and it worked. I was very impressed. New York's defense is very comparable to Seattle’s, and Green Bay embarrassed the Seahawks this weekend. The Packers have an outstanding offensive line and a quarterback whose strength is handling a pass rush. They are equipped to handle everything the Giants do well, and unless Eli turns into Peyton and Tiki Barber un-retires, I don't know how New York is going to match points with the Packers. Am I a homer? Well, I’ve been called one before. Is this a homer pick? NO!
Prediction: GB 34 NYG 21

AFC CHAMPIONSHIP

SD Chargers at NE Patriots

I underestimated San Diego last week, and I hope I'm not doing it again now, but I don't see the Chargers beating New England. I'll even be a little surprised if they keep it close. Forget the injuries — Rivers, LaDainian Tomlinson, Antonio Gates, Luis Castillo, Nate Kaeding — and the Patriots' substantial home-field advantage in frosty Foxborough. Forget the 38-14 beatdown New England threw down on the Chargers earlier this season and last year's Patriot win in San Diego that knocked the Bolts out of the playoffs. The Chargers, talented as they are, don't have the firepower to keep up with New England.

Their defense didn't look good against Indianapolis, and it probably won't look any better against New England's record-setting offense. Jacksonville's personnel dictated the "nothing cheap and nothing deep" strategy that allowed Brady to set a postseason record for single-game completion percentage, and the Chargers won't do that. Their strength is in a strong rush and pressure on the quarterback. The problem for San Diego is that their defensive backs, as good as Crowmartie and Jammer are, are going to be eaten alive by the Patriots' receivers

.
On offense, San Diego's weaponless attack — with Tomlinson and Gates gimpy — isn't likely to do much of anything against New England's defense. The Pats' defensive unit isn't what it once was, and there are vulnerabilities, but it's not going to fall apart the way the Colts' did, especially if Billy Volek is the starting QB. I believe New England will win, and win big.
Bring on a SB rematch from 1996-97!
prediction: NE 37 SD 17

A Letter To: Vikings Fans Everywhere

Dear Vikings fans both friends and mostly foes,

In my opinion, it's not really a matter of if Brett Favre breaks Dan Marino's all-time TD record against you. It's more of a when he breaks the record against you this Sunday. I really wanted to see Favre break the record, however, to see him do it in the Metrodome will be strangely awesome.

I'm also a little afraid. I ask you to reach down underneath that itchy, ugly, purple jersey you're wearing and dig deep down into your heart Sunday. I ask you that you please not boo Brett Favre when he breaks the record. While I don't see how anyone who loves football could not love Brett Favre, I however (living in ND) understand that Vikings' fans are particularly unfond of number 4.

Please break the mold this weekend. I've always thought of Vikings fans to be rather rude, bitter, and nonclassy. Maybe that's because of personal experience, maybe it's because I'm a Packers fan. I don't know, I'm not a doctor.

What I do know, however, is that Brett Favre is one of the greatest players to ever play the game of football. When it is all said and done, he may be regarded as the best ever. I ask you to show a little class this weekend and stand up and clap when he breaks the record. Try your best to be happy that you had the honor to see this man play the great game that we all love. I don't see how anyone can not respect Brett Favre. If you try your best, which I ask you to, I think you can find it in your football-loving hearts to find some respect for him to. Even if it's just for that moment.

Thank you for your time,

A Lifelong Packers fan, and a boy who's looked up to Brett Favre all his Life

Damn It Feels Good to Be a Cheesehead!

I wasn't expecting it. You weren't expecting it. Not even the omnipotent Brett Favre was expecting it, but the Green Bay Packers, the youngest team in the NFL are 3-0. With all 3 wins against 2006 playoff teams, they've got me super excited right now and I just wanted to bask in their glory for 5 minutes before I head off to class. Favre's got us (Packers fans) thinking playoffs and about a serious run at the NFC North Championship.

I really wish he could have beat the record at home, but that's ok. Now, if they could figure out how to run the ball a little better we could be even better. Favre looked so sharp the last two weeks that I'm beginning to think that he's STILL not ready to retire. If he keeps this up and they go deep in to the playoffs, he isn't gunna want to leave!

My second favorite team is whoever is playing the Vikings, so all in all I had a pretty good Sunday! Brett looked like the Brett of old and he head me jumping up and down and screaming. Bring on those lowly, purple-wearing, QB-less Vikings baby!

Judging by what you've seen so far, what are my Packers' chances of making the playoffs?....OK I have to change and go to class now bye.

My World in Sports: I Can Finally Breathe Again

It was just a few days ago that my world came crashing down on me. I had just finished working a morning and it was about 2:30 and I showered, changed, and crashed on the couch only to see that "Brett Favre Wants to be Traded". I didn't know what to do. I was literally speechless. Between this fiasco and the emotional high my Brewers and I have been riding I've barely been able to catch my breath. However, I've had some time to think and collect myself as the issue has died down and I think I'm now emotionally ready to blog about this, and everything else going on in MY world of sports.

-Favre's going to retire as a Packer. Honestly, as I sat there and thought to myself I could not bring myself to envision Favre in a Redskins, Broncos, 'Phins or Jags uni. There is just something evil and wrong about that. I knew he was upset about not getting Moss and the focus on D rather than bettering the offense....so was I. I don't doubt he said it but I know he didn't mean it. He is a passionate and emotional person who was letting it shine through a bit too much (think also comments on Javon Walker contract situation). He was upset just like a lot of fans. He will retire a Packer, and you can quote me on that. It is also worth mentioning that there was a trade situation ready to go down to the Pack but then the Pats made a bid and Moss went with them because he felt it gave him a better chance to win now.

-Now, obviously the Pack aren't going to get Moss but Ted Thompson now knows Favre is upset and means business next year. Prediction: I think Thomspon makes a strong push for Keyshawn Johnson. He honestly might be the next best bet out there and I sort of hope they pick him up. Which, is weird because I'm definitely not a Keyshawn fan. If Teddy can do that they'll have Driver, Keyshawn, Greg Jennings (all-rookie selection last year), and Koren Robinson (fresh outa prison) for their receiving corps. This looks very promising. The bigger question mark for me is RB. I'm not real big on this whole RB by committee thing. I do like Brandon Jackson outa Neb. but he is so injury prone. And while Morency can be successful I know he can't carry the load alone.

- Dear Brett,
You are still my favorite sports figure of all time. I still relish in your greatness. I still love you in a totally heterosexual way. I still have your Fathead hanging in my basement. You're still my childhood hero and I understand you were upset. I forgive you. Now, let's kick some Viking ass next year as you break all of Dan's records. Go Pack Go and Favre 4 Ever.

In love,
grittysquirrels

- The Brewers have cooled down a little bit as of late and JJ Hardy is showing flashes of Robin Yount. They lost back-to-back games for the first time since the 1st week of the year and blew their first lead after 7 innings (previously 21-0 with a lead after 7) tonight in Philly. Definitely worth note: JJ Hardy is leading the NL in HRs - and yes that includes Barry Bonds-....something probably 50% or more of baseball fans don't know. Keep an eye on this kid. Can he keep it up? We'll see, I know he can hit for this kind of AVG and OBP but we'll see if the power surge continues. GO BREWERS!

Current Stats: .327 AVG, 12 HRs, 37 RBIs, .376 OBP, and .628 SLG.

- Don't crowd Bruce Bowen on D. In case you are even more oblivious to the NBA Playoffs than me, here's the video. He is one of the best defenders in the league but Bruce Bowen has a bad rap as a dirty player....and I think that hurts him here. The move looks rather unintentional, and if it weren't for his poor reputation in the league I think he could get away with it much easier. Personally, I think it was intentional. And as a Spurs fan I'm sure Ming will defend Bowen. However, I just don't see how you can't be the slightest bit skeptical of something like that, given the kind of history Bowen has in the league - even though Bruce gets in the most trouble on D. The foul has been moved up to flagrant and it will be interesting to see where it goes from there.....I wonder if this year's playoffs have made Nash feel a bit like a punching bag or crash dummy or something. Maybe for his sake the Suns should just lose out.