12/21/24
February 03, 2007
Brett Favre Coming Back For 17th Season: "We have a good nucleus of young players. We were 8-8 last year, and that's encouraging."
posted by wingnut4life to football at 04:10 PM - 40 comments
Do you think the Packers would do better with Aaron Rodgers?
posted by Ying Yang Mafia at 05:16 PM on February 03, 2007
Do you think the Packers would do better with Aaron Rodgers? I, for one, would like to find out. I love Mr. Fav-Ray, but I don't want to see him getting carted off the field. The Packers need to find out if Rodgers is their next quarterback. If he isn't, then they need to start checking out the draft. Brett is one of the best there ever was at the quarterback position, and I love watching his laser-like-finger-popping passes, but he's trying to hang on too long.
posted by wingnut4life at 05:23 PM on February 03, 2007
With subzero temperatures descending and a hated division rival playing in the Super Bowl, Green Bay Packers fans received an unexpected jolt of good news Friday. I'm not a Packers fan, but I don't know whether this should be interprets as "good news." Apparently, he couldn't resist one more chance to try to lead the Packers back to the playoffs after they won their final four games and were in playoff contention until the final weekend of the regular season. Call me cynical, but apparently he also couldn't resist the opportunity to break Marino's career TD record. Too bad Favre will also break the all-time INT record as well and Peyton will likely break the career TD record in the next 10 years anyway.
posted by holden at 06:22 PM on February 03, 2007
I'm sure the record means something to him, but I'm just as sure that the adrenalin rush of somehow clawing his way into playoff contention this year had a lot to do with convincing him that he wasn't ready to let go of the reins yet. Only time will tell if it's good for the organization or not, but keep a few things in mind. First, he's a warrior and he'll still have the desire to play when he's 80. Second, he can still play pretty well if the rest of the team doesn't fall apart on him. Third, that was a MUCH better team at the end of the season than when it started and he knows it. If folks think that a fired up Brett Favre couldn't still lead a decent team well into the playoffs, I think they're kidding themselves. Still, even a great season for Brett may not be the best thing for the team. If Rodgers doesn't get a chance to develop and/or gets discouraged because he can scratch out a little playing time, it could be bad for the Pack for years to come. I love Brett and his never quit attitude, but I hope he pays enough attention to the big picture to allow, or even promote, more playing time for the kid.
posted by ctal1999 at 06:56 PM on February 03, 2007
How sad it will be watching a Super Bowl MVP's skills deteriorate for another season.
posted by BlindAlvin at 07:23 PM on February 03, 2007
I guess the tears he shed at the Packers last game of the season were a false alarm. Brett deserves to go out on his own terms; he has paid his dues and them some. As a Chicago fan, I will hopefully get to enjoy watching him play two more times next year. I'm sure the Bears will be looking forward to playing against him again.
posted by danjel at 07:23 PM on February 03, 2007
blarp: "Killing his team's chances so that he can break some records? Nice." How is he killing his team's chances? Plz do further into detail. You must not had been following the PACKERS this season. They had a ton of injuries on offense. They need to get him better weapons, well actually at least some weapons. He cannot do it all on his own. holden: "I'm not a Packers fan, but I don't know whether this should be interprets as "good news." What does that have to do with you been a fan or not? lol.
posted by STUNNER at 12:35 AM on February 04, 2007
The problems with the Packers do not start at the QB position. He's better than a good number of starters around the league and still has more life in him. I'm glad to see him come back, and it will be good for the NFL (as if they need to be more marketable) if the Packers field a competitive team around him.
posted by vito90 at 02:56 AM on February 04, 2007
Feel compelled here to post some rejoinders... blarp, II don't think you'll hear any complaints about this from Chicago, Minnesota, or Detroit... Wrong, Wrong and Wrong... Check the records my man... Favre is 22 and 8 against Chicago, Detroit hasn't beaten Green Bay in like 7 years and Minnesota (albeit with some success) is still in the negative column against Favre. holden, Call me cynical, but apparently he also couldn't resist the opportunity to break Marino's career TD record. Too bad Favre will also break the all-time INT record as well and Peyton will likely break the career TD record in the next 10 years anyway. Check your facts too.... Although you're right about the INT record, let me point out some other records Favre is likely to break or holds already... 1.) He already hold the Completions for a career record. 2.) Favre is tied with Marino for the career WINS record at 147... The leader is John Elway at 148..Basically do the math...2 wins, No.1 alltime. 3.) The record for consecutive 3,000+ yards passing is 15 (who holds it?...Brett Favre!) 4.) The record for most consecutive 20+ TD Passes in a season is 14 (Let's see if you can guess who holds that one?) 5.) Consecutive regular season games started for a QB (236 , I beleive), more than twice the previous record holder (Ron Jaworski at 116...Incidentally, Peyton Manning is second but, 5+ seasons behind!) The point here is not to tout his accomplishments as Peyton Manning WILL (if he stays healthy!) likely break most of the above listed records...SO WHAT!...Records are made to be broken but, even when they are, it doesn't diminish the accomplishments of the former record holder! Blindalvin, How sad it will be watching a Super Bowl MVP's skills deteriorate for another season. Ditto on the comment for holden... Brett DID NOT win the Super Bowl MVP (That went to Desmond Howard), he did however win 3 consecutive LEAGUE MVP awards. And while I'd agree that his skills have diminished from 10 years ago...Brett's statistics still place him among the top 10 starting Quarterbacks playing (Not a personal opinion..This was stated by several Scouts and GM's in the NFL). Now, on a completely personal note; I will certainly prefer watching Brett Favre play and likely break a few lifetime (or career) records much more than watching Barry Bonds break Hank Aarons' Home Run record.
posted by R_A_Mason at 04:30 AM on February 04, 2007
Detroit hasn't beaten Green Bay in like 7 years Detroit hasn't beaten them in quite a while on the road. They've won a few times at home.
posted by Ying Yang Mafia at 06:41 AM on February 04, 2007
The fact he has chosen to continue playing isn't really the point for me. I'm just glad he's come out and announced he'll return this early, so the team doesn't have to go through all the shenanigans they did last year, with bogus news conferences where nothing was said, etc. This alone has to help the team a bit as they prepare for '07. It's ultimately up to the Packers to decide whether or not he's still a viable starter for them. He still has the skills, but if Green Bay wants to go with him, accept that it will be some TDs, a lot of interceptions, and, at best, a chance for a wild card. Quarterback definitely isn't the only concern for that team.
posted by dyams at 07:02 AM on February 04, 2007
Hypothetical: Favre comes back in '07 and runs let's say 12-4 and makes it to the nfc championship game before losing out. He decides to come back in '08 and runs, say 10-6, and wins the 1st game in the playoffs before dropping out. Then in '09, 10-6 again, 2 wins in the playoffs. At what point does Favre or management say, "ok, we need to break someone else in so we that our chances are better to win it all?" Just something to think about. I know if it were Steve Young, I would say, "keep bringing him back!" Anyway, my 3 yen worth.
posted by bavarianmotorworker at 07:41 AM on February 04, 2007
Brian Urlacher has been seen specially crafting a green and gold #4 body bag, with love just for Brett Favre. Bring him back, the Bears usually love to play against him. By the by, Go Bears today in Super Bowl 112 or whatever.......
posted by wdminott at 08:00 AM on February 04, 2007
STUNNER -- Maybe I'm misreading your comment, but I prefaced my statement with the "I'm not a Packers fan" bit because the quoted text from the article stated that Packers fans got "an unexpected jolt of good news." Maybe as a Packers fan, you could confirm whether this is "an unexpected jolt of good news." R_A_Mason -- thanks for the list of other Favre records or near-records, some of which I knew about and others I didn't. I was only focusing on the TD record because that, to me, seems to probably be the most prestigious record -- kind of a football equivalent of the HR record in baseball. And then I mentioned the INT record because that seems to be a relevant data point in putting the TD record in a bit more context.
posted by holden at 08:35 AM on February 04, 2007
Favre comes back in '07 and runs let's say 12-4 and makes it to the nfc championship game before losing out. He decides to come back in '08 and runs, say 10-6, and wins the 1st game in the playoffs before dropping out. Then in '09, 10-6 again, 2 wins in the playoffs. At what point does Favre or management say, "ok, we need to break someone else in so we that our chances are better to win it all?" Never. They'd be too busy discussing the wheels on my mother, who would then be a bicycle. We'd call it, "The Town Ride".
posted by yerfatma at 08:41 AM on February 04, 2007
I'm a Panthers fan, so I'm used to watching a quarterback throw off his back foot into double coverage, but unlike my quarterback, Favre was once a great deal better. I know it's hard for these great athletes to hang them up, but when it's time, it's time.
posted by carolinared at 08:59 AM on February 04, 2007
I hope the same thing that happened to Y A for the Giants doesn't happen to Farve. I was at the game when he came off the field all bloody, and the fans booed him. How soon they forget what a really good QB he was, The fans show very little loyalty in that sport when things go wrong.
posted by clubs at 09:53 AM on February 04, 2007
Brett's statistics still place him among the top 10 starting Quarterbacks playing (Not a personal opinion..This was stated by several Scouts and GM's in the NFL). Which statistics are you referring too? Surely career-wise, because season-wise...not so much QB rating - 25th Comp % - 26th ypa - 23rd TD - tied 13th INT - 28th (only 4 were worse) Only thing top 10 on him was yards (6th) which is hardly impressive given he led the league in attempts. Alex Smith had a statistically better year than him, so I don't think it's far-fetched to think that Rodgers might be better for the team.
posted by bdaddy at 10:04 AM on February 04, 2007
I hope they get Moss now that would make the North division even better just kidding! As far as Favre coming back I am happy he's the only reason I somewhat like the Packers.
posted by luther70 at 12:27 PM on February 04, 2007
I think brett is a good Qb. a little old but good, he is better than our brad johnson, thats 4 sure. as 4 trying to hang on 2 long? if he can still get it done why not? good luck to farve next season, just dont rip up my vikings...
posted by singlen8tivedude at 01:44 PM on February 04, 2007
holden: "STUNNER -- Maybe I'm misreading your comment, but I prefaced my statement with the "I'm not a Packers fan" bit because the quoted text from the article stated that Packers fans got "an unexpected jolt of good news." Maybe as a Packers fan, you could confirm whether this is "an unexpected jolt of good news." lol. If your a PACKERS fan you can see this as good news or bad news. If your not a PACKERS fan you can see this as good news or bad news. Come on man. And it is not just good news, its great news.
posted by STUNNER at 03:08 PM on February 04, 2007
Glad that's cleared up.
posted by yerfatma at 03:41 PM on February 04, 2007
How sad it will be watching a Super Bowl MVP's skills deteriorate for another season. Favre was never a Super Bowl MVP. And I think it's good he's coming back. He hasn't been the problem on the Packers the last two years. Sure, he's not captain fantastic or anything these days, but he still makes plays very few other quarterbacks can make. With a few additions, that team could be good...
posted by fabulon7 at 09:54 AM on February 05, 2007
Nothing is classier than a pro leaving when his time has come and he/she is on top of their game (e.g., Staubach, Elsway). And nothing is more pathetic than an old pro trying to stay in a game when their body is a former shell of itself (Mays, Mantle). What's wrong with Favre as a knowledgeable backup helping groom the new kid? If a young QB goes down the team is picked up by an old pro coming in. But if an old QB goes down and is replaced by an understudy, there's not much confidence between the hash marks.
posted by sageman at 10:16 AM on February 05, 2007
R_A_Mason, I couldn't agree with you more. Brett Farve is coming back because he is healthy and still enjoys playing the game, not because he cares about breaking anyones record. Besides, when you've played in the NFL for 17 years, you're entitled to make and break a few, that's why they have record books to begin with isn't it people?
posted by hothead_1212 at 11:08 AM on February 05, 2007
Yeah
posted by wdminott at 12:27 PM on February 05, 2007
Aaron Rodgers is not the heir apparent for the Packer Nation. He was one and done in his only appearance during the Patriots game. If Favre did not return, the Pack would be in the process now of finding a QB to replace him. Favre's skills are still there and with good legitimate offensive weapons, he will prove the naysayers wrong. And he knows it. When he feels he can no longer contribute, he will retire. Forget the records ... that's not what it's about. Packers need to shore up on TE's who can catch the ball in the red zone. Greg Jennings the rookie showed flashes of brilliance but also ran incorrect routes, causing a few interceptions. Ted Thompson wants to build thru the draft ... people forget he was GM at Seattle before he came to GB. Packers were the youngest team in the NFL this past year but their O-Line grew up before us. I don't know what the record will be in 2007, but I can guarantee that it will be fun to watch because the players are having fun, even Charles Woodson! Packers were 5 - 1 in the NFC North Conf this year, only loss to Bears at home the first game. Detroit has not one a game at Lambeau since 1991, although they have won a few in their dome. Favre proved he could win at the Humpty Dome in MN this past year, a place where he has struggled even during his "great" years. Consider this trivia ... Da Bears have had 20 starting QB's since Favre joined the NFL. And in 2007, they "should" be looking for their 21st starting QB, while we will still have a proven winner in Green Bay. And if you are not a Green Bay Packer fan, what does it matter when he retires or not. I look forward to watching Favre again from Section 127 at Lambeau!!
posted by GBPackerFAN at 12:28 PM on February 05, 2007
Nothing is classier than a pro leaving when his time has come and he/she is on top of their game (e.g., Staubach, Elsway). I absolutely agree. While it probably is a very tough decision for many to make, I respect the ones who leave before they have to be forced out. My respect for Jim Kelly went way, way up when he retired. At the time I thought he'd be lured back into playing (the Steelers were an option at the time), but he stayed away. Since then he's been a positive member of the Buffalo community, helped with his late-son's cause, and has been a big supporter of the Bills and Buffalo football. His class (if you indeed want to call it that) was/is far more evident as a former player than it was as an active player. Hopefully Favre doesn't stay around too long and end up regretting it.
posted by dyams at 01:01 PM on February 05, 2007
Bob Gibson stayed too long and had to retire in mid season. Now sadly Brett will follow in football cleats.
posted by budman13 at 03:20 PM on February 05, 2007
I love to read comments from these people who know why Brett Favre is doing what he's doing. Did he tell you his innermost thoughts? Are you sharing pillow talk? Or are you just full of shit, and talking out your ass? I know what my money's on. I hope Favre has a great year and makes John Madden fall in love with him all over again. I hope Green Bay fans keep deluding themselves into thinking that the Packers are a good team, because they play in a shit conference. And, as far as young Mr. Rodgers is concerned, to try and judge his whole freakin' career-yet-to-be on the experience he's picked up so far is asinine at best and downright fucking ignorant at worst, and shows your absolute lack of knowledge of the position of quarterback.
posted by The_Black_Hand at 04:13 PM on February 05, 2007
I guess the Bears fans have nothing to say about their own pathetic quarterback, so they want to jump on this post and vent because #4 is coming back! What's really funny about the situation is that the Bears only drafted Grossman to keep the Packers from getting him as the next quarterback of the Packers. I can't help but believe that the Bears would have showed a little more fight in the Super Bowl if they had a quarterback with the leadership, determination and grit of Brett Favre - even toward the end of his career. Admit it Bears, Lions and Vikings - it was bad news for you when the word came out and as a football fan, nothing would make you happier than not to have to worry about the intangibles that #4 brings to a team. He gives a bad or young team a chance to win games that they probably would never win on paper and now that this team has matured and got some experience, they are no doubt a force to be dealt with next season. For you people who say you would hate to see him get hurt - this guy has not had a serious injury in 16 seasons - do you actually think that he takes the field worrying about that? Maybe he does get hurt, so what - it's football and he danced around injury longer than any quarterback ever has. This guy has put himself back into a game, without doctors clearance, with a concussion and thrown for a touchdown. If I were running the Packers organization, I would take my chances with Favre and bet on him to be there. John Elway went through the same crap and haters could not wait for him to retire - he was too old, he might get hurt, his skills have diminished - he won two Super Bowls - but he probably should not have played those last two seasons. And records... he difinately deserves to break them if it is a goal of his or not. Nothing against the great Marino, but he set the records while working in warm and sunny Miami with some talented receivers over his career, not to mention that next season will put them even for years played. Favre has done it at Lambeau with little or no receiver talent in all his seasons. Favre gave a few receivers a name but he has never truly had a premier receiver to throw to - besides Sterling Sharp - but he retired with his issues well before Favre hit his prime. With all said, there is nobody I would rather have quarterback the Green Bay Packers next season than #4 and division rivals cannot wait for the day they don't have to hear and worry about him. By the way, was Urlacher playing in that Super Bowl, because all I saw was Colt running backs running for 10+ yards every time they touched the ball. I thought the elements would favor the Bears but obviously not. What an embarrasment to represent the NFC - was that truly the best team we had?? I thought I was watching a preseason game with all the busted plays and mistakes.
posted by krer300 at 05:23 PM on February 05, 2007
Enough already, people!! Mostly everyone here is hating the fact that Brett Favre is returning for another year? We're still talking about THE Brett Favre here, aren't we? The same gun slingin', laser-rocket arm having, Super Bowl winning quarterback for the Green Bay Packers, right? So what seems to be the problem? This is his life and career we're talking about and nobody else knows if he still has the drive & passion to play the game except Brett Favre himself and apparently he's not ready to hang up his cleats. If he chooses to continue playing for the Packers, it's his choice. If he can still perform at a very high level and continue to make the throws that no other QB would dare throw, I'll take #4 on my team any day of the week. Who's to say thet Brett is too old? Age truly means nothing in sports unless you can no longer perfom to your capabilities. Just look at Roger Clemens, the guy can still perform at a high level and no one is screaming for him to retire. I understand that Aaron Rodgers is waiting at the helms but until Brett is ready to call it quits, that's where he'll stay....waiting at the helms. Keep playing you heart out Brett and if your team continues to improve like they did towards the end of the season, this may be the year you lead your team back into the playoff hunt. Good luck.
posted by BornIcon at 08:14 AM on February 06, 2007
I really don't think people are hating on Brett Favre. Everyone wants to remember him at his best in those Super Bowl days. He just isn't that guy anymore. It doesn't matter if he is better than other guys that are starting QBs. It only matters that it is noticeable that he isn't the guy that he once was. I'd rather remember him for his MVP years than watch him play now.
posted by bperk at 08:34 AM on February 06, 2007
Why is everyone getting so upset about speculation with regards to Brett Favre? That's kinda what is done around here, isn't it? People giving their opinions about certain topics? I didn't realize we had to arrange an interview with the guy prior to posting. I, for one, don't hate Brett Favre at all. Quite the contrary; he's always been enjoyable to watch. But these same Brett Favre fans, especially the ones who avidly follow the Packers, have to admit Favre probably isn't going to make the difference in the next few years. The team gave up 446 points this year, almost 30 per game. Asking Favre to overcome that type of ineptitude on defense is ridiculous. They've got him standing back there, throwing nearly 40 times a game (613 attempts in '06), and the production for all those attempts came to 18 TDs vs. 18 interceptions, including 11 int.'s in the final six games. What quite a few teams need to consider eventually is how is their complete rebuilding going to look? Are they going to get their defense shored up to a respectable state, then have to begin grooming the offense to a brand-new starter? If I was a Packer fan I'd kind of be a bit antsy to see a possible QB of the future get in there and learn now, rather than later. Favre can still throw the ball, true. But is squeezing a few more years out of him at this stage in line with the team's long-term goals? The only silver-lining is the fact Chicago is the only real contender in the division. Minnesota will continue to trip over themselves (one step forward, two back), and Detroit, well, enough said. But, it is still his call, mostly.
posted by dyams at 08:48 AM on February 06, 2007
Don't get on here and quote a bunch of numbers if you didn't follow the season. So Brett threw 11 interceptions in the final 6 games - when they went 4 and 2 including beating the Super Bears on the road (don't even say that was an empty netter - the Bears did not go out there to lose that game and they did not pull the starters until it was out of hand)- I'll take it! You obviously didn't see the way that the defense came around toward the second half of the season and most importantly how the O line improved and Favre took far fewer hits against better quality teams in the second half. The truth is the Packers played the first half looking like a new, young team, a new coach and no identity. They did not finish the season that way! Favre has ALWAYS thrown high numbers of interceptions - so what! That's why people love his style, he will take chances that not many others will. He doesn't use his legs to gain a couple of yards when he has a cannon for an arm. If you don't like the interceptions - blame the Packers front office. They have never given him a "great" receiver. Sure Driver is good, and I love the guys heart and courage, but he is not a premier speed or size guy. The Packers haven't had a decent tight end since Chumura went nuts. Favre has been building every year without the tools. Give him a couple of good tools to work with and his numbers will be as good as ever - no doubt. No fool would put their money on the Packers being a better team with Aaron Rodgers next season instead of Brett Favre, it's just the people that are tired of the legacy!
posted by krer300 at 09:35 AM on February 06, 2007
If you're happy with the team, good. That's all that matters. You believe they can be a playoff contender next year, that's the important thing. The Packers did win their last four, and yes, my calculations on points allowed was off a bit. Not including the win over the Bears in the final week, the other W's were against San Fran, Detroit, and Minnesota. They also got absolutely smoked by the Jets and New England. That sounds exactly like the Bills' season a few years back, their last season with Drew Bledsoe at the helm. They couldn't win games against the tougher opponents on the schedule all year, but towards the end beat Cleveland, San Fran, and a few more bottom-feeders, which caused many Bills fans to fall to pieces when the team didn't bring Bledsoe back. They couldn't understand it looking at his big numbers against those teams and finished around .500. The Bills got to the point they needed to commit to a younger player, whether that younger player was the answer or not. And, no, I'm not saying Bledsoe is Favre. But when the Bills get to the point they're back in contention again, Bledsoe was absolutely, positively not going to be around. That was, and still is (believe it or not) a hard pill for many Bills fans to swallow. Is Rodgers the answer in Green Bay? There's nobody alive that knows, but expect it will take at least a full season, probably more like two or possibly three, for them to know. Where will the team be then? That's what you and other Packer fans need to figure out. I fully expect Favre to come out and put up decent numbers again. When the rest of the team becomes ready to be a legitimate playoff team, will he still be there? He'll be 38 early next season.
posted by dyams at 11:29 AM on February 06, 2007
"I, for one, don't hate Brett Favre at all..........." I didn't say that people HATE Brett Favre, I said that most everyone that posted a comment regarding Brett Favre returning for another year were hating on him. Is Green Bay re-building with a new QB supposed to draw more interest in the team if Brett wasn't behind the center? I don't think so. He may not be the same 27 year old that played with reckless abandonment but he is a future Hall of Famer with plenty left in the gas tank. Why is it when a player of his caliber decides to continue doing what he's doing even though he's been doing it for X amount of years, his reasoning for coming back is questioned? I have no problem with Brett coming back for another 2 or 3 years if he's healthy and can still fire the pigskin in between two defenders. If a player like Brett Favre continues to have the desire and passion for the game like when he was a kid, so be it. Like Bruce Matthews (Oilers/Titans) said when he heard he was being inducted into the 2007 class of the Hall of Fame, "I never had to grow up, could play like I was a kid, played till I was 40, and now you are telling me I am in the Hall of Fame...." These are grown men that are playing a kid's game and most just rather remain being a kid.
posted by BornIcon at 11:30 AM on February 06, 2007
You know what...good for him! NFL fans root for this guy no matter what team they like. He is the apitome of the a professional football player in the NFL. Who cares if they make the playoffs or not. He wants it, the fans want it, and the team wants it. 'Nuff said.
posted by Warrior50 at 01:57 PM on February 06, 2007
Don't get on here and quote a bunch of numbers Yeah, you and your stupid ol' facts, and numbers, and all that crap. You're really fucking up what was shaping up to be a nice Koolaid tasting party.
posted by The_Black_Hand at 02:35 PM on February 06, 2007
I don't think you'll hear any complaints about this from Chicago, Minnesota, or Detroit... Killing his team's chances so that he can break some records? Nice.