One thing is for sure, the Vikings have a key facet that just won't ever be recognized for anything less than an attention-getter.

Even after Adrian Peterson's monster game in week one against the Cleveland Browns rushing for 180 yards and three touchdowns, one of them for 64 yards, Brett Favre was the talk of the town.

He was probably the only QB in the league that threw for 110 yards and one touchdown that got as much publicity.

Then after a sloppy first half in Detroit, the Vikings came back to defeat the Lions that are still living in the shadow of the 0-16 season of 2008. Many attribute Favre's 23-for-27, 155 yard, two touchdown game to a game where the Vikings came back to win.

Once again, a Viking other than the Hall of Famer had a career game. Linebacker Chad Greenway recovered a fumble and intercepted two of Lions quarterback Matt Stafford's passes that potentially saved the game for Minnesota. He would then get named the NFC Defensive Player of the Week for his performance.

Yes, Favre had a favorable performance, but being 30th in the NFL for yards usually doesn't give you front page status. Once again, he did break the consecutive start record held by former Viking Jim Marshall, but seriously.

It makes me wonder if the Vikings knew that he would make the headlines every week based on what he did or didn't do. I seriously wonder if the Vikings realize that every week until the 2010 offseason, Brett Favre will be the talk of football whenever Minnesota is mentioned.

Even Purple Jesus himself, Adrian Peterson, can't get any respect as Favre is accredited to Peterson's success of opening the run-game. What does Favre NOT do?

I know I'm all for a Super Bowl in Minnesota, but correct me if I sound a bit concerned and think this is getting a bit ridiculous.

Brett currently has 265 yards, 3 TDs, no picks and an impressive 110.2 passer rating after two weeks in purple.

Brandon is a writer for www.nfltouchdown.com as the Minnesota Vikings Voice. This article can be found here.

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The ruling comes on account that the two Vikings violated the league's anti-doping policy.

The NFL had tried to suspend the Williamses for four games after they both tested positive for a banned diuretic during training camp in 2008.

They had taken the over-the-counter weight loss supplement StarCaps, which did not state on the label that it contained the diuretic—which can mask the presence of steroids.

Neither Williams tested positive for steroids.

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"You're defined by your behavior and what you do and not what you say," Stanley said. "I'll let you connect the dots." By the sounds of it, it was a bad falling out between the two parties.

Asked if he were referring to Vikings coach Brad Childress, Stanley said, "Wherever the decision came from. And we already know where it came from, so there it is."

The team will fill his spot by reuniting Vikings coach Childress with former Philadelphia Eagles receiver Greg Lewis, who agreed to a one-year contract today. Lewis, 29, is at Winter Park and expected to practice.

Undrafted in 2003 out of Illinois, Lewis endeared himself to Childress, then the Eagles' offensive coordinator, as well as other players and coaches with his work ethic and professionalism.

In six NFL seasons, Lewis has 23 starts, but he has 127 catches for 1,699 yards with seven touchdowns. During the offseason, the Eagles traded him to the New England Patriots for a seventh-round pick. But Lewis was one of the Patriots' last cuts, released to make room for rookie defensive back Bret Lockett.

Sidney Rice will most-likely take up Wade's role as the No. 3 receiver.

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It also helps to point out is that once you retire, you are DONE. You can’t come back when you please, yet Brett hasn’t taken a year off in-between and technically he never filed for retirement after the 2008 season with the NFLPA. With that said, he had every right to return to football where he pleased.

So he chose to sign with the Minnesota Vikings, the Packers' long-time hated rival. Now, it seems ironic that Favre feeling left out when Rodgers was named QB, the Pack’s fan base feels as though Brett has broken a cardinal sin.

To this I have three things to say:

1. Green Bay fans are showing their true colors. Yes, the guy was a legend to the franchise, but this is FOOTBALL, not a storybook. If you wanted a happy ending, you should’ve stopped watching the Packers after the 1997 season.
2. Just the same for what the Packers did choosing Rodgers as its quarterback, Brett has become that for the Vikings. He’s a football player, not a messiah. To see him dressed in purple shouldn’t force you to burn all your Packer memorabilia and Favre jerseys. All that’s proving is that you’re whining about what you don’t have anymore. Suck it up.
3. Okay, assuming Brett isn’t lying (I know, that’s a stretch), but assume he isn’t. What’s wrong with coming back for the love of the game and one last shot at glory? What’s wrong with going out like Elway or Bettis? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. Regardless of who he’s with, he’s playing for something big. He wants to be successful. Can anyone blame him for going out on his terms?

Understand that Brett wanted common respect for 16 great years of turning Green Bay into a household name. He wanted to be released a year ago and the Pack felt that he was a threat to them so they shipped him off to New York. After a disastrous end in 2008, what did Brett do that was so wrong? He wants to play football and legitimately, the Vikings are a contender. Favre improves the team, enough said.

This article was written on behalf of many Viking writers of B/R. Please comment below with your take on the situation… unless you’re a Packer fan that has come to whine, then please leave those comments in the trash by the curb, thank you.

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Brad Childress reported Monday, August 24 that Brett will not only start Friday in Houston against the Texans, but will play the entire first half. A move that no doubt will give Favre what he needs; time with his new teammates and game-time.

Then again, what will Brett do? What will he accomplish? And now with Bernard Berrian back in the offense, what capabilities should Favre/Childress test out on a sub-par Texan defense?

Nothing.

Brett is going to go in with only a week of work and we will see him, not as susceptible, but close to what he was against the Chiefs. He won't throw 1-for-4 for 4 yards. That much is clear.

The problem though, is being Brett Favre, I can't help but notice how everything he does is almost showing off. He gets the call from Chilly and doesn't even escape the phone call without asking to start THAT Friday...

As such, many will probably hype this up to a 150-200 yard performance with a touchdown or two and maybe a pick.

Well, the pick will probably happen either way.

Let's think logically though. With how Childress wants to use him, we can tell that his performance will likely crack three digits (or close to) but lets not give the guy that much credit. The last time we saw him on a football field (besides Friday at the Dome) he threw the worst six game stretch of his career.

Then agian, maybe he will throw up what he claims, but if I were a betting man (and I am) I wouldn't count on it.

What do you think?

Brett Favre did the unthinkable as he walked out of the tunnel at the Metrodome in purple as a Minnesota Viking. Never has a Vikings preseason game been so packed and so loud prior to kickoff. However, Favre's debut wasn't exactly eye-popping.

Brett would only play two series and go 1-for-4 for four yards and took a few shots, but overall drew the largest standing ovation ever for a Vikings quarterback in recent memory.

Despite a lackluster day, Brett made a lot of decisions that made him look like a veteran star quarterback. On top of that, his lone completed pass to Percy Harvin showed the true arm-strength of Favre and catching ability of young Harvin in double coverage.

Two-Cents on Favre's Start

If anyone was expecting 80 yard passes out of the gates, they were sadly mistaken. Favre is as nervous as the next guy playing for the team he had as a sworn enemy for 16 seasons. Lets not forget, he did just sign Tuesday.

Not to mention, who said this guy wasn't going to make good chemistry with the team? Word has it that's going with defensive end phenom Jared Allen hunting.

Percy Harvin only caught two passes for 9 yards, but nothing can be determined of his versatile value as the Vikings never did unveil Harvin passing or running the ball, however he did line up in the backfield on a couple plays.

The true gem of Friday's game against the Chiefs however was the unexpected play of Tarvaris Jackson. Word on the street is that T-Jack's job was suspect with the Vikings having four quarterbacks on the current roster. Childress has expressed the thought of keeping four and after Friday, he just might.

Jackson threw 12-for-15 for 202 yards and two touchdowns including a 64 yard strike to Darius Reynaud. A lot of rumors said that Jackson needed at least a 150 yard passing performence, at least one or two touchdown passes, and no foul ups (sacks or interceptions) which he easily was able to accomplish.

Jackson said of his performence, “Whenever you play well, you always feel good.Regardless of the situation or the circumstances, it felt good. It was a long week for me. It just shows that if you just stay focused, you’ll be fine.”

Jackson's other strike included a 13 yard throw to tight end Visanthe Shaincoe on a jump ball.

A battle that seems to be drawing interest is surrounding third year running back Albert Young and the undrafted rookie free agent out of Boise State University, Ian Johnson. Both gathered good playing time and although Young got 17 yards to Johnson's 9, the rookie also proved to be a receiving threat out of the backfield with two catches for 24 yards.

The Vikings will obviously have quite a fix with their crowd of four at quarterback and running back.

Notes:

Jared Allen (ankle), Sage Rosenfels (ankle sprain), and Bernard Berrian (hamstring) sat out of the game to rest fatigue-related injuries.

To be fair, the Favre signing has brought out three different responses, each unique and passionate in some degree. To those in Green Bay and Packers fans abroad, the signing is seen as a cardinal sin and now has Packer fans ripping the cheese from their brains in disgust.

Another is the response of Minnesota Vikings fans that praise the fact that the quarterback leading them is not a no-namer, but most likely the most famous quarterback to ever play the game.

Then there's everone else, that are caught to the point of being overjoyed that that madness has ended (or that it now will be a feature every week of the regular season).

The Vikings now enter the 2009 season with a little more confidence in what they now have with their offense. Favre will only be a larger asset to Adrian Peterson and Berrian and will only now have an even stronger arm to stretch the field with. The defense is...well the Vikings defense, a top-five defense and No. 1 against the run.

The biggest thing this season will be the fact that the Vikings needed one piece to their puzzle and Favre will be that piece.

With a storybook like setup, the Vikings are set to claim the prize that has eluded them for almost fifty years. With the Pro-Bowl running back hailed as purple Jesus to the most dangerous defensive line in football, the Vikings suddenly have a staggering team.

Favre has also been (although not open about it) wanting a fitting ending to a legacy that he rightfully claims as his own.

With that said, the NFL no longer has a standing quarterback issue in the making. Michael Vick is an Eagle and now Favre, a Viking. The offseason/preseason is now back in the hands of the NFL, and all is at peace.

What lies ahead can only be described as risky, but who would blame Minnesota? They've been living in four empty years since Culpepper was quarterback for the purple.

The Vikings team has an essence if you will, of storybook or comicbook like roster. It's well known that a lot of the veterans such as Pat Williams, Antoine Winfield and Visanthe Shiancoe were spit out by their former team and have made a name for themselves in Minnesota and made the Vikings a 'team of the misfit players.'

On top of that, many of the key players on the team carry a name/persona/alias about them. On the defense, Pat and Kevin Williams resemble the wall, Antoine Winfield is the short guy with big hit (which we all saw in his first ever Pro-Bowl season last year) and Jared Allen is the beast (no explaination needed).

On the offense, Steve Hutchinson has taken over the role leader after the departure of Pro-Bowl center Matt Birk. Rookie Percy Harvin was dangerous in college, however it is not known how well his skills will translate yet. 

At the No. 1 receiver position, Bernard Berrian is the ever-dangerous deep threat. Peterson is rightfully becoming one of the most productive running backs in the league and is quickly making a name for himself as "the chosen one." Brett Favre could very well be the role of the redeemer.

Favre's very goal is to go out with a bang and who could blame him? Doesn't everyone want to leave on a good note?

With that said, the Vikings schedule is not only an easy one in 2009, but carries significance each step of the way. In week one, the Vikings face Favre's former coach, Eric Mangini and the helpless Cleveland Browns.

Of course, the Vikings face Brett's former team the Green Bay Packers twice, on Oct. 5 in Minneapolis on Monday Night Football and again Nov. 1 in Lambeau. Both games carry emotion for Favre, especailly his homecoming game in Novemer.

The Vikings then face the New York Giants in Week 17 (again), the team that defeated Favre in the NFC title game in 2007, Favre's last game as a Packer.

It is Favre's legacy on the line, it is the Vikings Super Bowl hopes and dreams (not to mention Childress' job), but is it written that Favre will lead this team to the promised land?

Time will tell...

Jay Glazer of Foxsports.com reported at 1:17 PM, that word around camp is that Favre isn't out of the equation yet...at least, according to almost everyone that's a member of the Vikings organization.

Glazer goes on to admit the fact that his visit took place before the Vikings solid preseason victory over the Indianapolis Colts, 13-3. Of course, Sage Rosenfels led the Vikings with his 10 of 13, 91 yard performance against the Colts and showed to have the slight nod ahead of Tarvaris Jackson in the QB battle already underway.

Despite the lone preseason victory, this story still has legitimacy and potential for the four keys that Glazer spells out quite well.

First and for-most, the Vikings have already got Brett on board as far as contract issues are concerned. Contract terms were agreed upon almost two months ago with money not really an issue.

Secondly, Favre hasn't shut the door and has always left a an "out-line" when making public decisions. He said at the end of last season that he was going to retire, but desired a release. Why? He then blames a partially torn tendon in his arm for his past season's shortcomings. He then starts talking to the Vikings staff medically. Once again, why?

Favre then goes on to have the surgery done to completely tear the tendon and allow it to heal. Why? He starts practicing and working out at Hattiesburg High School...okay, it's officially beyond needing an explanation why.

He then tells Minnesota, no, but not before he says, "If someone calls me in November, you never know..." WHY?

It seems obvious looking at the series of events that Favre has an agenda that he is fully aware and contentious of his choices.

Thirdly, Favre and the Vikings have no better option, but each other.

"Neither Sage Rosenfels nor Tarvaris Jackson has done anything to make the Vikings feel either is the answer at quarterback. Jackson had been hurt this summer, but even when healthy he and Rosenfels have actually been outplayed during training camp by third-stringer John David Booty," reported Glazer.

The receivers are doing great according to reports from camp and the coaches. With that said, who is left on the Vikings roster at quarterback? Not to mention, which other quarterback deprived team is going to give Favre the best chance to win big?

Lastly, Favre hates going to camp. This issue has been no secret.

Brett, at his age would be drained by the concept of playing out training camp and the grind of a 16 game season. To say that Favre is now open to coming back now that training camp is done can't be overlooked.

The only question remains, if he does ask to come back, how will the Vikings coaching staff and ownership respond? They may feel spurned by what Favre did to disappoint them, but could they really pass that up for the alternative?