Brett Favre: Re-Writing History

It was only six months ago that the main stream media were tweeting, posting, writing, and talking about how tired they already were with the whole Brett Favre saga; even fans had had enough. It was becoming a joke; is he going to stay retired or unretire. Even a four-letter network cut a promo ad poking fun at the whole offseason drama that ensued.

Looking back, was it Favre making this a bigger decision than it really was or was it the networks, media, and sports personalities just trying to reinvent the wheel by making this whole “waffling story” a bigger deal than it needed to be. After all, when Vinny Testaverde retired and came back out of retirement (20 times) was there a circus surrounding his decision and questioning his motive?

Sure Vinny’s decision or announcements were hardly “stop the presses,” but why was it such a big deal for Brett Favre to change his mind and comeback? Why did so many blast him for considering and reconsidering, maybe, just maybe he knew just a little better what was best for Brett Favre.

So many of us can sit at home and play armchair quarterback or GM for that matter, weigh over the circumstances and draw our own conclusions from observation alone. But how much can we really know? How can you measure one man’s heart and really know what fuels his fire?

Maybe he knew what he was doing, just maybe he was right. In hindsight it’s always easier to second guess, because let’s face it, even in the 12th hour it appeared Favre himself didn’t even know what to do; to think if Vikings head coach Brad Childress had not made that one last reach out to the former three-time NFL MVP. If Chilly doesn’t make the call, what would all of us be talking about today?

The simple fact is the call was made, Favre said yes and once again we could be looking at history being made. But the critics will tell you we have seen this all before and all too well. Last season with the Jets‘ 8-3 start, there was talk of a postseason run, and then like a fly hitting a wall; it all became just a bad dream. Could this just be another repeat or are we seeing something different?

Unlike last season, the Jets for Favre were like the next hot girl right after a bad breakup with your longtime girlfriend. It’s always nice to have someone, but it’s not always where you want to be and with whom you really want to be with; but it’ll do. For what it’s worth, Favre made the best of the situation, but like any turbulent relationship doomed from the start it did not end on the best of terms; but it had to end.

The Vikings weren’t ever going to replace his first love (Packers), but like a long time close (girl) friend that has always been there with the shoulder to lean on, understanding, and with open arms to comfort this relationship when first conceived (last year) always made sense. In Minnesota, Favre had strong ties that would make him feel welcome.

Even when Favre was teetering and unsure, rather than understand that at 39 years age the heart wants what the heart wants and that one has to consider can the body survive, the masses (analysts, bloggers, columnists) would rather crucify the guy for seeming to hold a franchise hostage and keeping the football world waiting. It may have seemed selfish to many, but when it comes right down to it, this was Brett’s decision and with the support of his family there was only one person he needed to consider.

His decision to play his 19th NFL season did not come easy and it was quite apparent no one covering the story or having an opinion on the matter and every self-serving so-called football analyst and expert were not going to help make it easy.

From right out of the gate, the Favre-hating nation was quick to jump on his signs of rustiness and call out his perceived limitations. Again, pushing 40 years of age and coming off a season were the toll of 16 games had beat him down, how much longer could Favre really play. Was he even the shell of a player we had watched take a Packer team to the NFC championship in 2007?

The Vikings started strong in 2009 and needed very little help from Favre in the first couple of weeks (after two games; 265 yards passing and three touchdown passes). With Favre adding very little to the offense, why was he even in Minnesota? Was he doing anything more that the other two quarterbacks the Vikings had in reserve couldn’t? And just like that there was the talk of a “schism.” Is that even a word? Everyone and their mother had a take on this.

The so-called schism was being addressed on every air-wave, every talk show, and sure enough there it was on the four letter network being addressed like some kind of physical injury, Favre, Childress, and the Vikings would have to deal with and adjust to. The entire situation was being made out like the Vikings faced a divided locker room.

Why all the drama? Seriously, was Brett wrong to comeback? Was it really that hard to understand a man’s love and deep passion for the game? Apparently Childress was confident of his decision and believed in Favre; so why the attention and why the uproar?

Little did anyone realize or see this coming, but the Vikings Week-Three matchup with the 2-0 Niners would not only define Favre’s reasoning for coming back, but it would mark the beginning of history being rewritten once again.

In dramatic fashion that only Favre can bring, the Vikings’ new team leader took his new team upon his back. Favre would not use his voice to lead the way, but the boy from Mississippi would lead with his actions.

In a battle of then unbeatens the two teams traded haymakers, back and forth throughout the game, it was one big timely play after another. First the Vikings struck late in the third quarter and took the lead with a blistering 101-yard kickoff return by Percy Harvin. Then it was the Niners who struck back early in the fourth quarter with a Vernon Davis catch to lead 24-20.

As the clock continued to wind down, the moment had arrived. It was time for Favre to show the world what he was all about and how he loved the game; and loved to win. Calm, cool, and collected Favre took the field, kept plays alive with his feet, made throw after throw as he drove his team into position.

With just 12 seconds left to play, it was time for magic. Favre scrambled out to his right to avoid the Niner pressure, as he avoided a potential tackler he stepped up the field, and then in a last wing and a prayer throw he let go a 32-yard laser that miraculously found its’ way to the back of the end-zone, into the hands of the newly signed wide receiver Greg Lewis.

Lewis’ grab completed a sensational game-winning touchdown reception that not only elevated the Vikings to 3-0, but ended the talk of any kind of schism or divided locker room. The play was everything you would have expected from a younger, gunslinger, a Favre of yesterday, but this was today and history was being written all over.

In Week Four, Favre would add another chapter to his legacy and make more history. When the Vikings defeated the Packers on Monday night, Favre became the only quarterback in the history of the NFL to defeat all 32 teams in the NFL.

Favre is playing inspired football now. Perhaps all the negative chatter prior to his arrival has motivated him? One thing appears to be certain, not only does Favre have plenty left in the tank, but many of the nay-sayers had it wrong.

Since Week Three, Favre has played like a 30-year-old. His numbers are rivaling the best in the league and over his past four starts he’s averaged 270 yards passing and thrown nine touchdowns with only two interceptions. While many try to explain Favre’s sudden resurrection an interesting comment made during the Vikings-Packers matchup in Week Four by commentator and football analyst Ron Jaworski.

Favre was a late arrival to camp this year, but by Week Four against the Packers he had put in the same length of time of a full training camp. At this point it would be a fair assessment to gauge his progress and level of play; needless to say Favre’s performance on Monday night was flawless (24-of-31 passing, 271 yards passing, and three touchdowns). Against his former team Favre was accurate; his passes had plenty of zip and velocity, while his spirals were tight and on the mark.

So what makes 2009 different from a year ago when Favre seemed to have collapsed in the second half of the season? At no point in 2008 was he this efficient and effective. His strong start last year could not disguise his gun-slinging tendencies with eight interceptions in his first six starts. This season, Favre has been much better throwing 12 touchdowns with only two interceptions and completing nearly 70 percent of his passes.

There’s no guarantee that Favre will hold up this season, but then again there seems to be no reason to believe that he will break down. The bicep injury that seemed to undermine his 2008 comeback hardly seems to be an issue in 2009. He’s throwing the ball as well as he ever has and if history repeats as it has often does, this season is sure reminiscent of 2007.

With all the negative criticism surrounding his return, there are still many just waiting for the moment that Favre will tank or resort to his normal tendencies. For those that still don’t believe, holding your breath is not recommended.At 40 years of age now, Favre is defying the odds and every game he plays and every snap he takes he is rewriting the record books. On Sunday Favre will make his 276th consecutive start (an NFL record). His week seven matchup with the Steelers will present a huge test for Favre as he goes for his 176 career win (another NFL record).

When camp opened up back in the summer, many folks like the Vikings chances heading into the 2009 season. With Favre under center and slinging the rock this well, the Vikings have to like their chances. We may not have imagined it before, but how you have to think we could be watching something very special; you might even say we’re watching (Favre’s) history be re-written.

That’s my take.

By David Ortega

Read more Minnesota Vikings news on BleacherReport.com

Brett Favre’s Return Means Big Things for the Minnesota Vikings

Did he ever really leave?
Well it has finally happened. Whether you were anxiously waiting to hear this story break and just praying this whole made-for-television daytime drama would finally go away, the day has come and yes, Brett Favre is back.

Sure there was a lot of grandstanding and drama, but what else would you be doing during the off-season, mowing the lawn?

So Brett was a little indecisive and had us all guessing while he toyed with the idea—something many of us suspected all along. It just made sense, and don’t think the two-year contract was an accident.

On Tuesday in Minnesota, Brett Favre inked a two-year deal with the team worth up to $25 million. No only did Favre sign, but he was able to join his new teammates for an afternoon practice. There seem to be plenty of signs indicating that Mr. Favre could play as early as this Friday in the Vikings next pre-season game.

Just days ago, football folks were breaking down the play of then-starting quarterback Sage Rosenfels and discussing his chances of starting. Now that Brett is in town and signed, what will all this mean to not only Rosenfels, but backup quarterback Tarvaris Jackson?

At the high price tag that the team has inked Favre, there is no question that he was not brought in to hold a clipboard and coach from the sideline.

The Vikings have done their homework and, with Favre’s injury behind him, he’ll bring veteran savvy and experience to an offense that features the league’s best runner and great potential otherwise.

Favre is the Viking’s new starting quarterback, and the hefty investment has to be an indicator that someone in Minnesota believes he can still play the game at a high level.

The Favre Affect:

So Favre is a Viking. Now what?

Now that we have crossed that bridge and come to terms with what has been brewing all along, its time to talk about what it all means.

With Favre under center, Rosenfels becomes virtually irrelevant other than a handcuff or insurance for the soon-to-be-40 golden boy. If you do draft Favre, he’d better not be your No. 1 quarterback. At his age and coming off an arm injury, he’s a high risk even at No. 2.

Brett’s immediate impact will not have great effect on his value, but he suddenly brings great credibility to a passing offense that wasn’t expected to provide too many fantasy options.

Without Favre, you are only looking at Berrian and Shiancoe as possible fantasy receivers. Harvin could be a consideration, but more in leagues that reward special teams yardage and touchdowns.

With Favre, it’s a whole new ball game. not only do you include Harvin, but you must include Sydney Rice and Bobby Wade.

Harvin is expected to make a splash this season as an all-around option that will include special teams. With Favre’s arm strength coupled with Harvin’s speed, he could be a sneaky sleeper as a touchdown-maker.

Wade, who led the team in receptions a year ago, should once again see a lot of action in the slot and could flourish with Favre calling the signals.

Rice has a great chance to have a big year. Just as in Green Bay, Rice and Berrian give Brett two explosive targets on the outside. Rice’s size coupled with the fact that Favre’s gun—in recent reports—has lost very little zip means Rice is going to be an easy target for the gunslinger to find.

Take note: Rice could be another fine sleeper for 2009.

Looking deeper into the Favre effect in Minnesota, with four quarterbacks currently in camp, one must go. There has been some talk and speculation that Favre’s arrival could mean the departure of Tarvaris Jackson.

It would make sense from the Vikings’ perspective. With Rosenfels under contract, the team has a very serviceable experienced backup and the flexibility to move Jackson, who still has market value.

The kid, John David Booty, fills the No. 3 spot as the potential arm of the future that can be brought along slowly. Remember, Favre signed for two years and Rosenfels signed a multi-year deal as well.

There’s no question that Favre’s arrival comes with no guarantees, but from an outsider’s view you have to think what it means if this is what it appears to be, the Vikings have definitely improved their chances this season.

This won’t be the 1998 Vikings offense, but with Peterson in the backfield and Favre under center, this could be the best team since then.

Last season, the Vikings passed for 3,217-yards and threw 22 touchdowns, very achievable numbers for Favre to match this season.

The big difference with Favre throwing for these kinds of modest fantasy numbers is his presence should keep defenses honest and make Peterson possibly better. Can you imagine?

Certainly a lot of questions will follow the 19-year veteran throughout training camp and well into the season, but if you’ve been reading or watching the recent happenings from the Vikings camp, players and coaches seem to like what they are seeing.

From a fantasy perspective, we are definitely liking what we are hearing.

Welcome back, Brett.