Enough already with Brett Favre!

Enough already with Brett Favre!
By Doug Upstone

It's unfortunate, but how can I possibly not comment like the rest of the Free World about the antics of Number 4 (fill in jersey color). In the state of Wisconsin, Favre had become the most revered Green Bay Packer since Bart Starr and even after his hissy fit with General Manager Ted Thompson last year; most were willing to let bygone's be bygone's and wished him luck in New Jersey.

Favre's dreadful play at the end of last season, which played a huge part in the New York Jets missing the playoffs and Eric Mangini being fired, looked to have signaled the end of the road for the future Hall of Famer. Favre reiterated as much and only the most sarcastic of people really believed the Wrangler Jeans pitchman would come back for another season.

Much like a woman scorned and a boxer not sure when to hang them up, reports started surfacing in April, that Favre was "thinking" about coming back again. He knew his shoulder still wasn't right, but this time he held the cards and wanted to gauge the interest of the Minnesota Vikings, the team he really wanted to play after Green Bay couldn't wait any longer for his decision before the 2008 season.

Most folks dismissed the idea of Favre coming back, since common sense would suggest how many times can a guy retire? It ended up being "where there is smoke, there is probably fire" and the old Green and Gold hero wanted to go at it again.

The media savvy Favre will tell anyone (I do mean anyone) that he still thinks he can play at a high level, yes he's not the same quarterback that won multiple MVP awards, nonetheless, he can contribute on what would hopefully be a Super Bowl contender.

However, in the same vein of Joan Rivers act from years ago (that would six or seven face procedures ago) "Can we talk?" anyone with an IQ over 60 can see Favre's real intention, stick it to Thompson, coach Mike McCarthy and the Packers organization. Favre's real or imagined obsession with what happened in Green Bay behind closed doors is unhealthy for any adult, let alone a child.

At some point you have to move on, life does go on. I once worked for a guy who I and other co-workers believed made Adolph Hitler seem likeable. After leaving his business, I swore I'd never mention or think of that man again. But in time, I realized he did teach me things I've been able to apply and though I'd never go out of my way to greet him in a grocery store, I ended up respecting his knowledge as it related to work.

Favre's not reached that point and coach Brad Childress and Minnesota are willing to give #4 a purple jersey and roll the dice. When you think about, what do the Vikings have to lose? Betmania.com already has Minnesota as the betting division favorite at +160 and they are with a large contingent at +900 to win the NFC. Childress knows they are not going to Super Bowl with Tarvaris Jackson under center on a regular basis, which is why they signed Sage Rosenfels. The Houston backup performed well when starter Matt Schaub went down, however the more he played the less effective he became in 2008.

The Vikings thought he was the best available signal caller that fit into salary structure and they believe they have enough pieces on the squad as a whole that they just need above average, not great quarterback play to succeed. Minnesota has Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor to take handoffs, behind a solid offensive line, which utilizes zone-blocking scheme that suits the runner's talents.

The Minnesota receivers are now at least average, with Bernard Berrian a big play receiver and Bobby Wade serviceable in the slot. Percy Harvon brings ample home run potential and tight end Visanthe Shiancoe developed as useable seam threat.

Defensively, the Vikes are as good as anyone, ranked No.1 against the run and improved markedly against the pass. This group might not be as effective early if tackles Kevin and Pat Williams are suspended for first four games, however you don't make the Super Bowl based on first four games of the season.

Favre would be playing in offense he already knows, with Childress and his good buddy Darrell Bevell calling the shots. What does Minnesota lose by bringing Favre in?

The risks though are many for the Vikings. Favre has faded each of the last two seasons, as his aging body doesn't recover as quickly. Granted, he would not have as many cold weather games in late November in December playing in the Metrodome, yet if the Minny makes the playoffs with a 9-7 record that means hitting the road to a likely cold weather destination. Last I checked, Astroturf or Fieldturf is still extremely hard, which means every hit Favre takes will be a harder shock to the system.

You have to know Minnesota fans will be in the state of shock, seeing the guy with the funny name being on their team, after literally hating him for a long time. If the Vikings get to or win the Super Bowl this next season, the front office would deserve all the accolades thrown their way for signing the Kiln, Mississippi product. But what happens if it doesn't workout? Minnesota was in the playoffs last year and the reason for signing Rosenfels was to move beyond being one and done in the postseason. Childress has enough detractors already; he could fill up about half of the 10,000 lakes with people not on his side.

And what about Favre, when asked about playing this season on HBO's new Joe Buck show, he paused and said "Maybe". He went on to add, "I know people are tired of it, really," Favre said about his drama queen act over retirement. "My intentions are not to — although it's good for you (the media)—create controversy."

It did seem odd that Favre used the "we" in talking about Minnesota as possible destination. Maybe it was honest slip, or something already in his subconscious. It Favre fails; he'll be hated even more in Minnesota and mocked in Wisconsin and most other parts of the country for not knowing when to let go. If he succeeds, he can pump out his chest and have that infectious smile and know he just stuck it to the Packers.

Whatever Brett.