“Jet” Favre: Brett Heads to Broadway

Coming out of retirement isn’t as easy as it sounds. And things aren’t always as they seem. Let’s review and discuss the recent change of venue for the future Hall of Fame QB.

In early March 2008 a tearful Brett Favre announces his retirement. He explained that despite the fact he can still physically play, he is mentally burned out. However for many, especially former NFL players, this was an indication that he was not done just yet. They all were quoted to the effect of saying ” just let a little time go by” and his head will be cleared and the desire to play will take over. This also coming off a 13-3 season. This turned out to be the case.

This is where the soap opera began. Flashing back over the last few years Favre had played this mental game before. He had delayed his decision of whether to play far into the off season. The Packers, for their part, were always accommodating toward his needs.

As a precaution the Packers drafted QB Aaron Rodgers with their 24th pick in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft. Ironically after Favre convinced the Packers he was finally finished playing, the Packers also used a second round draft pick in 2008 to pick Brian Brohm, QB from Louisville. It seemed a changing of the guard had finally taken place in Green Bay.

So the Packers began to work hard in the mini camps with their new quarterback situation. Of course Rodgers has already become quite knowledgeable with the Green Bay offense after 3 years in the system.

Then Favre decides he wants to play afterall. At first glance many would ask “what is the big deal? Just postpone your plans to move forward.” Which is a valid point and a reasonable view. However it appears that a strain between the Packers and Favre had developed over the last few seasons.

The Packers were in the “we have to cut the cord someday” philosphy with the added consideration that Aaron Rodgers has yet to prove that he is the heir apparent. Which is a serious problem when you consider his contract is about to end. How do you sign a guy or let a guy go when you have yet to see him on the field?

Which I want to add here that the Packers screwed themselves in 2005, Rodgers rookie season, and in 2006 his second season. In 2005 the Packers were enduring their first losing season in 12 years finishing 4 wins and 12 losses. With Favre as QB! At some point, perhaps in week 10, they should have started playing Rodgers to see what he had learned thus far. No they were not going to replace Favre yet, but why not let your future QB get some NFL game experience?

Also in the end of 2006 when they were finishing at an improved 8-8 they also could have inserted Rodgers into calculated situations. But no, they did not have the forsight or the guts to tell Brett he is carrying the clipboard for a few plays.

Now here it is 2008 and Rodgers has to pee or get off the pot and Favre on the hand expected the waters to part and the Packers to worship his lofty presence when if he returned to “save” the day.

The other dilemma that resulted was what to do with Favre. Clearly he deserved at least the opportunity to start based on his last season and his proven track record. And can you really bench the guy if he is ready to go? Then on the other hand you can’t just trade him to a division rival like the Minnesota Vikings or the Chicago Bears.

Idealy it was best for the Packers to give Favre to an AFC team which is what ended up happening. The NY Jets were willing to make the move. Why?

Well at first glance it seems obvious. A draft pick for a sure quarterback isn’t hard to swallow. But the Jets were 4-12 last year. True one area of concern has been at QB. Chad Pennington once a Pro Bowl quarterback has not been the same since shoulder problems. He entered the league with an adequate arm but now has limited throwing abilities. Yes he can still throw the ball 45 yards but it takes and hour and a half to get there. In the NFL that is suicide. Also he can’t thorw the ball outside due to the same problem. That is a longer throw that needs to arrive quickly and Chad cannot get it done anymore. And Kellen Clemens the young Jets draft pick has not shown any flashes of greatness or even anything that says this guy is going to be solid. But is Favre the answer?

Well yes in that they have a guy who can make all the throws and run a legitimate NFL offense. But in the end this is a stupid move. The Jets have addressed their offensive line issues but that takes awhile to resolve itself when personnel is new. Also consider the AFC is stacked with good teams and that the Jets have to look up at the New England Patriots in their division. So what can they really hope for with Favre? Maybe a chance at the playoffs? Personally I see 6 – 10 or 7- 9 at best. Of course it will be funner to watch with Favre but in the end who cares about that?

And he is 38 years old so how long is he going to play? 3 years would be optimistic. However for the Jets they are just spinning their wheels in the mud with Clemens or Pennington. So realistically they should start over. But they have a new stadium to look forward to in the near future. So for them I think Favre is a public relations move to shoot a little enthusiasm into the Jets faithful. What’s in it for Favre though?

Well a couple things. One if the unthinkable happens and he leads them to a magical season he will put an exclamation point in his legendary status. If he could win in NYC with the Jets he would be the next Joe Namath. And he has nothing to lose unless he totally stinks which is unlikely. Plus he will pad a few stats to make it harder for Peyton Manning or Tom Brady to catch his records. Also he will make some serious cash to add to his great, great, great grandchildren’s college fund. Also something overlooked is that being in a mega city like New York will help his wife Deanna and her cancer foundation immensly. And heck he can always retire and come back and get traded again.

Let the games begin!