Does Brett Favre Know When to Say When?
Published July 18, 2008
The better question, but not necessarily the best question, is one that asks which quarterback gives the team the best chance to win the next game on the schedule. Even then, this doesn't entirely resolve the matter because so much depends on the time frame. In other words, Favre may give the Packers the best chance to win the first game of the season, but is that true for the eighth game of the season? What about the 12th?
Favre may have proven to be the football equivalent of Bruce Willis' character in "Unbreakable" thus far, but sooner or later the statistics will catch up with him. He will get hurt. If the Packers miss the opportunity in the interim to develop Rogers, a quarterback in whom they also have much invested their chance of winning later drops measurably.
That's really the right question, isn't it? What's best overall for the franchise? Even fans complaining about the perceived unfair treatment of a multi-millionaire would concede that their loyalties ultimately run to the franchise first, the players second. If Favre ends up with the Minnesota Vikings, some fans may buy a purple Favre jersey out of spite, but I can pretty much guarantee you that in two years the Goodwill bins in and around Milwaukee would be filled with those same jerseys.
Unfortunately, defining "overall" is a nearly impossible task, one that makes you appreciate how difficult the job of general manager really can be at times. It's like the economy; everyone has an opinion on it. Making it even more difficult is the fact that with Favre, just as in most cases like it, the professionals can't even agree. Certainly if the Packers ultimately release Favre, someone will pick him up, which is at least some validation that Favre can still play in the league. Just as Kosar played some meaningful games for the Cowboys immediately after Belichick booted him from Cleveland, Favre will certainly do something heroic for another team.
That seems to be the real fear of Packers management and it shouldn't be. Favre may contribute for awhile with another team, but it won't be for too long. Packers management should take great comfort in the lessons of Montana, Namath and Unitas. Even Belichick wasn't too far off base when it came to Kosar. Each of these situations should provide as much proof as Packers management really needs that their long-term assessment on Favre isn't wrong. There may be some gas left in Favre's tank, but that tank is hardly full.
The Favre case really is a pretty easy one from a distance. Packers management may be exhausted by the yearly ritual of his indecision and are using it against him now to extract a bit of revenge but they should just let it go. If Favre's a distraction, it's because Packers management has let it become a distraction. What they know in their hearts should guide their actions: Far worse than letting Favre go too soon is hanging on to him too long.
- Does Brett Favre Know When to Say When?
- Published: July 18, 2008
- Type: Opinion
- Section: Sports
- Filed Under: Sports: Football (American)
- Writer: Gary D. Benz
- Gary D. Benz's BC Writer page
- Gary D. Benz's personal site
- Spread the Word
- Like this article?
- Email this
Save to del.icio.us
Comments on this articleComments
Later in life Matisse had his paint brush strapped to his crippled arthritic hand to paint.And still later he cut out colored paper shapes he made into collages, staying engaged in his art and life until the end. His work of this period has a child-like purity, clarity and joy--the poetic justice of an unruly heart. A true artist will always find expression--there is no when to say when. Athletes aren't so lucky but can still re-invent themselves if the will is there--and certainly Brett has the means and time to do so. I know I'm talking apples and oranges--but who isn't challenged? Your logic and pragmatism are not lost on me. My point is that real life is made up of more than just the bottom line. Whether you're on top of the skyscraper corporate pile being accountable or independently plucking daisies at the bottom of the heap wearing rose-colored glasses--at the end of the day--be it late into the night--everyone needs a soft place to fall. And there is more comfort to be had in a bed of rose petals than wrapped in a blanket of cynicism. Be it big business or big ideas, would'nt you agree we are all in service to something? And isn't sacrifice a common denominator in everyone's lives? Giving up is for when you're dead.
Brett Favre is the best QB ever he has the records every QB wants to have how can you not bring him back and he had one of his best years last year. Yes Rodgers is good but really he is not even close to what brett is come on please now he made one mistake in that last game and the corner was sitting on that rout so he would of got it anyways brett should be pissed about the packers not bringing him back
Add your comment, speak your mind
(Or ping: http://blogcritics.org/mt/tb/79128)
Favre has shown himself to be nothing but selfish in this embarrassing saga. He retired; the Packers moved on. He has no right to be offended that they're not embracing his change of heart with open arms. The Packers can't afford to live in the past, and it's Favre's outspoken whining that will tarnish his legacy with the team, not the Packers' decision to move ahead with Rodgers.