What Does Brett Favre's Return Mean?
With the new NFL season fast approaching, we have all been wondering whether or not Brett Favre was going to return as the quarterback of the Minnesota Vikings. So far, the LBJ of the NFL has been mum on his return.
However, it seems to be clear that Favre anticipates being the leader of the team. Although beaten up over his famous 19+ years of NFL football, in a recent interview, Favre was quoted as saying "the damage has already been done." "Another year probably isn't going to make a difference."
Favre also had a successful arthroscopic ankle surgery, and has been throwing passes to a high school football team for practice. He recently won an ESPY for "Best Play," but was unavailable to reporters after he received the award.
Brett Favre's presence (or absence) will have a major effect on the landscape of the NFC and the NFC North. With Favre at the helm, Minnesota is a division favorite, due to Favre's experience, ability, and their star running back Adrian Peterson. The balance between Favre and Peterson will be a tough one for teams to handle. Peterson had about 1400 yards in 314 attempts, with 18 touchdowns. Favre had 4,202 yards, 33 touchdowns, and a 107.2 QB Rating.
If Favre decides to come back for one more year, Minnesota will likely be favorites to make the NFC Championship game. Should Favre elect to retire again, his most likely replacement is 27 year old Tarvaris Jackson. In 2008, Jackson played 9 games, started 5, and had a total of about 1,000 yards, 9 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions. With Jackson at QB for Minnesota, Green Bay will be the favorite to win the division, due to Aaron Rodgers continued improvement and rise to an elite status. A major piece in this puzzle is also going to be how well Adrian Peterson plays, and whether or not he can reign in his knack for fumbling the football.
The landscape of the season, playoffs, and competition are all hinging on what Brett Favre decides to do-stay at home, or take the reigns one more time, with the chance of winning one more Super Bowl.
In a highly anticipated match-up, Minnesota will open the NFL Regular Season against New Orleans on Thursday, September 9th, at 8:30 PM on NBC. Will we see a repeat of the NFC Championship game? If Favre returns, this could be a preview of the next NFC title match. Anything is possible.
