Posted Dec. 10, 2005
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Mike Vandermause
Favre bashers need to wake up
Would all the hysterical fans and media members ripping Brett Favre this week kindly take a deep breath and get a grip?
Granted, Favre had a rough game in a gut-wrenching loss to the Chicago Bears on Sunday. In fact, Favre has endured a stretch of six games in which he has thrown just five touchdown passes and 13 interceptions.
Because of Favre’s recent struggles, some have concluded it’s time for backup Aaron Rodgers to finish out an already hopeless 2-10 season.
That would be a bad move for Rodgers, who as a rookie isn’t ready to be thrown to the wolves and could suffer a serious blow to his confidence.
Patient with Palmer
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer was the No. 1 overall pick in the draft in 2003 and didn’t play a down as a rookie. That patient approach is paying off handsomely as Palmer has emerged as one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL in his third season.
Beyond that, Favre isn’t ready to be shipped to the glue factory. Those who want to blame him for the Packers’ lousy record aren’t paying attention.
Favre is the primary reason the Packers have remained competitive. Without him, the injury-depleted Packers would be getting blown out instead of staying in contention in every game.
At 36, Favre’s arm is as strong as ever, and his mobility is better than it’s been in years. He gives the Packers their best chance to turn things around quickly next season, assuming he doesn’t listen to the blockheads who want to see him retire.
Favre’s gunslinger mentality gets him in trouble and leads to costly interceptions at times, but it’s that same mind-set that produces jaw-dropping completions and awe-inspiring touchdown passes. He will one day enter the Pro Football Hall of Fame because he’s not afraid to make things happen.
No supporting cast
Favre has been forced to carry a heavier load on offense this season, which helps explain his league-leading interception total. Would Peyton Manning, surrounded by a cast of fifth-string running backs, fourth-string receivers, third-string tight ends and second-string guards, be doing much better? I think not.
Some ill-informed observers believe Favre isn’t held accountable for his mistakes. Coach Mike Sherman and his assistants wisely don’t berate Favre on the sideline after an interception, but the quarterback’s miscues are reviewed every week at practice and in the film room.
For those who believe former Packers coach Mike Holmgren kept a tighter leash on Favre, please explain the 1998 season, when Favre suffered through a six-game stretch in which he threw 15 interceptions.
No one accused Holmgren of letting Favre off easy then, and no one suggested Favre was out of control.
My advice to the Favre bashers is simple: Sit back and enjoy every playing moment left for the most talented quarterback ever to suit up in a Packers uniform.
Mike Vandermause is sports editor of the Press-Gazette.
