It appears that legendary NFL quarterback Brett Favre is on the verge of making another comeback, this time with the Minnesota Vikings. But would this move benefit the Vikings? Almost everyone’s initial response to this question is, “Yes.”
However, despite Brett Favre's presence in the Jets lineup last year, the team fell short of the playoffs as they finished with a 9-7 record after an 8-3 start. Favre’s aging body clearly couldn’t hold up to the weekly punishment that comes with being an NFL quarterback.
Nevertheless, this has not stopped the Minnesota Vikings from announcing their interest in Favre. Last year, the Vikings finished with a 10-6 record which was good enough to win the NFC North division and earn a playoff spot. All of this was possible with an inexperienced Tavaris Jackson and journeymen Gus Frerotte splitting quarterback duties. Favre may be better than Jackson, who will likely be the team’s starting quarterback if Favre is not signed, but the Vikings desperately need to develop a young quarterback so they will have a long term solution to their current quarterback problem.
If the Vikings are looking for Brett Favre to come in and be their savior they should probably look somewhere else. Brett Favre would only be a temporary solution to a much bigger problem. It is still unclear if Favre’s arm can hold up through an entire NFL season. Also, the Vikings should be wary of Favre’s motivation for coming back. It is no secret that Favre is still bitter with Green Bay management for letting him go, and he wants to show them he can still play. But is this motivation enough to get Favre through an entire season? The Vikings only play the Packers twice during the season, so will Favre be motivated to play the other games as well?
Brett Favre will turn 40 years old during the season, and while he still has the potential to have flashes of brilliance, much of last season was marred by his mistakes and interceptions he threw in key situations. He will have to learn an entirely new offensive system in Minnesota and develop a rapport with his new teammates. Not to mention the large contract he is going to expect.
While Brett Favre’s name is still alluring to teams around the league, the facts are that he is still an aging quarterback with very little left to play for. He has won a Super Bowl, he has won MVP awards, and he has set numerous passing records. All that’s left is for him is to prove to everyone, especially the Green Bay Packers, that he can still play at a high level.
The Vikings have proven that they can make the playoffs without Favre, so it is clear that Favre needs the Vikings more than they need him. If I were the Vikings I would work on developing the talent I have now and pass on Brett Favre. This decision may not go over well with Vikings fans, but it is probably the best move for the future.
Dan Cote
ventaboutsports@gmail.com
www.ventaboutsports.com
Comment and add to the story without registration, but keep the comments meaningful please. Links are not accepted.
