Wednesday, 03.05.08
Football without Favre
Jamie Squire/Getty Images Sport
Gaging football IQ
May 2006
Matt Quirk explores the NFL's version of an intelligence test.
Passing grades
May 2006
In a sense, Favre's statistical accomplishments tell the whole story -- he holds NFL quarterbacking records for consecutive games played (275), passing yards (61,655), and touchdowns thrown (442). But he also threw the most interceptions (288), including countless ill-considered, game-losing hurls, and both the first and last passes of his career.
Above all else, Favre was imperfect and beloved for it. He overcame
booze and painkiller addictions and scrutiny of his "gunslinging" style
to win a Super Bowl, three MVPs, and the devotion of millions of
Wisconsinites. This morning, on the front page of his team's hometown
newspaper, Favre's image supplanted Obama, Clinton, and McCain, as Packers openly wept at their workplaces.
One fan,
noting that "a good man has left the game with a very big hole," points
toward the larger significance of Favre's retirement: standing ready to
take his place are his very opposite. Peyton Manning, the player most
likely to surpass Favre's touchdown mark, graduated Phi Beta Kappa from
college in three years and is known for his preternatural ability to
memorize opponents' plays and formations. And Tom Brady, with his
supermodel girlfriend, three Super Bowl rings, and manicured stubble -- rather
than Favre-like scruff -- has improved upon Manning's
marks. But while the next generation of fans will marvel at Brady's
victories and Manning's touchdowns, they'll be missing out on something
more important. With Favre's retirement, an era of inspiration --
imperfections included -- has closed, to be succeeded by an age of mere
technique.
Missing BrettSportswriter Wright Tompson -- like Favre, a Mississippian -- describes No. 4's personal qualities. |
Too much loveRobert Weintraub busts the press's Favre-love bubble with aplomb. |
All too perfectChuck Klosterman follows Tom Brady and the Patriots' quest for football flawlessness. |
Longevity over statsAaron Schatz of Football Outsiders explores Favre's statistical mediocrity and matchless durability. |
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Also, Favre was from Mississippi who played pro football in Green Bay, Wisconsin. We read that he cuts his own lawn on his 100 acre property, you can drive by and see him on a tractor.
He is a regular guy, with some unusual talent, and world-class toughness.
He would have succeeded in Atlanta, who drafted him, or on other teams. But it wouldn't have been the same if he played for the Jets or Niners.
The Yankee fans never warmed to Roger Maris who hit more home runs in a season than the Babe or Mantle, because he was never a New Yorker.
Brett Favre was like that, he was one of our own, for those fans that live outside the giant media markets.
And on any Sunday, he could beat any team that he played; even if on occasion, he beat himself.
This is a very well written article.
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"With Favre's retirement, an era of inspiration -- imperfections included -- has closed, to be succeeded by an age of mere technique."
If you want some imperfections along with your "mere technique" there's always this year's Super Bowl MVP (and the man who defeated Favre in his last game) -- Eli Manning.
Posted by Fred | March 5, 2008 9:17 PM