Cardinals Know Only Their A+ Game Will Beat Green Bay

The Arizona Cardinals and their fans are having a giggly little laugh over the Packers 33-7 win at Arizona Sunday. They are telling themselves that Green Bay did it mostly against their backups, and for the majority of that game the Cardinals didn’t really care.

And those people aren’t far from the truth. But I’m sure Ken Whisenhunt and the Cardinal players are not laughing at some of what took place Sunday.

Almost all of the starters for the Cardinals played the first quarter on Sunday, including Kurt Warner. The score at the end of the first quarter, you ask?

14-0 Green Bay.

Now, one could easily say that even the Cardinals starters didn’t really care about the game, which may be a valid point.

But, one could also say that maybe, just maybe, the Cardinals No. 25 ranked defense doesn’t have enough juice to slow down the Packers offense.

The Cardinals are well aware that their offense better play their best to score some points on the Packers No. 2 ranked defense, and they are well aware that their defense will have to play out of their gourd to hold down the Packers offense enough.

I keep getting told to remember last year. The Cardinals weren’t playing well heading into the playoffs, and look where they went. Well, if every star aligns just right in the sky for a second straight year, so be it.

But how often does that happen?

Many fans’ hate affair with the Packers may have to continue for at least one more week. The Vikings started 7-1, and were Super Bowl favorites, and deserved to be. The Packers went 7-1 in their last 8 games against similar teams and lost to the same team, but still aren’t that good. 

Something has to give, and only time will tell us what it will be.  

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I’ll Admit It, I Was Wrong

I’ve been called a “Favre-hater” many times in my life, even when he was a member of the Green Bay Packers. That’s fine with me, because I just call it as I see it. I’m not going to put all of the blame on Favre when they lose, or all of the credit to him when they win.

But before the season started, I thought Favre was not the same quarterback at the end of the season as he is when he starts the season. To a certain extent, I think that’s true. Over the last few weeks, I have seen numerous throws that a few months ago, wouldv’e been completed easily. Now, they are incomplete or intercepted.

But there aren’t many of those. Many of what I think are the true “Favre-haters” are coming out of the woodwork now that the Vikings have lost three of four and are saying, “I told you! He fades at the end of the year.”

But over the last four games, the offensive and defensive lines for the Vikings have embarrassed themselves. Adrian Peterson… wait, is Adrian Peterson even playing anymore? I can’t tell.

Jared Allen disappeared a few weeks ago, and Viking fans are still waiting to see if he’s going to play again this year. The defense has gotten torched by some pretty mediocre quarterbacks in recent weeks, and the Vikings Receivers have been dropping the ball like they are supposed to be playing hot potato.

All of that, I did not expect. I expected to see Favre’s accuracy take a downward spiral, along with his play and statistics.

But, here is one “Favre-hater” (so i’m called) coming out of the woodwork to say I was wrong.

I was wrong, i’ll say it again.

Favre’s play has dropped off a bit this year, but it has nothing to do with him. Against the Cardinals and Panthers, I was thinking that the Vikings offense would go to a 3 or 4 Wide Receiver set, spread out the defense and slow down the pass rush.

Nope.

I was expecting to see the Vikings do something differently in those games than what was not working at all.

No way.

Against the Bears in the second half, they finally did that. They spread out the defense, and Favre had his way against a bad Bears defense, just like it should be.

I will quote Paul Allen to finish my article-

“I was wrong, you were right. I have one eyebrow, you have two.”

“I have two chins, you only have one. I’m dumb, you’re smart.”

“You’re attractive, I am hideous.”

“I was wrong, you were right.”

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Packers-Vikings: One More Time with Brett Favre? Why Not…

Charles Woodson sat across from Pam Oliver during an interview for the Fox pre-game show, and the inevitable question came up. Would you want another shot at Favre and the Vikings?

The Packers were on a roll, getting closer and closer to securing a playoff spot. You could see Woodson’s jaw tense up, and if you looked hard enough, I think you could see the smoke coming out of his ears and the foam starting to drip from his mouth.

Woodson did his best to laugh, then said he’d like to play them, because he knows to get to where the Packers want to go, they’ll have to beat them first.

But Woodson and the rest of the Packers know that the defense that the Vikings faced twice was the vanilla 3-4 defense that Woodson complained so openly about. The Packers have gone away from that.

The Packers know that Clay Matthews has been a force in the last month, and they know that this is a great time for the Vikings’ offensive tackles to be struggling if they do play.

The Packers know that the Vikings probably don’t even know who Brad Jones is, because they’ve never played against him. But when the Vikings just look for the weak spot in the Packers’ 3-4 defense, Aaron Kampman isn’t there anymore. Then the Vikings will soon find out who Brad Jones is.

The Packers know that when they played the Vikings, their offensive line was in quite a mess both times. It’s not anymore. Sack numbers have dropped dramatically, and Aaron Rodgers has made an effort to get the ball out of his hands.

The Packers just watched Matt Moore and Jay Cutler go crazy on the Vikings defense. Something called Brandon Aaroshamandu made Antoine Winfield look like he’s 60 (but Winfield is only average in coverage, anyway), and the vaunted Vikings pass rush couldn’t get to Cutler even when it blitzed.

The bottom line is this—the Packers’ offense and defense are each much improved from the first two meetings between these two teams, and the Vikings’ offense and defense now have serious issues.

Let the games begin.

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Brett Favre and Brad Childress: Confrontation was Inevitable

Before we get really excited about this, let’s take a look at how everything transpired.

Brad Childress needed a quarterback, so he (if you believe what you’re told) begged and begged and begged Brett Favre to come out of retirement and play for the Vikings.

Once Favre decided he would play, Childress drove to the airport, and drove Favre back to Winter Park like he was Favre’s personal butler.

And we are supposed to believe that this is Adrian Peterson’s team?

We are supposed to believe Brett Favre was going to come in and play second fiddle?

This recent tension between Favre and Childress should surprise nobody.

The Vikings have a coach who likes to control everything, and have the final say. And a quarterback who thinks he can do what he wants, when he wants.

And that was going to work for the entire season?

REALLY?

The amazing thing is it can STILL work. If Brad Childress accepts the fact that Brett Favre believes he is above him, everything will be fine.

If Brad Childress lets Brett Favre do whatever he wants to do, everything will be fine.

But as we saw Sunday night during the game against the Panthers, nobody tells Favre what to do.

And after overriding the coach on national television, Favre threw Childress under the bus in his post-game comments, telling the world Childress wanted to bench him and Favre told him no.

And he got away with it.

Favre throwing Childress under the bus was just a warning shot from the 40-year-old QB.

He was letting Childress know who was in charge and if Childress thought otherwise, Favre could blow this team up whenever he wants.

Brad Childress better just sit back and let Favre have his way. That’s what he wanted and that’s what he got.

He got Brett Favre.

Now he has to deal with it.

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A Tale of Two Games, and Two Coaches

On Sunday, the Packers played the Steelers at 3:15, followed by a 7:30 start for the Minnesota Vikings. I had the luxury of watching both games, and noticed one key difference between the two—coaching.

Early on against Pittsburgh, Green Bay came out in a regular formation, and Aaron Rodgers was getting hit over and over by the Pittsburgh blitzes. As the game wore on, so did the number of Wide Receivers in the game for the Pack, who ended up playing almost all of the second half in four and five receiver sets.

Coach Mccarthy noticed something when they began doing that—the Steelers rushed three, and on occasion four defenders when they spread them out. With Ryan Grant getting nowhere in this game, Mccarthy left it in the hands of Aaron Rodgers, who finished with 383 yards and three td’s. Sadly, the Packers defense took the game off, and the Pack lost a shootout on the last play.

And then the Vikings started. Minnesota came out in a regular formation, and had trouble running the ball once again. In similar formations, Brett Favre was getting hit over and over by the Panthers pass rush, notably Julius Peppers.

The Vikings needed to make a change, or else Favre was going to get hit all night and they were going to lose. So, Coach Brad Childress did…

Nothing.

As a matter of fact, instead of trying to spread the Panthers out, or use the Tight End to chip Peppers, Childress instead tried to take Favre out of the game, essentially giving up.

Now, as we all know, no coach tells Brett Favre what to do, and Childress was overruled by his quarterback. Favre played the rest of the game, and got hit over and over again, before an ugly interception finally ended the massacre.

Make no mistake, the game against Carolina cannot be blamed on Favre. (Although, a player should never overrule a coach) Bryant McKinnie, Artis Hicks, and Phil Loadholt had no chance against Peppers last night, similar to the Packers would not have had a chance against Pittsburgh’s blitzes.

But one coach made adjustments, and the other didn’t. One found a way to give his quarterback a chance that he took full advantage of, and the other was bound and determined to run his offense, and if the offensive line couldn’t protect Favre, he would just take him out.

This loss for the Vikings, I believe, falls squarely onto the lap of the coaching staff. If the same happens in the playoffs, what will Childress do? Will he make the needed adjustments, or will he be bound and determined to win a certain way?

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Changes I Saw From The Packers-Cowboys Game

Plenty of debate topics came out of the Packers’ 17-7 win over the Cowboys on Sunday. It was a much-needed win for Green Bay, who got themselves back into the playoff picture. There were some things that I noticed, along with things I believe were confirmed on Sunday:

1.) Charles Woodson is the best overall cornerback in the league, but then again, we already knew that.

2.) It was nice to see the offense get back to committing to the run and running slant plays. The most encouraging sign for us were the plays Rodgers got the ball and turned and threw to Driver instantly. Whenever the corners are playing six or eight yards off of Driver or Jennings, it’s a cheap five yards if they do that.

3.) Aaron Kampman is easily the biggest liability in the 3-4. Kampman has been having serious issues getting to the quarterback, and his coverage skills are well below average. Without him in there, I believe it was easier for Dom Capers to be much more exotic with his blitz packages, ensuring that he didn’t have to call his plays knowing Kampman can’t reach the QB and can’t be left alone in coverage.

4.) The running game is there, when we use it. I’m not going to say that Ryan Grant will run for over 100 yards each game, but when we commit to the run, it is effective, and it gives opposing defensive lines something else to think about other than pinning their ears back and going after Aaron Rodgers.

5.) Screen passes! Where in the HELL have you been this year?

The one major change I would consider doing is either benching Aaron Kampman or using him strictly as a DE on passing downs. Other than that, if the offense continues to commit to the run and do the things that play to their strengths(slants, quick screens), the Packers may be able to give themselves a playoff berth.

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Congratulations, Brett Favre

Congratulations, Brett. You took it to Green Bay twice this year.

As I was watching my Packers take on the Vikings for the second time this year, I felt many of the same emotions the second time as I did the first.

Frustration that the Packers offensive line looked the way it did.

Shock as defensive coordinator Dom Capers only rushed three (and sometimes two) defenders, when any quarterback, let alone Favre, would tear that apart.

But as both games came to a close, I also felt a sense of relief. Because with each game, I truly believe it was another step towards a Favre-Packers reconciliation.

Ted Thompson doesn’t care that Favre beat him twice. Thompson knew he could play. But he also knew he had a very good young quarterback in the final year of his contract. Hence the divorce, which was purely a football and business move on the Packers part that Favre took personally.

Favre had every right to take it personally. You can’t tell someone how to feel. When he went to the Vikings, all of us Packer fans were told by him that it was just business, and we should all understand that. But that’s the exact opposite of what he did.

Some fans took that personally, as they had every right to.

But now with two wins under his belt, maybe Favre can bury the hatchet with the Packers. Maybe the hate for Ted Thompson will go away now that he has “proved him wrong.”

Before the start of the season, I predicted that either the Pack or Vikings would win both regular season games, only to be beaten by the other in the playoffs. If that prediction comes to fruition, then maybe all of the hate will come storming back.

I saluted Favre with a round of applause in my living room before the game today. During the game, I treated him like he was the starting quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings. After the game, I gave him one more salute.

Brett, you were, are, and always will be a huge part of Green Bay, regardless of what you do in Minnesota. I hope you can put everything behind you, and be a willing part of the Packer family.

And, hopefully (based on my prediction), we won’t see you a third time this season.

 

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Thoughts On Favre in Purple: From a Lifelong Packer Fan

The moment we all knew would come is finally here. Over the last few months, I have done my share of criticism and glorifying Favre. When I criticized him, the response I got was usually this…

“You’re just a bitter Packers fan.”

To be truthful, the second Favre was traded to the Jets, I started preparing myself for this. To be sure, not all Packer fans were ready for it. Some are certainly bitter, but these are just my thoughts.

When the Packers and Vikings play each other, I will give Favre a one-minute standing ovation when he is introduced, and then cheer the Packers on as hard as I can.

I believe the Vikings were unbelievably classless and unprofessional in their pursuit of Favre after he announced his intentions to stay retired.

I believe if Brett Favre thought he couldn’t play a 16 game season three weeks ago, but suddenly can now, he shouldn’t be playing. If the reasons for his staying retiring were just to avoid training camp, he is a selfish prick. Just in case you don’t believe me, let me know the next time any player even thinks that they have the right to skip training camp.

I don’t blame Brett Favre for wanting to play in Minnesota. I don’t blame the Vikings for pursuing him. He is not a traitor in my eyes, but he is the enemy now.

My Favre memorabilia still hangs on my wall, and will never be taken down, because the 16 years he played for the Packers will always be cherished by me, and one, two, or ten seasons in Minnesota won’t change that.

Fran Tarkenton has some very valid points against Brett Favre and Brad Childress. It would be nice to hear someone comment on those valid points rather than bash an NFL legend.

Last but not least, please remember that it’s just football, folks. The two games that these teams play this year will be very intense, and very emotional. Please remember that it’s just football.

I’m Sorry, Vikings Fans

So, here we are. After reading for months about how Brett Favre was going to lead the Vikings to a Super Bowl win, he has decided to stay retired.

Many of you know that I am a lifelong Packer fan. I lost respect and was upset at Favre for what he tried to pull in 2007, but accepted it for what it was a few days before he was traded to the Jets, already preparing myself for Favre to be in purple this year.

But the last four seasons have shown us that Favre can’t play at a high level for 16 games anymore. And despite a healthy shoulder, maybe Favre realized that as well. All of the greats get old, and Favre is no different.

Having gone through a Favre circus before, I would like to say i’m sorry to Vikings fans.

I’m sorry that Favre tugged at your heart strings.

I’m sorry that he forced you to have Lombardi trophies dancing in your heads.

I’m sorry that he gave you a nice swift kick to the groin.

I honestly believe that Favre did not do any of those things on purpose, but he no doubt did them. The Vikings gave him all of the time he needed, and he used every minute before deciding to stay home.

Regardless of one season with the Vikings or not, Favre’s legacy is still intact. He leaves as a three-time MVP, a Super Bowl winner, and the all-time leader in a lot of major passing categories.

Some younger people may only remember Favre throwing crucial interceptions in playoff games and as the waffling man that could never make up his mind, but to the rest of us, he will be that little kid that enjoyed what he did, and did it well.

I do wish Brett the best in whatever he decides to do, just as I have stated numerous times that I would wish him the best as a Viking. Favre gave the Packers everything he had for almost his entire career, and a season with any team would never have changed that.

 

The Brett Favre Bottom Line

Well, we’re back at it. ESPN is telling us when Brett Favre goes to the bathroom, and when he goes to bed. ESPN recently embarrassed themselves citing a “source” that told them about a deadline set for Brett Favre.

Vikings Coach Brad Childress ended that speculation, saying that there was no deadline. So now, we sit and wait. The sad part is, we all know what is going on.

The Vikings would like Brett Favre to be at mini-camps to not only get to know his teammates, but also get the timing down and understand receivers that he has never thrown the ball to.

As far as the offense goes, that isn’t much of a worry. The Vikings offense is similar to what Favre is used to, with just some minor differences that Favre will be able to pick up in no time.

Favre doesn’t want to waste his time doing that sort of stuff. He has tried for six or seven years (mostly successfully) to skip OTA’s and mini-camps, with the exception of 2007, when Ted Thompson and Mike Mccarthy told the team that if they weren’t 100 percent committed, they weren’t committed at all. Favre participated in all off-season team activities that off-season, and enjoyed a great season.

But the Vikings are content with Favre riding in on his white horse late in July, which could make for an interesting locker room. While many players have publicly said they would like to have Favre, Ray Edwards said the exact opposite, saying that “Jackson would make everyone forget about Brett Favre.”

Edwards said that he not only isn’t the only one who feels that way, but a majority of the team wouldn’t like it if Favre came whenever he wanted to and was the starter instantly.

Brett is going to wait until Brett wants to join the Vikings, because that’s what Brett wants to do. And whatever Brett wants to do, Brett does. He isn’t deciding about how healthy his arm would be. (John Elway had the same procedure and was ready to play a day later).

He isn’t deciding on whether or not his play could hold up for an entire season; (he has proven the last four years that it can’t); he is just waiting until he doesn’t have to put up with all of the team stuff that he hasn’t liked in almost a decade.

Until then, ESPN is going to say Brett Favre’s name 200 times a day, just out of sheer boredom. They are going to create stories based off of what a “source” told them. – source told me that their “source” is the guy who mops the floors at ESPN headquarters.

Everyone is going to wonder who their “source” is, when they probably don’t have one at all.

And people, with valid reasoning, with blame the media for shoving it down their throats. But, there is one way that the media doesn’t have to do that. There is one way to make the media stop making up stories and shut-up about this whole situation.

Brett Favre can sign with the Vikings, and report to the team. He can get to know his teammates, and work with his new wide receivers. Instead of thinking of himself as one king with 52 people he’s supposed to call teammates just there to ignore him, he can make sure that the Vikings are a 53-man team.

Instead of having his own private office to review film in away from coaches and players, he can go to regular team meetings, and learn from the coaches.

Or, he can just do the opposite, and be Brett Favre.

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