Brett Favre is about Brett Favre - no matter what the John Maddens of the world want you to believe. Tonight I sat on a dingy couch in Park Slope, Brooklyn and I could smell it eminating from Lambeau Field. What, you might ask? Old-fashioned bullshit.
Why is Brett Favre playing this season? It can't be about the records. No, Bretty Favre believes Brandon Jackson can rush them to another Super Bowl title. Bretty Favre believes James Jones is the second-coming of Sterling Sharpe. The eternal Favre myth is that #4 is all about team and winning. Yet there is no single player in the NFL (outside the wide receiver position) who seems to show-up his teammates with more regularity than Favre. Tonight - in a pointless preseason game - Favre stood in the middle of the football field and with great animation directed kid wideouts on how they SHOULD HAVE run their respected routes. Imagine what the analysts would say if Rex Grossman behaved like that ("what an insipid child!"). What a leader and teammate should do is wait till the kids get to the sideline and speak to them. Not Favre. Favre knows the cameras are on the field, not always the sideline. And he wants us to know where the true fault of that incomplete pass lies. Comments made about his behavior: none.
It can't be about the records...even though every major quarterbacking record will be reached by Favre in the 2007 season. And if there's one thing Favre hates, it is attention. He hates that weekly press conference in Green Bay (the only one of its kind in any sport in the country). He hates the will-he-or-won't-he debates he self-perpetuates at the end of every season. Favre cares about winning another championship but does a person who has actually said his team could lose ten games believe that team has a chance of winning one?
Brett Favre is about Brett Favre. But John Madden loves it when he smiles because Bretty loves playing the game. That is until his week ten press conference where he reveals, "Sometimes I don't love playing the game." But then he'll walk off Lambeau after having beaten a lowly Lions team to end the season and cry to a standing ovation. Favre will tell us all how much he'll miss the team, how much he'll miss the game. And he'll retire.
Unless he hasn't broken all those records...
#2 Max said . . .I can't wait for this'tard to quit,So the consant lovefest can stop.especially when it comes to Madden sthick.An the delusion from Fudge Pack fan's that they're going to the SB again behind him.R.I.P. Farve an may a Bears player put you there.
Bear Down!
August 24, 2007
#3 Jimbo said . . .Hey, Brett Favre's last game isnt going to come against the Lions at Lambeau. It is coming Sunday, December 23 @ Soldier Field when Tommie Harris buries him into the turf. (and then at every home game, win or lose, we can say we ran all over Brett Favre.)
I hate that man.
August 24, 2007
#4 Pissed Off said . . .Has Morrissey been reading this blog?
Here's a paragraph from his article in the Trib today, "Kid gloves fine..."
"Someone recently referred to the "hysterical" reaction to Grossman's fumbles against the Colts on Monday night. Had Grossman put together a good, stress-free 2006, the reaction to his mistakes Monday rightly would have been considered hysterical. But he didn't, and so an exhibition game wasn't an exhibition game. It was red flags abloom."
Nothing like having one of the more reasonable sports reporters in this town side with you.
And about Favre. Jeff, I couldn't agree with you more about showing up his receivers. He really is becoming a joke. And honestly, I don't think his skills have deteriorated (though they have) as much as his giving a shit whether he makes completions or not. He's been holding the Packers hostage now for the last 3 or 4 years.
And I've loved every minute of it.
Happy Friday folks...
August 24, 2007
#5 Rancid said . . .Yes, old shitbrick #4 is all about the records. I really cant argue with anything Jeff said, FOR ONCE. He indeed is holding them hostage and to be honest I think they are more beatable now than ever because of how crappy Favre has gotten.
I still hate him to death and up until a couple of years ago I honestly would root for the opposing team, especially when they play the Bears, to break his spine or leg or arm, seriously. I know we all joke "I wish he would die" but for years I honestly have wished him harm. If I knew a good hitman and had the money I may have considered offing him becuase I truly hated him with all my heart and how he used to terrorize the Bears. But now I dont root as hard for him to get severely disabled because he and whole Pack team are so lowly I almost feel sorry for them.
August 24, 2007
#6 Rancid said . . .I want Favre on the field for years to come. He is singlehandedly keeping the Fudgepackers shitty. They really can't try to rebuild with him still there but since he's their god they just won't force him to leave. If he wants to get his records (which has taken a 17 year career to get) let him have them. It helps guarantee a lousy Fudgepackers future and a weak NFC North for a few more years. The only exception to my line of thinking is that it would truly be a thing of beauty to see him lying broken on the turf of Soldier Field. I would relish that sight for the rest of my life. I can see Bear jersey after Bear jersey removing itself from the pile until only a small lump of green and gold is left, motionless. I'm picturing it as a huge poster on my wall, or a fathead. Man I hate Favre
August 24, 2007
#7 mikebdot said . . .I am sick of the Favre "myth" as Jeff calls it, though I view it more as a cult. No sooner do I get done reading Jeff's article and posting here thenI read the article on nfl.com about Donald Driver being hurt last night. They give a synopsis of what happened, and info concerning when he'll be able to return. Then the article should end, right? Instead we have this:
"Brett Favre had left the game the previous series after finishing 14-of-20 for 130 yards"
WHY? How does that make it into the article? It has no connection whatsoever to what happened. No, but the press requires to pay homage to the greatness of Favre before we can finish reading it. Man I hate Favre
August 24, 2007
#8 Al in WI said . . .PO'd: I wished harm on Reggie Miller all those years he was on the Pacers making an ass of himself as he traveled nearly every time he touched the ball. That's not even to mention the "leg kick" he used to draw fouls. I always used to say "Yeah, Reggie Miller is getting old, his head is probably going to just fall off". (line stolen from "dumb and dumber" when they say that Petey was getting old after he was decapitated. "Pretty bird").
I know that was a basketball reference, but I felt the same seething hatred for Reggie Miller as I do for Brett Favre. If Brett is decapitated I would not shed a tear. If I had it on Tivo, I would never delete it, playing it any time I feel depressed.
Sometimes I feel like such a bad person, then I go on with my life. :)
August 24, 2007
#9 AK said . . .Agree completely. I paricularly love how in games when Favre is awful and throwing int's that a rookie would attempt, he's excuses as "that's just Brett trying to win." Yes it is, across his body into triple coverage. Whatever.
My personal favorite this off-season has been hearing packer fans talk shit about Rex and how he throws too many ints. I then get to point out that Rex had exactly two more ints than Favre last year, and it was Rex's first year as a starter compared to Favre's 15th. And of course Rex had 5 more tds. That usually shuts them up.
On a last note, it should be remember Jimbo that Morrissey is a believer in Grossman, and has stated as recently as this week on Comcast's Tribune Live show that Rex will be an elite qb this year.August 24, 2007
#10 Jimbo said . . .Is Favre a great player? Yes. Is he going to break a few more records and get into the hall of Fame? Yes. Is he going to hold Green Bay back? Definitely.
The longer he plays, the longer he holds his team back. I hope he stays on for at least three more years. His skills have deteriorated and they'll never draft a replacement for him. I'd love to see him get sacked by every guy on the Bears team, but sometimes, arrogant bastards like Favre do more damage to their teams than opposing players. He may have been a great QB, but he's never been a team player.
August 24, 2007
#11 jeff said . . .Post #4 from PO'ed is the single greatest post I've seen in my short time visiting this esteemed site.
Well done.
Jeff, we need a "Hall of Fame" for classic posts. I nominate "The Myth of Favre - #4" for entry.
August 24, 2007
#12 JB said . . .so fitting that PO'd came in #4. i agree with you, jimbo, and its in the works. i want to collect the best comments from each post and make them accessible to everyone on the main page somehow. working on it. working on it.
August 24, 2007
#13 mikebdot said . . .I got interested in the Rex to Favre reference and of course the epic Rex post...
Rex has played 1.5 seasons through his career. This is how he compares to Favre in his first 1.5 years:
Rex/Favre
TD: 27/27
INT: 26/26
Yards: 4496/4722
Fumbles: 13/19
Sacks: 31/49
Playoff wins: 2/1I know this is a Favre hatred post and my Rex comparison has no business here...but I couldn't resist.
By the way, I really hate favre too...the guy can't even pronounce his own name correctly. However, I must admit I've never thought of hiring a hitman to take him out. A Tonya Harding bodyguard, take out his knee cap with a crowbar sounds a little more like it to me...maybe break his jaw so we don't have to hear him talk.
August 24, 2007
#14 Jimbo said . . .The thing about Favre [smale] is, you just cut his achilles tendon...he'll quit the game...he won't be able to step into the throw (must be said in your best Bill Murray from Caddyshack impression).
August 24, 2007
#15 Phil from SATX said . . .Unfortunately, he has access to unlimted Vicodin. Simply slowing him is not going to do the trick...
On a side note, does anyone else here think the 49ers are looking up this season? They spent a boat load on their defense this off-season (mainly on one player, Clements), have a solid back in Gore, added Darrell Jackson, and have a QB with decent upside. Nolan seems like a good coach as well.
Thoughts... other than, "we'll destroy them" (which in undoubtedly true).
August 24, 2007
#16 StartOlsen said . . .Jeff, that was a great article.
Rancid, you are my favorite new(er) poster. I always seem to agree with you. Brett Favre staying continues to mean we can sleep at night - nothing to worry about up north. It is both interesting and fun to watch the catch-22 situation that the Green Bay faithful find themselves in, as they cannot bear to say goodbye to their god and their god cannot shrug off his hubris to step down - the combination is like watching a train wreck in slow motion, and so damn fun!
And believe it or not, there WILL be a time when Madden betrays his longtime lover. Madden is at heart a serious broadcaster. At some point, maybe this season, he will have to acknowledge the travesty that is already occuring. When it happens, and Madden gently throws Favre under the bus, THAT will be must-see TV.
August 24, 2007
#17 Nicole is miserable in this blue city said . . .Quit bashing Favre- the man is kind enough to throw us 5 or 6 interceptions in the two games we play him each year, improving our defensive stats and increasing the odds that the likes of Vasher, Tillman, Briggs (remember his pick 6 of #4 two years ago?) go to Hawaii.
We need to thank the man for sticking around 4 or 5 years too long.
As my T-shirt says
Minnesota Sucks
(back) Green Bay SwallowsAugust 24, 2007
#18 Al in WI said . . .My distaste for Brett began with his last name defying the rules of phonics. Why are you so special that you pronounce the "R" before the "V"? He was doomed at birth.
August 24, 2007
#19 Phil from SATX said . . .Did anyone else notice Moose Johnson last night claiming that the Bears have "come back to the pack a little bit in the NFC North," on the broadcast? WTF?
It is one thing to say that some of the teams in the division may have gotten better. But to say the Bears have come back to the pack, is absurd. The Bears at this point are far better than they were a year ago. Every position except running back has been improved. What was he thinking?August 24, 2007
#20 JB said . . .Moose hates Rex too. I think that he's calculating loss of Tank Johnson, loss of TJ and retention of Rex in that equation.
Bears - TaJo - ThJo + Rex = Moose is a retard.
In a separate noet, a friend who is a Cowboys fan always wants to scoff at my belief that Rex can win us a Super Bowl, and why are we hanging on to him - we'll never win with him. I talk about Rex's arm and passing ability.
Friend scoffs at that, says he doesn't think Rex even has an arm. When drilling down, friend admits that he's never watched Rex in any of the good games (in part because as a Cowboys fan, if the Bears are doing good, he changes the channel). He just watches the lowlight reels on ESPN.
Does anyone else not in Chicago notice this phenomenon? I think most of the rest of the country who all think Rex is the worst QB in history have not even watched him in the games where he kicked ass.
August 24, 2007
#21 Pissed off said . . .Phil, I notice it too. I also notice that the casual fan is more likely to say Rex is horrible whereas a few of my more football savvy friends actually think he'll be really good. And I also agree with your assessment of Rancid and I'd also throw in StartOlsen, although that moniker will probably run out around week 5.
The bears, for one reason or another, play the heel in the national media. It will honestly take a year of domination (which I think we can supply) to change the minds of the media and have the so-called football expert / pundits fall in love with us. But, who cares about that, I mean honestly, I'm not sure how I'd react if we were loved across the land.
August 24, 2007
#22 Nicole is miserable in this blue city said . . .I remember well the week leading up to the week 17 game vs the pack last year. We all know what happened but during that week I had an idea, a great idea being it was new years eve. I decided I would kick off New Years Eve by watching my beloved Bears with my friends and play the "Madden drinking game" as I call it.
We all know Madden loves Favre (evidenced by Frank Calliendo's impersonation of Madden among other things). The rules are simple, every time Madden says "Brett Favre" you take a swig of your drink of choice. Needless to say I was pretty blitzed by halftime, I think I drank a little extra becuase of how the game was going anyway but still. It ruined my whole night, (the drinking game and the loss) and I was so plowed by the end of the game I didnt quite make it to midnight (that I remember anyway).
August 24, 2007
#23 mikebdot said . . .I don't see any Bears highlights here in Coltsland. Unless, of course, they beat the Colts like they did on Monday. Yeah!!!
August 24, 2007
#24 Jokey said . . .I would take last years' Rex over the 1989/90/91 version of Aikman. Someone made a point a few days ago that those injury plagued seasons really set Grossman back, not only in terms of his ability to play, but in the fans ability to forgive any mistakes he makes. And by "fans" there, I speak of those more in line with Jeff, not PO'd.
http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/AikmTr00.htm
If Aikman from those three seasons were in Chicago, all the hater type people would be calling for his head. "Put in Steve Walsh" they'd say. "Put in Steve Beuerlein". Comical. Actually, there isn't that much of a parallel as they were awful and both those guys weren't 10 year veterans who led teams previously. But whatever. Just wanted to let Phil know that you should mention Aikman's "decent" numbers in '91 and awful numbers in '90 and '89 in preface to a breakout season.
If Grossman shaved off 6 INTs this year and completed a few more % passes, he'd have a '92 Aikman season (23/14 vs. 23/20). I think that's what all of us are looking/hoping for. If he does that, we have a very good shot at winning the SB. In case you're wondering, Aikman had 4 fumbles and 0 lost. Pretty impressive. But then in '93 he had 7/3. Tsk tsk. Not sure how his preseason looked as that is not included in the NFL.com stats for him alone. It might be in the team data though...don't really care.
August 24, 2007
#25 Phillip said . . .Rancid in comment #5 has it right - more Favre means more bad Packer teams, so as far as I'm concerned, "4 More Years of Favre!"
Although I do not hate Favre. He's a great athlete and it is obvious he loves the game, he plays with passion and guts and I think he's good for football. Thankfully he's not good for the Packers anymore and hopefully we'll see more of that for many more years.
August 24, 2007
#26 Max said . . .Park Slope, eh? Are you still in NYC? Send me an email if so, I'll buy ya a beer.
August 24, 2007
#27 Midway Monster said . . .Touche` Jeff. After 4 or so days of everyone arguing amongst themselves, you wrote an article that is both true and guranteed to rally the troops.
Ya know its amazing. I can like a guy in college and the second he is drafted by the Packers, I hate him. And I hate him even if he leaves the packers. Ex packers still piss me off. I wanted Ahman Green to get destroyed when we played the Texans. I root for Javon Walker to get jacked catching a ball over the middle. I refuse to draft any packer or ex packer in my fantasty football league because of their connection with that unholy green and pee gold team to the north.
I used to work at Disney World, (i was a master of the custodial arts. . . or a janitor if ya wanna be a dick about it) and even though we are supposed to always be smiling and helpful, when Sundays came and some guests would be walking around in Green Bay attire, asking where the food court was, I couldnt help but sending them in the complete wrong direction after i asked them how it felt watching Devin Hester return that punt against them in Week 1 and knowing that their team was basically screwed from the start.
i hate green bay
August 24, 2007
#28 Phil from SATX said . . .Max's Post #2
I am with you brother!
--Midway--
August 24, 2007
#29 Megan said . . .Schedule talk. Just printed out the regular season schedule and am familiarizing myself with it. Here's what I like - I like that we get a chance to prove ourselves against the elite of the NFC - Cowboys, Eagles, Seahawks, Saints. Run that gauntlet and you've proven to be a very stout team, plus faced stiff competition on the way to the playoffs. The only AFC power we're facing is in the first game - Chiefs and Broncos can't be counted as such anymore, although still no slouches.
I ran my mouth a few threads ago and said we've got to beat the Chargers, then its gets easier. It really doesn't. It's a pretty stout schedule when you look at it.
What does the board think are going to be potential losses if any? Obviously the first game is going to be a tough one, but assuming we clear that hurdle, how does everyone feel about the Cowboys game (a must-win as far as I'm concerned)? Next hard one is Eagles, away - if McNabb is healthy that one should be interesting. When's the last time we faced McNabb and how did we do? I seem to remember us beating him.
3 games later it's another chance to beat the Seahawks, did it twice last year and should be able to do it again. 6 games later still season closes against the Saints - call that a loss because we won't need it. Plus Rex'll be partying since NYEve is only a day away.
The other great thing about the schedule is the hard games (at least as I'm defining them) are all very nicely spaced throughout the season. With 6 games against our friendly, worthless and weak division-mates, plus Giants, Raiders, Redskins, Chefs and Broncos, there seems to be plenty of time to regroup between the tough games. Plus a perfectly placed Week 9 bye.
Thoughts?
August 24, 2007
#30 Nicole is miserable in this blue city said . . .This whole grad school thing is really cutting into my dabearsblog time.
I couldn't hate a quarterback more then Butt Fart. (sorry, juvenile I know but I feel a little better) What is it going to take to just make that man go away?? I know you all said he is great at helping the opposing team these days. And why in God's green earth do Packer fans STILL back him up?? Are secret additives being added to beer in Packer country breweries??Is this like Stepford wives or invasion of the body snatchers? I just don't get it.
BTW, Don't think that I didn't read the last few articles/posts with all of you guys bickering. All of you better simma down before the season starts. Don't make me go all Catholic nun on yo' asses! I still have a foot long ruler with the metal strip in it, and I'm not afraid to use it!
Alrighty then. Are we done?August 24, 2007
#31 big rob said . . .Max- I love that you rallied against the Packer fans.
100 Gold Stars for Max!!!August 24, 2007
#32 Bear Fan said . . .good Rex/Pep article....
small glimmer of hope...
August 24, 2007
#33 Bear Fan said . . .I refuse to dump on Brett Favre. The guy has pieced together an unbelievable career and is one of the greatest QBs I've ever seen play the game in my 44 years on this planet. Favre is also a fellow who has suffered crisis and tragedy in his life, yet still finds it in himself to generously support a number of causes to include Hurricane Katrina relief in Mississippi. Has he hung on too long? No. I'd give one of my testicles to see him under center for the Bears in 2007. Imagine what Favre could do with THIS talent around him. When Rex Grossman greatly frustrates once again we can all think, what if.
August 25, 2007
#34 Rancid said . . .I refuse to dump on Brett Favre. The guy has pieced together an unbelievable career and is one of the greatest QBs I've ever seen play the game in my 44 years on this planet. Favre is also a fellow who has suffered crisis and tragedy in his life, yet still finds it in himself to generously support a number of causes to include Hurricane Katrina relief in Mississippi. Has he hung on too long? No. I'd give one of my testicles to see him under center for the Bears in 2007. Imagine what Favre could do with THIS talent around him. When Rex Grossman greatly frustrates once again we can all think, what if.
August 25, 2007
#35 Decatur Staleys #7 said . . .Bear Fan: I don't know you, I'm new(er) here and for all I know you've been around a while, but in my mind there are some things you just don't do as a Bears fan. Close to the top is volunteering to give up a nut to see Favre in a bears uniform. That's like saying you'd love to have Bin Laden as president. I can't believe you wrote that. I know a few Bears fans who don't hate Favre and while I can't fathom it, I let it go. But you're in a whole different level with a quote like that. I'm really just in shock reading that. I try not to call people out in blogs or get nasty but to have a name like Bear fan and then say that . . . wow.
Actually, I just thought of a way I'm ok with it. After Favre retires we lure him out with some unGodly huge contract offer. So he signs with the Bears and shows up at camp. Everything is normal until the first live drills. Then the O-line mysteriously just steps out of the way and the first -team D rips through and slaughters him. Then we cut him the next day. That situation I'm ok with.
August 25, 2007
#36 Max said . . ."bear fan" lay off the meds.I think you said you like "Butt Fart"as a Bears QB???
August 25, 2007
#37 startOlsen said . . .In Bear Fan's defense, if Brett Favre had decided to become a Bear about 3 years ago or before, I would have welcome him with open arms cause as much as I hate that man, I will admit he is one of the best QB's of all time.
. . . but he didnt so he still sucks and I hope he rots in eternal football hell.
August 25, 2007
#38 Brett Favre said . . .bear fan go fuck yourself. you should have your blog privlidges revoked. after all the damage favre has done... are you too stupid or stoned to remember the times he ripped out our hearts and celebrated on Soldier field in front of us? pick a new screen name favre-fucker.
August 27, 2007
Many of you have said Brett held the Hostage for 2 years...Was hat the 2004 and 2005 season when Brett had no receivers? He only had Donald Driver to throw to and an injured Greg Jennings. Shouldn't you be talking about how Lovie Smith held the team from a SuperBowl by Letting Wrex Grossman play? Seriously the Bears could have actually won if Wrex would have just stayed on the sideline. Didn't you get somewhat tired of hearing "Yes, Rex Grossman is still are Quarter Back"
September 27, 2007
Here at DaBearsBlog, you are free to kill us or the Bears as you so wish. You are not free, however, to be an asshole. So if you spew racism or ill-meaning foul language (cursing about football is just fine) or anything of that ilk, your comments ain't gonna last long, jerk.