Favre from done
By Dan Patrick
Brett Favre is an "everyday Joe" who plays the role of superhero extremely well. He exudes a casual confidence that makes him both likable and special. On the field, you don't have to read between the lines to find out what he's thinking. He always looks like a kid in the back yard -- just having fun.
If there were a roll call for greatest quarterback ever, Favre would be high up on that short list. In the history of the game, there is no better big-time performer. At the season's midway point, the 7-1 Green Bay Packers hold the best record in the league. They've won their last six games and show no sign of slowing. Much of which is attributed to the leadership and confidence of their quarterback.
During the preseason, many questioned the Packers' ability to recuperate from losing their top three receivers. Though tight end Bubba Franks (one of Favre's favorite go-to guys) is a star in the making, Donald Driver was relatively unknown and Terry Glenn was known more for his off-field antics. While few doubted Favre's abilities, speculation loomed about the ability of this new offense to gel. When you lose your top three receivers and can pick up where you left off -- that attests to Favre's abilities.
On Monday night, in what was perhaps a microcosm of his career, Favre hobbled onto Lambeau Field for his 165th consecutive NFL start. A knee brace that restricted his movement did little else to hamper his ability to lead the Packers to 24-10 victory over the Miami Dolphins. Playing hurt is just one trait that teammates admire about Favre. He never makes excuses. And as Darren Sharper pointed out to me, even in the Packers' 8-8 season Favre willingly accepted blame. He knows it's a two-way street -- if he's going to get the credit, he'll take the blame. Teammates remember that.
Last Friday, when much of the media buzz surrounded his play status, Favre joined us on the radio show. It was surprising to find that he was more concerned about going bow-hunting than avoiding Jason Taylor and a potent Miami defense. And when I asked him, "One game, one quarterback, who would it be?" He responded, "Joe Montana." He went on to credit Montana's accomplishments and impeccable decision-making abilities.
Like John Elway, Favre has proved his ability to do more, with less personnel.
While I can't argue that Montana is one of, if not the best, Favre may also be selling himself short. His Cal Ripkenesque record for consecutive regular-season games is nothing to brush aside lightly. As impressive as that streak is, the three-time MVP and a leading MVP candidate again this year, is prouder that he has played consistently at a high level
Like John Elway, Favre has proved his ability to do more, with less personnel. It will be interesting to see whether Ahman Green can do for Favre what Terrell Davis did for Elway -- give him the added weapon needed to win a Super Bowl. Certainly, there is lots of football yet to be played, but Green Bay is on the right track. Favre has all but silenced the questions surrounding his unproven defense, by putting offensive numbers on the board and W's in the win column.
With today's parity, it's tough to predict the outcome of the season, so I won't. I'll just take a lesson from Favre and live the cliché' -- I'll take it one game at a time. |
