Stops and Starts: What Are the Chances Favre Will Sit This One Out?
by Skol Girl on Oct 29, 2010 4:46 PM CDT
in Minnesota Vikings 2010 Season
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PrintAt the start of this season I naively believed that the 2010 Minnesota Vikings season would be a continuation their 2009 season. Six games into the 2010 season the Vikings have a 2-4 record and that's just the beginning of the dissimilarities. But, should it actually happen, perhaps the most surprising difference between this season and last could be the benching of Brett Favre in favor of Tavaris Jackson.
Just typing that feels strange.
After the Vikings played the Packers last Sunday, Vikings quarterback Brett Favre hobbled off the field so gingerly that we knew he was either really hurt, or his acting had dramatically improved since There's Something About Mary. Turns out he was hurt and had not one, but two fractures in his left foot-one in his ankle and one in his heel. With pretty much any other player, that would mean sitting out a game or two, but Favre isn't any other player. Despite having his injured foot strapped into a walking cast most of the week and not practicing, Favre not only wants to play against the New England Patriots, but thinks he can help the team win.
I'm not sure if that's inspirational or delusional, but it's certainly stirring up a storm of speculation.
Join me after the jump for more about this current ding in our veteran quarterback's armor.
In an interview with the St. Paul Pioneer Press this week, former NFL quarterback Rich Gannon said that it seemed Favre's footwork suffered when he was scrambling to try to make something happen. With his footwork and mechanics thrown out the proverbial window, Favre was making more dangerous throws resulting in more interceptions. And that was before Favre had two fractures in his left foot. One can only imagine what his footwork will be like after not practicing this week and trying to shuffle around on a fractured foot. My imagination is pretty good and I can't come up with a version of that vision that doesn't end poorly.
But it doesn't have to be that way. Favre could do something that makes sense and sit out Sunday's game against the Patriots, letting Tavaris Jackson have the start.
Ideally, a back-up quarterback can step into the game when a starter is out, run the offense and not screw things up-it might not be spectacular, but it should be safe. Whether or not Tavaris Jackson is capable of that is uncertain, however, with a 2-4 record it isn't as if Favre has raised the bar too high this season.
Now in his fifth season, Tavaris Jackson was supposed to be the Vikings' quarterback of the future, but his tenure with the Vikings has had mixed results. At times when he steps back to throw, I can see what Childress saw in Jackson-he's tall and athletic with a good arm. But then when Jackson overshoots his receiver or starts looking panicked after an opposing defense has gotten to him...well, then I start wondering how long it will be before rookie Joe Webb is ready to start.
While we can debate whether or not Tavaris Jackson has what it takes to be an elite quarterback in the NFL all day long, he does have something the Vikings desperately need right now, health. With two healthy feet, and a throwing arm unaffected by tendonitis, Jackson seems like the logical choice to start on Sunday. If Favre and Childress were making decisions logically, Jackson would start. Favre is too important to the Vikings to have him out on the field when his movement is hampered by a serious injury-it's unnecessarily dangerous.
Today in the St. Paul Pioneer Press Ryan Longwell, when being asked about Favre's ability to play on Sunday said, "I've seen the guy have a lot of injuries, and you just don't bet against him."
For me, it isn't Favre's toughness that's in question, it's his effectiveness I question. How effective can he be with two fractures in his left foot?
While Favre has good reason to have a messiah complex with regard to the Vikings (sending the team captains down to Mississippi to beg him to return can do that), his very desire to help the team should convict him to make the decision that will give them the best chance to win. Rationally, it's hard to believe that the Vikings are better off having him play this Sunday. Maybe he'll surprise me and have an amazing, breakthrough game and the offense will score early and often and it will be magical. I would love that. But, given the nature of his injuries, it seems like his health and availability through the rest of the season is more important than satisfying a messiah-complex or maintaining an epic string of continuous starts.
*This is also posted at http://chinspeaks.wordpress.com/ under my alter ego P.M. Chin.
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Just like it was before the season started, I won’t believe Farve isn’t going to play until he actually doesn’t. Until then, he will be starting and a lot of this is media hype.
So true.
You never really know what Favre is going to do until he’s done it. The Vikings knew all about his tendencies before he got here, so this probably comes as no surprise to anyone, but that doesn’t make it any easier to watch.
Life being what it is, one dreams of revenge.
- Paul Gauguin
Two years ago he was a Jet
He got them off to a great start, there was talk of a SB. He got hurt would not come out, kept his streak alive, and the Jets lost 4 of their last five and did not reach the playoffs, he is selfish that was. He is more important then the team.
He starts.
Chilly doesn’t have the balls to break the streak.
My life has been a trivial pursuit. Trivia: where three roads meet.
The more you know, the more you know that you don't know.
by SlotMachinePlayer on Oct 29, 2010 5:31 PM CDT reply actions
I agree.....
I’ve thought this from the start: Childress has no control over Favre. Chilly may call a lot of the plays, but Favre will not sit out a game.
True enough
Childress couldn’t get Favre to leave the game last year against the Panthers when it was clear the Vikings weren’t going to win and Julius Peppers was having his way with Bryant McKinnie. If he wouldn’t leave a losing game, then Favre isn’t going to pass up a chance to play tomorrow even with a fractured foot.
Life being what it is, one dreams of revenge.
- Paul Gauguin
I still think
he starts, and if he is ineffective, Tarvaris comes in and then starts next week with Favre ending his streak. If I was Chilly, this is what I would be telling Favre.
by SeanInEauClaireWi on Oct 29, 2010 5:41 PM CDT reply actions
And that would be great,
If Favre listened to anyone. This guy is nuts. Make no mistake, I think players need to be a little bit nuts to succeed in the NFL, but Favre is a special breed of crazy, even for the NFL.
Life being what it is, one dreams of revenge.
- Paul Gauguin
Give him one drive.
If the drive scores, give him another. Otherwise, Tarvaris in.
If he goes in at all
good luck taking him out, unless he breaks his leg while throwing a pick six.
The problem with that scenario is that
the rest of the world would see it only as a condensending allowance of Farve to get the start, just to keep the streak intact, and would, even more than before, see him as selfish enough and petty enough to do it.
Nobody, and I mean nobody, would see the intent as being what you describe.
TT bashers - turning my stomach since 2005!
The glass is way more than half-full!
The problem with the problem
is— do we care what people see it as?
I don’t.
As a Pats fan
I couldn’t agree more. Considering people have said that Favre’s legacy has been shot since, well, FOREVER since he didn’t retire a Packer and unretired the way he did, it’d simply be having it both ways for people to now try and rag on Favre for trying to play, not being able to, and maybe sitting after one or two drives (or being benched gasp). Cause let’s be honest, Favre’s not going to go in there for one drive just because. He’s going to try and win the game assuming he can stand on at least one foot.
Yep.
If he had to, Favre might even try to take the field with crutches. Letting him take the field just so his streak of continuous starts isn’t broken and then benching him is about as likely as Childress growing an afro.
Life being what it is, one dreams of revenge.
- Paul Gauguin
Favre will start.
I don’t think Chilly will pull Favre unless he’s getting hit a lot, or unless he’s thrown at least 2-INT’s.
I think he will start
Unfortunatly if he starts the only way he will go out of the game is MAJOR injury " Arm detachment" maybe not he will just use the other one. I think we have to start Jackson if we want to win. If Jackson goes out there and throws 3 int’s and one TD are we any worse than with how poorly Farve has been playing? We have seen farve miss lots of wide open players, plus the biggest gain with Jackson is his ability to merly tuck the ball and get at least a few first downs.
by Viking_Monson on Oct 29, 2010 6:20 PM CDT up reply actions
If Jackson goes out there and throws 3 int’s and one TD are we any worse than with how poorly Farve has been playing?
Yes we are far worse. Even with Favre’s 3 INT’s we are still in that game. If TJack throws 3 INT’s, we will get killed.
"We have a right to be proud, for in our veins flows the blood of many brave races who fought as the lion fights for lordship. Here, in the whirlpool of European races, the Ugric tribe bore down from Iceland the fighting spirit which Thor and Odin gave them, which their Berserkers displayed to such fell intent on the seaboards of Europe, ay, and of Asia and Africa too, till the peoples thought that the werewolves themselves had come."
-from Bram Stoker's Dracula
Check this out
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/stats/byposition?pos=QB
Rating 30th, passing comp% 25th, INT 2nd, fumbles 6th. Nothing about those stats give us the best chance to win period.
by Viking_Monson on Oct 29, 2010 10:24 PM CDT up reply actions
But he’s still a veteran, who can beat defenses. He may throw a pick one drive but then another he’ll march the team right down the field for a score. Jackson hasn’t shown that. Period. The only thing Jackson does better than Favre is scramble, and even at that he doesn’t utilize his scrambling ability nearly as much as he should (or at least he didn’t used too).
by packallday555 on Oct 29, 2010 11:10 PM CDT up reply actions
Pats fan here again
Again, I couldn’t agree more. If Jackson has to start, so be it, but don’t sell yourself into thinking you have has good a chance as you would with Favre. That doesn’t mean you won’t win, but Favre’s better, not really much to discuss there. Shit, I figure the fact Favre is that much better was the only reason it’s worth the conversation of whether he should play on ankle fractures.
Come back here, ya panzies!
Yeah, I was wondering when Python’s Black Knight would make an appearance. This whole worship of Favre’s “streak” is getting nauseating. If you have to let Favre make one hand-off to AP, fine. After that, put in the healthy guy.
Jackson may not be a great quarterback, but he’s 100 percent healthy. He’s young, fast and strong. He’s not hopping around on one foot. He might even win a game or three. Favre, in his current condition, isn’t going to win any games. He might come close, because Minnesota’s defense is excellent, but Favre just doesn’t have enough health to win at the end.
Sit him down 6 weeks, then see how he feels towards the end of the season. Meanwhile, play Jackson and maybe even Webb. Might as well see what our other two QBs can do.
Not Webb.
Unless we really, really have to. Webb is extremely underdeveloped. (Which is OK considering how excellent Childress is at developing quarterbacks. …wait…) Typically, starting a potentially good or even decent QB before they are properly developed for the NFL is considered a recipe for ruining them. I often say this is what’s truly hampered TJack… maybe now really is his time to start shining.
by KJSegall on Oct 29, 2010 8:50 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
"We'll call it a draw."
I had to fight the urge to use the Black Knight clip when Favre’s biggest problem was tendonitis. Somehow, I had a feeling that an even more improbably injury would rear its ugly head—and he would elect to play through it. Rub some dirt on it and go.
The biggest problem I have with Favre’s continuous starts streak is that his record may come at the expense of what is best for the Vikings. Even the more optimistic predictions for the Vikings game with the Patriots don’t have the Vikings winning. If that is the case, why risk Favre? Let him heal for a week and give Jackson the start. It would be a good chance to see what Jackson is capable of with the first team offense.
Life being what it is, one dreams of revenge.
- Paul Gauguin
Even though Favre will probably start I think its' a bad idea.
At this point I believe that Jackson gives us a better chance to win and him starting would give Favre the chance to heal. Even if favre guts it out and manages to get us a win we’ll be in the same situation again for every game going forward because he won’t heal while continuing to play. Favre is the better QB when he’s healthy but he’s not healthy right now, and he won’t ever be healthy this season if he doesn’t sit out a game or two. Even if people have no faith in TJ they have to realize that Favre needs to rest and heal or he’ll continue to struggle for as long as he can stay upright.
Thats where we can run AP and run up the score by 21 at half sit him then he gets the rest he needs and continue the same process for the next 3 weeks till hes healed :):):)!!!!
by cali viking on Oct 29, 2010 10:06 PM CDT up reply actions
We went all in to bring back Favre
Theres no turning back. I say we live with Favre and die with Favre. TJack does not give us the best chance to win.
"We have a right to be proud, for in our veins flows the blood of many brave races who fought as the lion fights for lordship. Here, in the whirlpool of European races, the Ugric tribe bore down from Iceland the fighting spirit which Thor and Odin gave them, which their Berserkers displayed to such fell intent on the seaboards of Europe, ay, and of Asia and Africa too, till the peoples thought that the werewolves themselves had come."
-from Bram Stoker's Dracula
?
I guess I just want to know why Farve gives us the best chance to win? Immobile, poor decisions? I don’t think you put Farve before the team.
by Viking_Monson on Oct 29, 2010 10:15 PM CDT up reply actions
Because Favre is a Hall of Famer, one of the greatest QB's of all time
Favre with one leg, one arm, one eye and one ear is better than TJack.
"We have a right to be proud, for in our veins flows the blood of many brave races who fought as the lion fights for lordship. Here, in the whirlpool of European races, the Ugric tribe bore down from Iceland the fighting spirit which Thor and Odin gave them, which their Berserkers displayed to such fell intent on the seaboards of Europe, ay, and of Asia and Africa too, till the peoples thought that the werewolves themselves had come."
-from Bram Stoker's Dracula
I could live with that scenario!
Seriously though I think that for favre to get really healthy he’s going to have to avoid playing at all for a week or two. On the other hand I love your constant optimism Cali and whatever happens at QB I just want to see us put up some wins : )
My ideal scenario is that we start TJ this week and he makes a few plays while we rely heavily on AD and our defense to get a win. Then we take the same gameplan to Arizona for another win and then a healthy Favre takes over for the last 8 games and the playoffs : )
by CanadianViking on Oct 29, 2010 10:43 PM CDT up reply actions
Thanks CV just trying to hold the fort together and by any means nessesary we need a WIN SKOL!!!!!!!!!!!
by cali viking on Oct 29, 2010 11:44 PM CDT up reply actions
Cali
Google the word “berzerker” You’ll find it on Wikipedia. Ancient bad ass Viking whoop- assers. You’ll like it.
Bench Favre
It is amazing that no matter how poorly favre plays people still defend him. All of those turnovers and bad throws hurt the team. Tjack deserves a chance to show what he can do.
by vikingsfan4life on Oct 29, 2010 11:39 PM CDT via mobile reply actions 1 recs
Sorry but....
I completely agree. This is about the team. God…..even with how bad the O-line is playing, at least Tjack can run. Sorry, but recognizing blitzes doesn’t seem to be working in our favor right now.
Liability
Right now, a quarterback who can’t move is a liability. Even if Favre could hop around for ten minutes when the media had access yesterday, that isn’t quite the same as running for his life from a defensive end. This season he’s had 14 turnovers and I can’t believe that his ball security will improve when he’s hobbling around on a left foot that is fractured in two places.
Life being what it is, one dreams of revenge.
- Paul Gauguin
For me it's the heart
he displays when he’s out there. No one, and I mean no one is trying as hard as he is to win the game. But, facts are facts. He’s 41. Father Time is finally staring him down, his judgment is waning, and the injuries are getting worse.
But, watching him go out there despite all the negatives and still have this team in a position to win the game is what keeps me hanging on. Sucks that the season is going the other way this year, but you gotta admit — the games are pretty damn exciting right down to the finish. That’s the Favre Factor.
But, if he is not ready to go Sunday then he should definitely be benched and T Jack should get his shot.
________________________________________________
www.lordkayoss.com
Favre is many things
But boring is not one of them. You are so right, Favre pours his heart and soul into the game when he’s out on the field. And he’s willing to do whatever it takes to help the Vikings win, I just can’t believe he hasn’t made the connection that maybe, just maybe, it would help them win if he took a week out to get healthy.
Life being what it is, one dreams of revenge.
- Paul Gauguin
If I didn't know better
I’d really wonder if they are letting Brett get beat up on purpose so he’ll finally be gone and Jack can get out there. Seems real strange to me that the same guys who protected him well last year suddenly can’t get the job done. I don’t buy the “teams now know how to attack Favre” crap. Relentlessly pursuing the QB and knocking the stuffing out of him as often as possible is something a retarded monkey would pick up on after watching a couple games. I don’t think the OL can’t get it done because every D they face is suddenly attacking harder than ever. My grandmother could suit up and go there and figure out you gotta get to Favre or he’ll kill you.
________________________________________________
www.lordkayoss.com
Lol
I don’t who you have on your OL (Pats fan), but there’s nothing I hate more than a conspiracy theory, especially when it’s at best saying your OL doesn’t like Favre. I’d figure a better case could be made for Romo and his OL.
I mean, really, Favre’s been in the league forever. Why WOULDN’T a good coach NOT know how to attack Favre, even if it is in theory not that hard to figure out?
"If I didn't know better"
I do. I don’t really think his O-line has it in for him. Just sucks to see these guys not stopping the beatings he’s been taking. He’s been hit much harder, much more often than last year. I suppose you can credit that to the tougher schedule though.
________________________________________________
www.lordkayoss.com
They didn't protect him well last year.
In fact, I think our O-line seems to be improving the last few games. Though mostly at run blocking, which makes sense considering the way the O-line is built.
Center
I think the Vikings’ offensive line has been off all season because of there’s been a different guy playing center every few games. But the lost of Chester Taylor is also being felt in a long-lasting way.
Life being what it is, one dreams of revenge.
- Paul Gauguin
Yess big time we are feeling the loss of chester I knew it would haunt us !!!!
by cali viking on Oct 30, 2010 11:41 PM CDT up reply actions
I don't know quite what to say
this should be a dispute if Favre had been playing great, leading this team to victories, and not hurting the team by throwing shameful INT’s. Moving around in the pocket does wonders for an O-line, and he doesnt done that this year.
Start Jackson. Please.
P.S. This is 2010, not 2009. You don’t play in the past. Favre is not the Favre of 2009. You see what the 2010 of Jackson is.
The past is a little hard to shake.
2009 was a damn good year for the Vikings and with so many returning players on the roster this year it’s hard to understand why things aren’t working as well as they did last season. But they aren’t. And you’re right, my PurpleJ, the sooner we all acknowledge that and move forward, the better off we’ll be.
Life being what it is, one dreams of revenge.
- Paul Gauguin
That was an excellently written article Skol Girl. If the delimbed guy in the Monty Python skit would have been wearing purple – that would have been the bomb. Ok with Favre – Vikes 25 – Pats 24 – With TJ – Vikes 25 – Pats 24. I have no idea lol. Enjoy the game.
Thanks :)
I figure that just because this season isn’t going the way we hoped it would is no reason to lose our sense of humors—humor may be the only thing that gets us through.
Regardless of who starts at quarterback for the Vikings, and it is looking like it will be Favre, I think the game with the Patriots will be close because the Vikings’ defense will keep the team in the game. Hopefully, the defense can pressure Brady and create turnovers that will give the Vikings’ offense a short field.
Life being what it is, one dreams of revenge.
- Paul Gauguin
your turn to be dissapointed
First off, I am a Jets fan. Secondly I am a Jets fan who thought Brett Favre was going to bring us to the promised land. Thirdly, I think Favre was one of the toughest, most competitive players the NFL has ever seen. How many times has he been sacked hard, had his helmet 1/2 turned around, only to pop up and go back and on the next play throw a completion? I give him that. But he just has let his ego run his decisions rather than recognize his diminished abilities. After his “tenure” in NY, I was dissapointed in how things turned out, obviously. But worst and maybe this is sour grapes, I, like many fans believe Favre was out for two things. To stick it to Green Bay for letting him leave and to further his legacy. He has done NEITHER. Admittedly injured, he chose to play, NOT giving the Jets the best chance to win, but to continue his streak, his legacy. I believe he has tarnished what he has accomplished since leaving Green Bay rather than continue his previous excellence. And now he is doing it to you fans in Minnesota. Is Jackson a better option? You had better believe it. But you might never know until Favre sits himself, cause nobody wants to be the one to tell Favre he is done. And frankly I hope this doesn’t happen, because I would love it to be a chick, a non player who gets him suspended, therefore stopping his streak of consecutive games. There are reports he already admitted sending the voicemails to Ms. Sterger. How far has his ego gotten out of control? I think it would be fitting for Goodell to have to punish/suspend him for behavior detrimental to the league. But until then, you loyal fans will have to suffer for his. As did the jets faithful. His actions both on and off the field have done nothing but bring disgrace and I hope he gets his just due. Good luck on the rest of the year.
Deja Favre
When the reports started coming in that Favre actually thought he could play against the Patriots I had one of those creepy, thunderstruck moments when I knew this must have been how it felt for the Jets fans in 2008 (at least you have Sanchez now). I think that if his teammates meant as much to Favre as he claims, then he would sit this game out and get healthy so he can actually help them through the rest of the season. And, it’s for this very situation that the Vikings shouldn’t have traded Sage Rosenfels away—he’s a seasoned back-up you could feel safe handing the game over to. I’m not sure the same can be said for Tavaris Jackson.
Life being what it is, one dreams of revenge.
- Paul Gauguin
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