Brett Favre Squared

Parents of twin boys born in Florida, March 5, 2008 have named the boys "Brett" and "Favre". I think people need to get off of our plan to name our son, "Kaiser".

The Gunslinger Rides Out of Town

After the season ended in January, I wrote that even after coming off of an MVP type year and with all signs logically pointing otherwise, Favre was just enough of a contrarian to go and retire. Unfortunately, I was right (again). Thanks for the memories, Number 4.

A Great Season With a Bad Ending

So the Packers fall at home to the Giants 23-20 in overtime and fail in their bid to go to the Super Bowl. The Packers gave the Giants plenty of opportunities to win and the Giants finally cashed in.

Favre didn't have his best game. His second interception was a killer but the game plan installed by Head Coach Mike McCarthy was questionable. Although, Eli Manning threw the ball 40 times to Favre's 35 times, the Giants had many more snaps and a far higher number of rushing attempts than did the Packers (39-14). Why the Packers didn't run more a week after Ryan Grant went for 201 yards is puzzling. Yeah, the yards weren't there early but you can't just give up on the running game.

All-Pro Cornerback Al Harris was overmatched against Giants' wide receiver Plaxico Burress all game. It didn't help matters that Harris played much of the game with an injured foot. But did the Packers make any adjustments to get Harris help? Uh-uh.

Generally, the tackling was about as poor as I've seen from this team this year. Lots of initial hits in the Giants' backfield still resulted in positive yardage when the first contact is made by someone who bounces off. And for the love of all things Lombardi, Jerrod Bush: FALL ON THE FREAKING BALL. DON'T TRY TO PICK IT UP AND RUN, YOU MORON!!!

That said, the Packers had a great season. Far beyond initial expectations. I figured a 9-7 season and a wild-card playoff spot. They're still the youngest team in the league even with the Old Man of the Mountain, Favre, skewing the numbers. If Favre returns, this year's seasoning can only help them understand what they're capable of and what still needs to be done. Of course, I'm not taking anything for granted until I hear Favre say, "I'm back." While it makes all kinds of sense that he'd come back after having an MVP-calibre season personally and a great year for the team overall, he's just nutty enough to do something unexpected like retire. I'm just not quite ready for the Aaron Rodgers era to begin yet.

America's Favre-orite QB

Dan Marino's record falls as Brett Favre throws for touchdowns numbers 421 and 422 in a 23-16 victory over division rivals, Minnesota Vikings, in the hated Metrodome. In typical self-depreciating fashion, Favre said that despite the record, he still considers Marino to be the best pure passer of all-time. Perhaps, but no one ever had as much fun at quarterback as Favre. Period.

The Old Man and the TD

So, Brett Favre is washed up and a shadow of his former self? Well he isn't what he was in 1996 but given a modicum of talent surrounding him he still appears well able to get the job done and statistically speaking is a top notch QB. It also helps having an offensive line that keeps him on his feet for the most part.

Now tied with Dan Marino for an NFL record 420 touchdown passes, he will easily surpass that mark most likely starting next week. Peyton Manning may be fast approaching but for now the mark will be Favre's. And it should be noted that this year he is doing it without even a hint of a running game.

Can he keep it going all year? Will defenses adjust? Maybe but it's still impressive to see him doing what he's doing at this stage of his career. Next up are the Minnesota Vikings and given their run defense, it will be up to the arm of Favre to find a way to win in the Humpty Dome.