If he had to make a damn decision today, he’d be gone. So just what, exactly, is Brett Favre waiting for? Something us media types have a tendency to overlook: a little perspective.
In reality, with the fifth pick in the upcoming draft, multiple starters returning from injuries, a new coach and an ever-exuberant fan base, the Packers have nowhere to go but up.
Sure, the Pack’s 4-12 campaign in 2005 was the first losing season in Brett Favre’s 14 years as a starter, but that wasn’t entirely his fault. Personally, I don’t think much separated the Packers and the breakout Chicago Bears except bad fortune and a shaken confidence.
Without their top two offensive threats in Ahman Green and Javon Walker, Favre took to the air more than ever this year in a desperate effort to move the ball downfield. Favre threw the ball a ridiculous 607 times, and his resulting 29 interceptions called his infamous playmaking ability into question for the first time. Many even began to wonder if Favre’s 403 career sacks were beginning to catch up to the once cagey field general.
He had to force things, though.
Favre actually tossed 14 touchdowns to just eight picks through the Packers’ first six games. Their record at the time? A lackluster 1-5. It’s only natural that in trying to do more for his flailing team, Favre finally surpassed his limits.
So right now-at the tail end of the Pack’s dismal year-is not the time to ask Brett Favre’s opinion on retirement. Hell, he wanted to retire after last season, too. As the season approaches and the positives steadily become clearer, Favre’s disposition should brighten little by little each day.
But we can’t wait that long, apparently.
Dwelling on the negatives of his worst professional season while scouts dub Vanderbilt’s Jay Cutler the “next Brett Favre” and writers call for the Pack’s “future” in the form of Aaron Rodgers, Favre understandably has a few doubts about his abilities at the moment.
Still, his window probably hasn’t completely closed yet.
In the year before last season, Favre threw for 207 more yards (4088 yards) on 67 less attempts, throwing 30 touchdown passes and only 17 interceptions.
Maybe he hit his wall more suddenly than most in 2005, but last season’s numbers aren’t exactly damning evidence regarding Favre’s competency.
In 1999, Favre had 23 interceptions and a disappointing 74.7 rating before another pedestrian season in 2000 (78.0 rating). In 2001, as Ahman Green enjoyed a breakout season, Favre rebounded with a 94.1 efficiency rating.
That might not happen this time around, but everybody in the state of Wisconsin seems to want Favre in green and gold next season, warts and all. One of the best quarterbacks in NFL history deserves a better send-off. The only question is whether Favre will allow himself that chance.
