While most of us feasted on turkey dinners and spent time with our families on Thanksgiving night while being glued to our TV's for Thursday Night Football, the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears had some unfinished business to settle in the NFC North. Free-falling from the NFC power rankings, Aaron Rodgers and the Packers suffered their most recent loss and fourth in their last five games, at home to the Chicago Bears. On a night in which they honored future Hall of Fame QB Brett Favre and inducted him into their own Hall of Fame by retiring his iconic number 4, the Packers were unable to deliver a victory to the Green Bay faithful on a cold and rainy night at Lambeau.
With Packers great Bart Starr in attendance for the Favre ceremony, Green Bay's current great quarterback Aaron Rodgers had himself a sub-par performance under his own standards. In what's been a rough month for one of the NFC's heavyweights which entered Thursday night's game clinging onto a tie for first place in the NFC North with rival Minnesota, the Packers dropped consecutive games at historic Lambeau Field. Just three weeks after surrendering their first defeat to the Lions at Lambeau Field since 1991, Chicago's Jay Cutler finally escaped the frozen tundra with a win under his belt after failing in his first four attempts. Chicago's defense held off a late surge and comeback attempt by Rodgers and company when a fourth and goal attempt from the 8-yard line went sour for the cheese heads as Packers receiver Devante Adams was unable to come up with what would've been the game-winning touchdown with less than a minute remaining.
James Jones also had a go-ahead grab slip away as the ball was stripped from his grasp in the end zone a play earlier which set up the big fourth and goal try. Cutler threw for 200 yards and a touchdown in the win, besting Rodgers who appeared to be hurt after taking a sack, but came back into the game and threw for 202 yards to go along with a touchdown and a late fourth quarter interception. Packers running back Eddie Lacy rushed for 105 yards on 17 carries and caught Rodgers' lone TD pass, but lost a costly fumble in the first half. The turnover set up the Bears who capitalized on the miscue with a 7-play scoring drive which tied the game at 7 before the half as they improved to 5-6 on the year under first-year head coach John Fox. Meanwhile, Green Bay fell to 7-4 on the season with the loss and currently remain a half game behind (7-3) Minnesota for first place in the NFC North who takes on the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. Green Bay handed the Vikings a loss in their own home just a week ago and are now hoping to get some help from the dirty birds as they try solving their own problems while currently holding onto an NFC Wild Card spot.
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Coming soon to a stadium near you, is the Decision Part II starring the ever aging Quarterback Brett Favre. With most sports fans still recovering from the hangover LeBron's televised decision has led to, we've been given almost no time to prepare for the sequel. Making its fourth appearance in as many consecutive offseasons is the talk of Brett Favre retiring. Rumors had it the 40 year old QB was calling it quits after reports were in that text messages were sent from Favre's phone to a number of his Vikings teammates regarding his decision to hang it up after 19-seasons in the NFL. But after what many are considering to be his best season ever, compiling 4,202 passing yards, 33 touchdown passes and a career best 7 interceptions and a 68.4 completion percentage, it would be hard to believe. And it doesn't help that he's faked a retirement before either.
The only thing slowing him down? His ailing ankle which underwent surgery this past offseason after being hit below the waist and getting tortured in the NFC Championship game by the eventual Super Bowl champion New Orleans Saints. Vikings head coach Brad Childress and kicker Ryan Longwell who has been a friend & teammate of Favre's for 10 years dating back to the time the two spent together in Green Bay, both said they didn't receive any text messages or heard from Favre himself regarding his rumored retirement. Whether or not those rumors were true, the Vikings showed their true desperation and began taking precautionary measures by increasing their offer to Favre for a $16 Million guaranteed salary with another $4 Million in incentives. The new offer is an increase of the previous $13 Million he was offered. However, Favre said he would play if healthy and state his decision had nothing to do with money as usual. How many times have we heard that before?
After giving the Vikings a specific time frame to announce his decision, a rare visit to the teams training facility with friends and teammates took place after Steve Hutchinson, Jared Allen, and Ryan Longwell all took a private jet to Favre's Mississippi home to help make his decision to return for a 20th season a little bit easier. The signing comes several weeks after Favre's last sighting that saw him throwing passes to a group of High School players. With the newly announced grandfather on their on their squad again, the Vikings along with those who bet on sports share a sigh of relief. The effect Favre has on the team was seen not only in training camp with the media or the lack there of, but also in sports books around the globe as their chances of winning the Super Bowl next season dropped drastically when curiosity was in the air regarding Favre's return. But now that he's officially back, the only question still lingering is, if his surgically repaired ankle will hold up for another season?
McNabb out, Kolb in? - For whatever reason, the Philadelphia Eagles have built a reputation for having more than one decent player at the quarterback position at the same time. Donovan McNabb, Michael Vick and Kevin Kolb all seen playing time on the field last season and could all fill a starting role if needed. And after planning to keep all three, the Eagles have begun to at least listen to offers for their over populated QB position, including their most prized possession -- Donovan McNabb. Over the past year or two, McNabb has been rumored to trades, but the organization along with coach Andy Reid have made it clear that those rumors remained just that. But 10 years with the franchise and no rings to show for, talks regarding a trade are once again brewing.This past Wednesday at the owners meeting, Eagles head coach Andy Reid touched on the subject by saying, "I'm currently listening to offers, I'm not saying we're doing anything, but we're keeping our ears open." Immediately as the news broke, the St. Louis Rams were rumored to be a possible suitor for the 6-time Pro Bowl QB. But with the first overall pick in this year's draft, Oklahoma Heisman Trophy winner Sam Bradford seems to be the man on St. Louis' wish list. As far as best fits go, ESPN's NFL Live believes another team in the NFC West would be the perfect destination for McNabb, the Arizona Cardinals. The man himself however, says if he were to be dealt, he would prefer playing as a Minnesota Viking which creates some more drama. Would the Vikings choose the a 33-year old McNabb over a 40-year old Brett Favre?With the world not knowing what his next move might be and an unsure veteran in Brett Favre, depending on whether the Vikings are willing to wait for his decision, patience might be the key in this situation. Minnesota head coach Brad Childress, however, said he would give Favre as much time as he needed to make up his mind. Last season saw the 3-time NFL MVP return for his 18th year, as late as August 18th, less than a month before the start of the regular season. But if they plan to keep their word and wait for the never aging Brett Favre, McNabb may be off the market by the time his decision is made. Eagles back-up QB Kevin Kolb seen some brief action as the starter last year when McNabb went down with an injury. Despite a 1-1 record, Kolb became the first quarterback in NFL history to throw for more than 300 yards in each of his first two career starts. As for Michael Vick, well I'm sure you know about him by now.Other possible destinations for McNabb, are the Buffalo Bills, Oakland Raiders and the Arizona Cardinals. All of which are unsure of who the starting quarterback will be come the start of the 2010-2011 NFL season. Could this be the end of the McNabb era in Philly?
To retire or not to retire, that is the question! - Now that the Minnesota Vikings are officially eliminated from the Playoffs, the ongoing and never ending rumors of Brett Favre's possible retirement come into play. After Favre's Vikings failed at an attempt to book their trip to Miami for this year's Superbowl by losing to the New Orleans Saints, Favre told ESPN's Ed Werder "It's unlikely I'll return" when being asked how this game will effect his decision to play next year. Yeah, like we haven't heard that before. I refuse to fall for and believe anything that comes out of Brett's mouth regarding his retirement and I'm sure the world will agree with me. However, if Favre does decide to finally hang it up and live up to his words of retirement, it'll mean his legacy would end on an interception. Then again, that's been the case in all of his last 3 seasons. Favre's final pass as a Packer, Jet and Viking have all resulted in interceptions and could possibly be the reason why he keeps coming back for more. It would be a sour ending to the long 18 year career Favre has had in the NFL and I know I wouldn't want my final pass to be a pick. But with the shots the 40 year old QB took in last Sunday's game against the Saints defense and for him to still return in the game after injuring his left leg, I don't think we'll ever see the end of number 4. & If he does decide to return for a 19th season, it's likely he'll make us wait on the edge of our seats and announce his return towards the end of training camp or just days before the regular season starts. Even though his team came short of Superbowl XLIV, Favre set playoff records for pass completions and passing yards. Both records that were previously held by the great Joe Montana. So sit back, relax and get a few tubs of pop-corn ready while Brett Favre gets set to lead us on another edition of journeying through his 'false retirements'.
Saints make history - In a game that live up to all expectations by giving us a spectacular overtime extravaganza, one team was sent home as the other punched their ticket to Superbowl XLIV. The 31-28 victory over the Minnesota Vikings was the first ever win for the New Orleans Saints in an NFC Conference Championship, resulting in the team's first Superbowl appearance in franchise history. However, the final score only tells a fraction of the story. By looking at the box score and the way the Vikings dominated almost every statistical category possible, you would think Minnesota would have came out on top before viewing the final score. But a number of costly turnovers late in the game would prove to be just that -- costly.Saints Quarterback Drew Brees didn't have his typical game by throwing for some absurd amount of yards, but he did manage to throw 3 touchdowns, despite being held under 200 yards. The Pro-Bowl QB who has been replaced in this year's All-Star game, finished the day with 197 yards on 17 of 31 passing attempts. Brett Favre on the other hand, had the big day between the two in the passing game. The future Hall of Famer threw for 1 touchdown and 310 yards on 28 of 46 passing attempts. But Favre's biggest throw of the the game, would be his last. Deep in Saints territory with 12 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter and a chance to win the game in regulation, Favre threw a questionable pass across his body in traffic intended for WR Sidney Rice. Instead, the pass was picked off by Saints CB Tracy Porter, preventing the Vikings to possibly kick the game winning field goal and book a trip to Miami.Although Favre clearly made a mistake, it was the Vikings coaching staff who deserves to be blamed. On the play prior to the interception, Minnesota was penalized 5 yards for having too many men on the field(12), knocking them out of field goal range. Also worth mentioning was the play calling. The final Vikings play that Favre threw an interception on should have been a run, as the team still had a timeout left. & It didn't help that Favre's injured left leg kept him from running for a few yards either. Regardless, the pick then led to overtime, where the Saints won the toss and the rest is history. On the Saints' first possession of overtime, kicker Garrett Hartley nailed a 40-yard field goal to send the team to Miami. Even though the Saints won fair and square, this was the type of game that you wish had the college overtime rules instead of sudden death, given you knew whichever team won the coin toss was going to win the game. And sure enough, that's what happened.Fans that were at one point hiding their faces with paper bags, now have all the reason in the world to feel nothing short of proud as they can finally embrace their team as winners. The coaches and players however, will tell you they haven't accomplished anything until they win the Superbowl. With a little bit of help from their noisy fan base, the Saints won their first ever NFC tittle in front of a loud crowd of 71,276 screaming fans, marking the largest crowd ever in the Superdome for a Saints game. With that being said, WHO DAT? WHO DAT? WHO DAT SAY DEY GONNA BEAT DEM SAINTS?!?!?
Noteworthy - Despite the numerous fumbles, Vikings RB Adrian Peterson ran for 122 yards and 3 touchdowns alone, as the Saints' duo of Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush ran for a combined 69 yards with only 1 touchdown to show for. Sunday's game hosted 6 fumbles and a total of 6 turnovers (Minnesota-5, New Orleans-1), including 2 inside the red zone. Turnovers proved to be the key factor in the downfall of the Vikings and the glory of the Saints.
After Sunday's 34-3 beating the Vikings served the Cowboys, fans have quickly forgotten how weak Minnesota finished the season off. & Similar to year's past, Tony Romo proved he couldn't get over the hump as he went touchdown-less and was taken down by the Vikings defense for a total of six sacks which resulted in three fumbles by the Cowboys quarterback. To make matters worse, Romo also threw an interception, giving him three turnovers on the day, his most since Week 2. The other team's QB however, made sure Dallas wouldn't beat him in the playoffs for a fourth time. Prior to Sunday's game, Brett Favre faced the Cowboys in the postseason a total of three times, all resulting in losses for the future Hall of Famer.Not only did Favre prevent the team from beating him for a fourth time by winning on Sunday, but he did it by setting a personal best, throwing for a playoff career-high four touchdowns. In spite of his magnificent performance, Favre had to give much thanks to the Vikings defense who decided to show up for once, after failing to deliver all season long and cause me my fantasy team(but that's another story). The 'D' held Romo in check all game long and kept him from targeting Miles Austin who has become one of his favorite targets along with TE Jason Witten. Throughout the season Austin has proved to be a nightmare to defend, but finished Sunday's game with only 4 receptions and 34 yards to show for. Witten led all Cowboys with 10 receptions for 98 yards, while neither team's run game would play much of a factor.Helping Favre reach a new career best in postseason touchdowns, was wide-out Sidney Rice who was on the receiving end of three of them. Favre has made a star receiver out of Rice as the two have become a dominant duo this season, connecting for a total of 8 touchdowns. Prior to Favre's arrival this year, Rice had only 8 receiving touchdowns in his first 2 years combined. Rice would finish the day with 6 receptions for 141 yards and 3 touchdowns. But after Favre's fourth and final touchdown pass with just under 2 minutes remaining and the game well out of reach, Cowboys veteran linebacker Keith Brooking had a few words for Favre as he followed the QB back to the sidelines. Brooking complained that the Vikings were rubbing it in and took offense by calling it "totally classless and disrespectful." The Cowboys players called it racking up the score, but it looked almost as if Dallas had given up. Jim Rome said it best on his show 'Jim Rome Is Burning' by saying, "Just because the Cowboys were done competing for the day and wanted to get off the field as fast as they could, it doesn't mean the Vikings were."But despite the 34-point shellacking Jerry Jones' boys received, Jones still believes in his head coach Wade Phillips as the two reached an agreement on an extension to Phillips' contract that will keep him in Dallas through the 2011 season. As disappointment hits Dallas for yet another year, the Minnesota faithful hope to see their team win the Superbowl for the first time in franchise history. & If they do, we all know who to thank, a guy named Brett. With the victory last Sunday, Favre became the first 40 year old starting quarterback to win a playoff game. Not bad for an old man.
BREAKING NEWS: Brett Favre and the Minnesota Vikings will have to do without Rookie receiver and kick returner Percy Harvin. As of right now Harvin is doubtful with migraines, but could play on Sunday as it'll be a game-time decision.
Mark your calenders, the day is finally here. Brett Favre and the Vikings head to Green Bay for the first time this season, and the first time for Favre as a visitor. You already know it'll be an emotional game thanks to Favre's drama filled return to the frozen tundra of Lambeau field, but the closing distance of the NFC North standings should make this game that much more interesting. The last time Favre played at Lambeau, his final pass resulted in an interception and his tenure with the team ended on a sour note. Now he'll be able to change all of that. What he won't be able to change is how the fans in Green Bay react.
As if you haven't had enough Favre in the past year or so, he does it again. Another come from behind win for Brett Favre and the Minnesota Vikings, this time against the Baltimore Ravens (33-31). Like the rest of 'em, it might seem like just another victory under #4's belt, but this one gives Favre something he's never done before, and that's start a season 5-0. Although it's a career first, I'm amazed Favre never reached the accomplishment during his tenure with the Packers, as he served 16 long seasons in Green Bay. Instead it comes during his first season as quarterback of the rival Vikings, go figure.With the football season already reaching week 7, the Vikings would be a good bid to win the NFC Championship. But I'm not convinced yet they can stick around with another undefeated NFC foe, and that's Drew Brees & the New Orleans Saints. It's still early on in the season, but if those two were to face off in the playoffs, we'd see quite the battle between two explosive offenses.
Tonight, Brett Favre could make history and become the first player in NFL history to defeat all 32 current teams, if he beats the Green Bay Packers. Why hasn't Favre beaten the Cheese Heads before might you ask? Because he's never played against them! After 16 long eventful seasons in the Gold and Green, Favre will get his first shot at his former team. Many think Favre signed with the Vikings to seek revenge on his former team, but Favre continues to say that couldn't be further from the truth.Whether or not revenge is what Favre seeks, tonight's game will be one for the decades. The Vikings - Packers rivalry on Monday Night Football is already huge enough, but with Favre on opposite sides for once makes it that much more exciting. In fact it should be EPIC! Although my money is on Minnesota, I think it'll be Adrian Peterson who makes the biggest impact and takes home the game ball. But with #4 on the field, you never know what's going to happen, as he once again proved that by pulling a miracle win out of his ass last week against my 49ers.Earlier today, ESPN's Sports Nation dedicated an entire segment on Favre. But heading into tonight's game, the Green Bay fans have to be the ones shaking in their boots. After Favre led them to the promise land time after time and put them in a situation to win, they'll now have to witness the greatest Packer of all time play against them. After all, Wisconsin did name a day after the guy -- Brett Favre day. Many are saying it'll be the most watched NFL game of the regular season. With that being said, ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL!?!
Heading into today's game, the battle between both Adrian Peterson and Frank Gore was one to look forward to. However the result couldn't have been any further from those predictions as the running game had almost nothing to do with the game itself. The game got ugly quick for San Francisco, as 49ers running back Frank Gore was injured on his first and only run of the game. Gore was seen immediately after the play limping to the sideline before heading to the locker room to get checked on. Peterson on the other hand was kept touchdown-less and had his first sub 100-yard rushing game of the season.
As both teams headed into the locker room for halftime, the momentum was on the 49ers side, as they blocked a field-goal that was returned for a touchdown with time expiring giving San Francisco a 14-13 lead. After the half, both teams exchanged the lead, highlighted by a kick return Vikings rookie Percy Harvin ran back 101-yards deep for a touchdown. 49ers tight end Vernon Davis then led the way with a 20-yard touchdown reception with 8-minutes left in the game. The rest of the game all came down to the timing. San Francisco seemed to have had this one in the bag already, but with Brett Farve on the opposite side of the field, you never know what's going to happen. & The future hall of famer proved that by throwing and completing a 32-yard touchdown pass to Vikings receiver Greg Lewis, with 2-seconds remaining on the clock. The game winning reception was also Lewis' first catch of the season.
As heartbreaking as the loss was, coach Singletary nit-picked the positives and said it was good to taste, chew and swallow a loss now, rather than later on in the season. Another good thing was that all three other NFC West teams also lost, giving the Niners sole possession of first place in the division. Next week the 49ers hope to redeem themselves as they welcome the struggling St. Louis Rams to Candle Stick park. The Lambs are the only team in the division that remains win-less.
49er notables; QB Shaun Hill completed 15-passes out of 25-attempts, for 2-touchdowns and 1-interception. TE Vernon Davis had 7-receptions for 96-yards and 2-touchdowns.
After Brett Favre played in the NFL for 16 years, he retired, then made a comeback, and then retired again...Or so we thought. Now he's back for the third time, this time for a 2-year stay...Hopefully. Just days after two unnamed Viking players told officials that Brett Favre would sign with the team, he did. Brett Favre flew into Minnesota via private jet and announced his signing with the team. Favre held a Live press conference wearing a beat up hat and some ragged clothes, as if he just got out of training camp. Oh that's right, he did. Fresh off the plane and out of Vikings training camp, he addressed the media and answered questions about his return.Favre mentioned numerous times that signing with the Vikings isn't to get revenge on his former team and Minnesota's rival - The Green Bay Packers, but many still think it is, including me. Now that he's back in the NFC North, his former Packer teammates will finally be on opposite ends for the first time to get a piece of their long time Quarterback. When asked whether or not they were looking forward to the match-up, The Packers Defense said they couldn't wait to get their hits in on Favre. The teams will face each other twice this season, once in each stadium. This has to leave a shitty taste in Sage Rosenfels mouth, who was re-signed in February as he was looking forward to being the starting QB this season, after learning Tavaris Jackson went down earlier in training camp with an injury. He'll now have to sit on the bench alongside Jackson and wait for his name to be called if any action will be coming his way.Age is a lingering question as to why the Vikings would make such a desperate acquisition, but playing in doors at the Minnesota Metrodome would keep Favre warm and out of the freezing cold in which he played in at Lambeu Field for 16 straight seasons. The Vikings are a team dominated by their Running game led by RB Adrian Peterson, but with the Future Hall Of Famer Brett Favre into the mix, their passing ability will now be just as lethal as their running ability. Favre doesn't have the same mojo in his arm that he used to have, but his veteran presence and leadership skills will help this team in more than one way.Many people think Favre has become a pest and just wish he would go away, and I'm one of them. But with the return of Brett Favre, I believe this will somewhat overshadow Michael Vick's incident and take a bit of pressure off of him. It was easy to say just days ago that Michael Vick was the talk of the NFL, but now all eyes are on Favre's return to the league. Will that remain the talk of the league once the regular season starts? Only time will tell.Favre who underwent surgery this past offseason for a torn rotator-cuff, signed a 2-year deal worth $25 Million dollars. Favre brings with him his resume, which includes: The only player to win the AP Most Valuable Player three consecutive times (1995–97.)[6] He led the Packers to seven division championships (1995, 1996, 1997, 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2007), four NFC Championship Games (1995, 1996, 1997, and 2007), winning two (1996 and 1997), and two Super Bowl appearances, winning one (Super Bowl XXXI).& He also holds lots of NFL records such as: most career touchdown passes (464), most career passing yards (65,127), most career pass completions (5,720), most career pass attempts (9,280), most career interceptions thrown (310), most consecutive starts among NFL quarterbacks (269; 291 total starts including playoffs)--just one away from tying the all-time consecutive starts record for any position-- and most career victories as a starting quarterback (169).Favre training with the Vikings just hours before his press conference
