Granted, there still appears to be a large faction that still supports the veteran, but there are also many that wish he would just go away. Given the way fans once worshipped the ground he walked on, it’s a bit surprising that so many are so anxious to start the Aaron Rodgers era. Yes, Favre has put the team in an uncomfortable situation, but he is one of the all-time greats at his position, and fans aren’t normally in a hurry to put those type of players out to pasture until they’ve milked every ounce of everything they have to give
Personally, I believe Packers fans have been thoroughly spoiled over the past 16 seasons, not only by Favre’s ability on the field, but by the fact that he actually stays on the field. He’s the most durable quarterback in NFL history. If Rodgers gets hurt, and chances are he will, the season is shot. The team has two rookies to fall back on. What do you suppose the chances are of the Packers going to the Super Bowl with either Brian Brohm or Matt Flynn running the offense? The law of averages is bound to catch up to this team at some point, and they are not at all prepared for it.
And as the team prepares for the upcoming season, isn’t it the responsibility of the general manager to give the team it’s best chance to win it all? This is a team that is built to win now, and how anyone can feel Rodgers represents that best chance over Favre is beyond me. The guy has looked decent in very limited action, but that’s it. He’s extremely inexperienced, and the league has a way of catching up with young QBs. Keep in mind that Chicago’s Rex Grossman was considered an early contender for league MVP honors about five games into the 2006 season before defenses exposed his weaknesses on a weekly basis. A few shining moments in a mop-up role by Rodgers means very little.
If I were the Packers GM (and Packers fans everywhere should rejoice that I am not) and Brett wanted to come back as a Packer, I’d let him compete with Rodgers for the starting position. May the best man win. Forcing the guy out is career suicide unless Rodgers is nothing short of spectacular.
Here’s something else to think about Packers fans. Remember how anxious the New York Giants were to start the Dave Brown era as Phil Simms approached the end of his career? How’d that work out for ‘em?
Players like Favre don’t come around often, so enjoy them for as long as you can regardless of how indecisive they can be as the end approaches. Favre proved last year that he can still play on a high level. And he should be allowed to continue to play until he proves he can’t. He shouldn’t be sent packing by a general manager anxious to prove he can build a winning team without the superstar that was already on the team when he took the job.
Favre represents the Packers best chance to win it all this season and should be given the opportunity to do just that.
