How about some hooch in that coffee?

The psychology of sports is really something, isn't it? I’m not an angry individual—I’m really not. Sure, I get upset over some things… even seemingly pointless things, but I don’t get angry. Last night, however, I don’t think I could have expressed any more anger—-which seems rather silly since the Packers, Vikings, Brett Favre, Ted Thompson, or Ragnar don’t affect me in any objective way. But sports fans tend to be very personal about their teams and the drama that surrounds them.

Which, of course, can lead to heartbreak when the desired outcome isn't reached.

Heartbreak? Really? Over a football game?

That’s Packer Nation for you. You idolize a guy growing up and you feel betrayed when he craps all over you. And is that really unreasonable? Favre could have taken the high road when confronted with the “tyranny” of Ted Thompson. But he didn’t. He didn’t even come close.

Of course, I realize that the Vikings were the better team. It really didn’t come down to Favre vs. Rodgers like many were hoping. For me, it comes down to this: which team would have won last night if QB roles were reversed and Rodgers was a Viking and Favre still a Packer?

Unfortunately, the Vikes.

I have no doubt about that, given the way our offensive line acts like a bunch of Sally’s this year. On the flip side, however, who would you want as your QB for the rest of the season? I’m still going Rodgers. Sooner or later, all these so-called analysts will remember that the story of Favre is one of yin and yang, dark and light, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde—-the game will come when he throws three or four picks and costs them the win. Hell, even multiple wins.

-KP

#4 Redux

Chances are that at some point you and I have had a conversation about the soap opera that is Brett Favre and the Green Bay Packers. I haven't hidden the fact that I've sided more with the organization, which says a lot coming from a guy who chucked out a good deal of cash to see Favre play at Lambeau Field--not once, but twice--before he retired. Favre has been the only QB I've really known and I think he's worthy of all the praise Packer nation heaps upon the guy. I am a big Brett Favre fan. Watching him play is spectacular.

During past offseasons, I always cheered for his return for another year--even when he wasn't performing so well and some called for his retirement. After the Packers lost the championship game I still wanted him to come back (even though I thought he had the perfect opportunity to ride off into the sunset). And I won't lie--I felt numb when I first saw the headline stating Favre was retiring. I watched the retirement press conference at my desk at work.

He's a great football player.

Wait, then--if that's true then why have I sided more with the Packers instead of the future Hall of Famer? It comes down to one simple but overarching fact: Brett Favre decided to retire, then decided to unretire. Then the drama began. Who knows... maybe all my criticisms stem from the fact that Favre isn't very media friendly.

But as a certain red-headed hottie said to me today, Favre has kind of acted like a prima donna. The way I see it, how many times did Favre leave the front office wondering if he'd return? This was the one time they gave him a deadline. I don't think that's outrageous. The Packers needed to plan their future--and they gave Favre the power to make that decision, whichever way he wanted. All subsequent actions by the Packers were dictated by Favre. He made the decision, then he unmade it. The "unretirement" was heartbreaking in and of itself. But I can understand why the Packers were less than enthused to take him back based on all their actions, which were all based upon the simple fact that Favre decided to retire.

Would I have liked Favre to play for the Packers again? Absolutely. Do I think the Packers would have won more games this year had Favre been the QB? Yes. However, once Favre retired, I shifted my mindset into supporting the Packers and the development of Aaron Rodgers. He's sat on the bench for three years and it's time to figure out if he's the right guy. It'll suck if he can't do it, but we as Packers fans need to finally know. Can he play as good as he did in college? Are his injuries flukes or is he really made of glass? These questions need to be answered for the long term interests of the team.

Ok, so that's a novel and I didn't mean it to get that lengthy. However, I do want to end this by reiterating one point again: I am a Favre fan. Once I read the news today, I couldn't believe we traded away the man who, for 16 years, was the face of the Green Bay Packers. My previous thoughts and feelings didn't make it any less weird to see him with a Jets hat on and holding up his #4 Jets jersey. I honestly hope he does well, I'll root for him, and I hope he reminds us constantly that we traded away a great QB.



-KP

#4

It's offical: Favre goes to the Jets.

Up until this morning I was surprised by the number of fellow Wisconsinites who sided with the Packers organization over Brett Favre in this bitter, bitter divorce. Then I started text messaging with two of my best friends this morning and realized that a difference of opinions truly does exist. The thing of it is, with the way this all went down, I don't think there is a correct side to take in any of this. It's been a freakin' mess.

I'll post some of my thoughts and feelings on the Favre situation later (when I'm not at work) but check out the poll on the right until then.



-KP