Can Favre Favre the Favreless?
If you’re not sure why Monday night’s game between the Vikings (-3.5) and the Packers was the second most anticipated game in the NFL this season, then the rock you’ve been living under is a dark place, dark, full of shame and empty of Tivo. Take a moment and let it wash over you.
Let’s be honest, this game has nothing to do with teams, and everything to do with Minnesota’s newly acquired ringleader Brett Favre, the long-time Packer facing his former team for the first time since his departure from Green Bay. After a rollercoaster season with the Jets, and a rumor-plagued offseason regarding his return to football, Favre finally found Minnesota’s offer too tempting to resist and joined a Vikings team that is going far.
Favre has it all. With a capable receiving core in Percy Harvin and Chester Taylor, an adoring fan base and the best running back in football in Adrian Peterson (357 yards and 4 touchdowns in 3 games), Favre’s Vikings appear to be the clear favorites to clinch. the NFC. North playoff spot. That is, unless Green Bay has something to say about it.
Green Bay enters Minneapolis calmly on Monday after roughing up the Rams 36-17 in St. Louis. While he didn’t quite get over the hangover of a surprising 31-24 loss to the Bengals in Week 2, quarterback Aaron Rodgers took command, connecting on 13 of 23 attempts for 269 passing yards, 2 touchdowns and, for good measure, , running for a touchdown of his own. In his second full season in charge of a Favreless Packer team, Aaron Rodgers has racked up 32 touchdowns on nearly 5,000 passing yards in his first 19 games. While their production hasn’t translated into as many wins as the Pack would hope (8-11), this Green Bay team has a chip on their shoulder that could give them the edge they need heading into what could be a critical game in decide who takes the NFC North crown.
Minnesota has had minimal resistance in getting off to its strong start. Managing the Browns and Lions like any competent team would, Favre… well… Favre’d the 49ers in Week 3, throwing a last-minute pass, 32 yards, perfect placement to Greg Lewis to take the Vikings to first place in the division. This is what we’ve all been waiting for: the new sheriff in town defending his honor against the organization that tried to send him out to pasture. If any team could walk into the Metrodome and come out with a win, it’s the Green Bay Packers. However, despite regaining his footing against a ridiculous Rams squad, expect Rodgers to spend most of the night on his back as his offensive line continues to struggle to protect the pass and secure the Vikings victory.
The first act will go to Minnesota, but the question remains: How will Lambeau fare? Stay tuned.
Final Score: 24 – 20 Vikings