Here we go again. And again. The NFL Network is reporting that Brett Favre of the Minnesota Vikings is on a plane headed for the Twin Cities.

The presumption is that Favre wants to play a 20th season.

So the question is this: Is he going to play for the Vikings, or is he headed to the Mall of America?

Maybe he’s going to look for a pair of pantyhose?  How about a nunny?

This is getting really old. He might be a terrific QB, but he’s also a spoiled baby. Retire all ready! Your getting OLD! Coach the little kids in your home town. Do something useful with your life. Stop playing these childish games!

Now before I get into this post let me make something perfectly clear, I am a Cowboys fan.  I have done my fair share of Brett Favre bashing over the last few years.  I have written a series of posts (6 episodes to be exact) entitled *Should I Stay Or Should I Go* when Brett Favre and the Packers were going through their lovers spat. I wrote a post shortly after he was traded to the Jets. I wrote a post when Favre signed with the Minnesota Vikings. There have been numerous cartoons posted by people having fun at Favres expense. There was even a *Brett Favre Drinking Game* posted when Minnesota and Greenbay played on Monday Night Football earlier this season. Needless to say I have not been his biggest fan over the past few years. I respect what he has been able to accomplish during his career, but his antics over the last few years have really gotten to me as a fan of the game.  Having said all that, now I’m going to tell Viking fans why they SHOULD hope Brett Favre comes back for another season.

There was a poll question put up by one of the local newspapers in Minnesota that asked the question *Do you want Brett Favre to return to the Vikings next season*.  71% of the fans want Favre back next season. 29% do not want him to return next year.  For the Viking fans 0ut there that want Favre to return, the rest of this article is not directed at you. You understand that without Brett Favre your Vikings would not have been playing in the NFC Championship game last night. You realize that without Brett Favre you would not have won the NFC North, and may have not even made the playoffs.  You understand that you have 2 backup quarterbacks (at best)  that could have been named your starting quarterback had Favre decided to stay retired.  Your are the same fans that hung your head in your hands last night when you saw Favre come limping off the field, because you were in fear that the hopes and dreams of making it to the Superbowl could rest in Tavaris Jackson’s hands.  You guys and girls understand it.

To the Viking fans that do not want Favre to return next year I only have one question for you. Why? Do you understand that you were NOT a Superbowl contending team when you had Tavaris Jackson as your starting quarterback? Do you feel you would be better off at the quarterback position with Sage Rosenfels under center?  Are you making an emotional decision based on Favre’s costly interception in last nights game?  You must be, because that is the only reason I could possibly see for you not to want Favre to return.  Now I’m not going to say that his interception didn’t rip your hearts out. Trust me when I say, Packer fans know your pain.  If we have our honest caps on then I can honestly tell you that Brett Favre is not the reason the Vikings lost last night. His interception didn’t help things, but it certainly wasn’t the reason for the loss in the Superdome last night.

If your going to place the blame on Favre’s shoulders, then I’m sure it was his fault for the 12 men in the huddle penalty as well right? If you remember correctly they were in *reasonable field goal* range prior to that penalty. Favre was trying to make a play (as he has done his entire career) and things didn’t work out the way he thought they would.  No one got upset when Favre threw a 50 yard hail mary into the back of the endzone (with 3 defenders) in the area at the end of the 49′ers game. Oh thats right, no one said anything because the Vikings won the game. That was just *Favre Being Favre*.  That was some of the old mans magic right? Viking fans you are going to have to learn the same thing the Packer fans had to. You take Brett Favre for better or worse.  Having Favre as your quarterback is like that relationship that makes you laugh, cry, and want to pull your hair out.  Yes he could have continued running when he rolled out to pick up a few yards.  He isn’t the most mobile quarterback in the league, especially after the beating he took last night.  Bringing Longwell out for a 50+ yard attempt wasn’t a sure thing, so please don’t think it was a guaranteed win. When kicking a 50+ yard field goal (even indoors) its not always automatic. 50+ yards isn’t a chip shot.

I am almost certain that it wasn’t Brett Favre coughing up the football 3 times (one in the redzone), that would have been Adrian Peterson.  Do you want him gone too? Peterson leads the league in fumbles since entering the league in 2007.  Of course you don’t want him gone, because he is an explosive playmaker. You will make every excuse under the sun to justify why you want him on your roster, but you don’t want Favre back? I just don’t understand why there are fans out there that don’t understand that the offense is so much better with Favre running it. Here are a few numbers that jump off the stats sheet. These are just a few of the *playmakers* that started getting a lot of media attention after Favre came to town.  Were going to break this down into two categories,  Before Favre and With Favre.

Sidney Rice.

Before Favre ( These numbers are a combination of season totals for the 07 and 08 season)

46 Receptions

393 Yards

8 Touchdowns

With Favre

83 Receptions

1,312 Yards

8 Touchdowns.

Your ready to start renaming streets and babies after Sidney after that kind of season aren’t you?  Lets look at another one shall we?

Visanthe Shiancoe

Before Favre ( Once again combination of season totals for the 07 and 08 season)

69 Receptions

919 Yards

8 Touchdowns

With Favre

56 Receptions

596 Yards

11 Touchdowns

Now you will notice a drop in the yards and receptions, he missed 3 games this season. I’m sure the drop off also has something to do with the addition of Percy Harvin, and the breakout season of Sidney Rice. I am not going to break down the entire offense, I think you get my point.

Viking fans if your perfectly content with your newly found *playmakers* going back to being average then send Favre out to pasture and go with one of your backups. You could even draft a quarterback in the upcoming draft. As long as you are fully aware of the fact that you will go back to being a stagnate below average offense, as you were with Tavaris Jackson under center. Are you ok with going through a *rebuilding* process with a rookie quarterback? Especially after the season you just had, winning the division and making a deep run into the playoffs? There are a lot of question that you have to answer going into next season. Soul searching if you will.

My intent is not to defend Brett Favre, merely pointing out that he is not the sole reason for loss last night.

]]> http://www.ickscorner.com/2010/01/vikings-fans-can-we-talk/feed/ 8 http://www.ickscorner.com/2009/09/pure-greatness-3/ http://www.ickscorner.com/2009/09/pure-greatness-3/#comments Wed, 09 Sep 2009 22:19:58 +0000 Ick http://www.ickscorner.com/?p=3761

*Submitted by Mr Ol’ Broad*

The Conversation as I expect it’s going now that the drama queen is now a Viking…

Yes I know I said I was retired, and I didn’t feel I could compete at the level it takes to play in the NFL.  My plan is working perfectly, I wanted to play for the Vikings when I was throwing my temper tantrum in Greenbay. Isn’t it funny how Brad Childress is expecting lil ole me to save his job? Look how that worked out for Eric Mangini! Can you believe the Jets organization and the fans ate up that crap I was peddling about being there to do whatever it takes to win the Jets a championship? Little did they know I was there just as a hired guns. Yes I know I told the Vikings organization, and the fans the same thing at the press conference a few days ago.  I was *Broadway Brett* in New York, I haven’t been given a swell nickname by the Vikings yet. I am being called a few names in the press and by the fans, but who cares. I sure don’t care what anyone thinks about me! I’m laughing all the way to the bank, oh and I’m still a starting qb in the NFL. The guys on the team don’t seem to upset that my plan to miss all 2 a days and other mandatory team activities worked perfectly. They should just be glad I’m here, I mean I am Brett Favre!

I can’t believe Packer fans are so upset. I mean they still get to see me in all my greatness every week. God I give those Cheeseheads a Championship and now they don’t seem to care about me.  Sure they wanted me to retire a Packer legend, and never wear another teams uniform.  Sure I spent 16 seasons with them, and we had a lot of fun, but I wanted to play. They didn’t seem to like the fact that I tried to hold the team hostage each season.  Threatening them with the possibility of retirement.  Who the hell does Ted Thompson think he is? You don’t tell Brett Favre what your going to do, Brett Favre tells you what he is going to do! No I don’t feel bad for my comments the other day about *If your a true Packer fan, then you will understand me playing for the Vikings”. Why would I? That would mean I actually care about someone other then myself. I want to be the center of attention, and dammit I am going to be the center of attention. ESPN has me on every other segment, and they have to document every time I pick my nose, or go to the bathroom. They obviously recognize my greatness! Well I have to go now. Even though I can run the Vikings offense in my sleep because I’m Brett Favre, I have to pretend to play *Captain Save A Coach” and study this play book.  These coaches are so funny, they think I’m actually going to follow a playbook. I’m Brett Favre! Mr Interception, and most importantly Mr Do whatever I want! Now I really have to go, I need to get my beauty sleep.

Picture shamefully swiped from Silent e

Usually, you come here on Wednesday’s and get a recap of the good work on ESPN’s E:60. Half of the show was pre-empted last night because of Brett Favre’s press conference. Enough on him. That’s reason No. 1 I can’t stand him right now.

No. 2 — He did nothing for the Falcons. He was a punk in Atlanta before being traded after his rookie season to Green Bay.

No. 3 — People, including me, have had to listen to people on TV talk about him for months and years. It’s been the same thing the past two years. How about talking about the World Track Championships instead. Or the baseball pennant race. Or NASCAR.

Favre’s one positive — In the 2002-03 NFL playoffs, he turned he ball over three times (of the Packers five) as the Falcons beat them in Green Bay, the Packers’ first-ever home playoff loss. Atlanta won 27-7.

Watch the videos and read the rest here.

Seriously, I get the impression this young fellow doesn’t much care for Favre.  Heh.

In all seriousness, there are many positive things Favre could have done with his retirement.  Instead, all I see is an ego getting in the way of common sense.  He played with Packer fans so long, it got to the point he was nothing more than a joke.  He’s now hitting middle age, so wouldn’t you think he’d have grown up enough to realize…..NOBODY  GIVES A FLYING FLIP ANYMORE!

Hall of Famer Fran Tarkenton, appearing on 790 The Zone in Atlanta, said “it’s all about” Favre when discussing the subject and also had some interesting comments about NFL owners in general. Tarkenton, a resident of the Atlanta area, didn’t need any encouragement to go after Favre and was especially critical of how the future Hall of Fame QB has treated the Packers after playing 16 seasons in Green Bay.

“I think it’s despicable. What he put the Packers through last year was not good,” said Tarkenton, who played for the Vikings from 1961-66 and again from 1972-78. ”Here’s an organization that was loyal to him for 17, 18 years, provided stability of organization, provided players. It just wasn’t about Brett Favre. In this day and time, we have glorified the Brett Favre’s of the world so much, they think it’s about them. He goes to New York and bombs. He’s 39 years old. How would you like Ray Nitschke in his last year [playing for] the Vikings, or I retire, and go play for the Packers? I kind of hope it happens, so he can fail.”

Favre was once a quite respected icon of Packer fans. Now, he’s just a whiny little tiddy baby who can’t figure out when to fish, or cut bait. It’s a real shame that Favre hasn’t figured it out….no one cares anymore. He’s played his song and dance long enough and it’s time to go back to the farm.

You know its the NFL off season when you can’t turn on ESPN without the latest Brett Favre drama. For the last 4 years its been *Will Favre return to the Packers*, then last season it was trade me or I’m going to sit in the corner and pout until I get my way. Now this season its being reported that Favre is looking at coming out of RETIREMENT (again), and signing with the Vikings. There’s a F**King surprise. Favre yet again tells a team he is going to retire, then finds Football Jesus, suddenly has seen the light, and wants to play again. Who didn’t see this coming? I mean seriously, Favre made it known he wanted to go play for the Vikings last season.

Packer fans is this an even bigger kick in the crotch then last years tear eyed press conference? It was hard enough to watch him play for the Jets, but now there is a chance you could see him twice a year in a Vikings uniform? I do have a few bright spots for you Packer fans though!

1. You know Favre is good for atleast 3 interceptions a game late in the season. So when you guys play the Vikings late in the season, your secondary is going to have a feeding frenzy on their hands.

2. Don’t  think bad of yourselves when you start to wish for season ending injuries as the result of a Favre sack! After all Favre has put you guys through, it is completely acceptable to wish for such things.

I really hope that Favre decides to stay retired. Course I wished for the same thing last season, only to  be beaten over the head by ESPN for an entire season. From the pissing contest between the Packers and Favre, to the Jets training camp, to all the Rodgers/Favre comparisons. Please go back to the tractor, while wearing your Wranglers you so comfortable in, and enjoy your millions!!

This was the scene a few weeks after a heartbreaking lost to the Giants in the playoffs last year. Brett Favre decides to retire after 17 years, 16 as a starting quarterback in the NFL. Even thought Packer fans knew this day would come, the Packer-nation cried with Favre. Not only because they were losing what had become the face of their franchise, but a 13-3 team was being turned over to Aaron Rodgers. Roughly a month later Favre says *Hey guys I was just kidding, I want to play again*.  Packer fans were torn by this news, some wanted to welcome him back with open arms, some wanted him to just walk away. The off season for the Packers team, and franchise was a stressful one. Decisions on what to do with Favre, should we let him come back? Should we stay with our commitment to Rodgers? How do we continue to let Favre hold our franchise hostage? And so let the drama begin….

The Packers front office decide to stand up to the diva quarterback, telling him he could report to training camp and compete for the starting job. *Bravo*!  Favre requests the team out right release him, so he could explore his options *go play for division rival Minnesota Vikings, or Chicago Bears* The Packers were having none of that *Bravo again* Instead the Packers work out a trade, to send Favre not only of the division, but out of the NFC all together.

Fast forward roughly a month.

The sports world is shocked by the news that Brett Favre, the iconic face of the Packers franchise had been traded to the New York Jets. The nickname *Broadway Brett* would soon follow. Trying to find salary cap room to accommodate the roughly $12 million dollar salary that came with Favre, the Jets decide to cast Chad Pennington out with the trash. This move would later divide the locker room. Favre and the Jets start winning some games, all is good in Jets country. The Jets find themselves cruising right along. Favre was making an effort to tone down the *gunslinger* mentality, and actually take the term *ball control* seriously.  The Jets hung around in the division race, and had a chance to win their division, but failed to close the deal. With their horrible play down the stretch, and the true Favre returning (2 TD Passes/9 Interceptions) the Jets find themselves sitting on their couch watching the playoffs.

Under normal circumstances when a player begins to play poorly, that player is benched. Favre was never benched during this stretch. This would  divide the locker room again, and lead Thomas Jones (Jets Runningback) to call out Favre in an interview earlier this week.  For the fourth season in a row, the *Will Favre Retire Watch* is on. Sources are reporting that Favre has told the Jets organization to look in a different direction at the quarterback position. Sound familiar? While I watched Favre run off the field after the loss to the Dolphins last week (led by Chad Pennington) I found myself  hoping Favre was running off the field for the last time.

Brett Favre has had one hell of a career. Filled with ups and downs, emotional highs and lows. One of my fondest memories of Favre, is the Monday Night Football game he played the day after his father passed away.  22/30 for 399 yards and 4 touchdown passes. In a career that has spanned 18 years, in my opinion this was Favre’s finest game ever. Hopefully Favre will finally walk away from the game he loves so much. Now is the time for Favre to go back to the farm, and enjoy his family. He should be proud of all he has accomplished in his 18 year career.

]]> http://www.ickscorner.com/2009/01/this-time-walk-away/feed/ 2 http://www.ickscorner.com/2008/09/4th-and-inches-2/ http://www.ickscorner.com/2008/09/4th-and-inches-2/#comments Tue, 23 Sep 2008 13:08:18 +0000 Ick http://www.ickscorner.com/?p=1513

Here is your weekly look inside the NFL.. I’m going to have to start out in Cleveland this week.

Cleveland was a 10-6 team that barely missed the playoff last year, but find themselves starting the season 0-3.  Once golden boy Derek Anderson is loosing his luster at a blistering rate this year, and is now on the hot seat. The Browns decided to sign Anderson to a 3 year $24 Million dollar deal last year after his stellar performance. Remember the Browns also have former Notre Dame QB  Brady Quinn on the bench, itching to get his chance to start for his childhood favorite Browns. Well Brady, you might just get your wish, because we are starting to see a quarterback coversy in Cleveland!

Gadget plays are always fun to see, they also sometimes mark a teams desperation to score. In the above video Boise State pulls out the old “Statue OF Liberty” play to successfully convert a 2 point conversion upsetting Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl. Which leads me down south to Florida.

The Miami Dolphins not only upset the New England Patriots, but they embarrassed them. Not only on the score board, but they embarrassed their defense scoring on the same gadget play 3 times in one game. Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown lined up as the QB, while Chad Pennington lined up as a WR. This should have been the first sign to the defense that a gadget play was coming. The old saying fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice shame on me, seemed to be fitting while watching the highlights from this game.

Moving right along to New Orleans,

Recent addition Jeremy Shockey is expected to miss 3-6 weeks after undergoing hernia surgery. Now I won’t go as far as to say this is as big a loss to the Saints as Marques Colston was, but this can’t help matters. The Saint’s had no trouble putting points on the board in their loss at Denver this weekend, but honestly that’s not saying much. The Denver defense has given up some 1500 yard total offense in their last 2 games. With the recent play of the 49ers, this week will should be a test for this Saints offense.

Moving right along to the city with the worse fans in sports,

Brian Westbrook is now listed day to day after suffering what the Eagles are calling ankle strain. The Steelers/Eagles game was one the crew had to watch, and I gotta tell you, when Westbrook when down it look worse then a ankle strain. With the Eagles already missing two WR due to injury, the possible loss of Westbrook even for one game is a big one. As Jaws pointed out on Monday Night Football, Westbrook has to be accounted for each and every play because he is such a versatile back. If Steeler fans were hoping for a gassed Eagles defense coming off of the Monday Night shootout in Dallas, they would soon learn that’s exactly what it was, a hope. The Eagles defense held the Steelers to just 6 points, and sacked Big Ben 7 times.

Now we head up to the soon to be frozen tundra,

The Packers take a big hit in their secondary after Sundays nights loss to the Cowboys. Al Harris is most likely done for the season after he tore his spleen. Chris Simms suffered a ruptured spleen at the hands of Bushwacks beloved Panthers in 2006 and was out the rest of the 06 season. No offense to Buc’s fans, but was that really that big of a loss??

Moving right along to the Black Hole,

It was reported yesterday morning that Lane Kiffin would be fired as head coach of the Oakland Raiders. I don’t know if its a good or bad thing that he is still on the payroll Tuesday morning! Kiffin is the head coach but is left out of all coaches meetings, and basically is treated like he is not even there most days. The Raiders find themselves 1-2 to start the season, despite all the free agent shopping spree they went on in the offseason. When Javon Walker and Ashley Leslie (both Bronco rejects) are your top receivers, man you know you got problems. I really feel for JaMarcus Russell and Darren McFadden, not because of their financial situations obviously, but because they got drafted to such a dysfunctional organization.

Heading out to the west coast,

Hey Packer fans, don’t worry Favre looked like Favre last night. Favre was slinging it around, on his way to two costly interceptions. What the hell was I thinking picking the Jets over the Chargers at home. I mean sure Favre is usually Mr. Monday Night Football, but man he looked lost last night. Rivers and Thomlinson looked great, the San Deigo defense was smothering even with the loss of Merriman. The Jets can’t expect to win many games turning the ball over 4 times. I wonder if Brett is thinking, man I’m to old for this sh*t, and why the hell did I come back??

Your last second or overtime wins of the week..

New York Giants over the Bengals

Tampa Bay Bucs over da Bears

Jacksonville over Colts

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