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NFL Off Season

#221
I understand where you are coming from...but my opinion is not about my admiration for him, or my wanting him to come back and play (in fact, I said I think he should retire because his supportiing cast stinks).

This is about giving the man his due. He's done more for this franchise than any other player. "Outsiders", if you will, seem to think he should be treated like any other player...and I disagree. He ain't just any other player and he should be given however long he needs to decide.

It's not like the Packers haven't been planning what to do when he retires, because they have.

If I owned a company and I had a totally dedicated employee that helped make my company what it is today and he was contemplating retirement, I'd hardly hand him a gold watch and kick his ass out the door.

Favre still is THE man...and everyone in the Packers organization knows it, which is why they haven't forced the issue. They are screwed without him...for a while anyway. Rodgers himself wants Favre back because he is learning a lot from him. I know from talking to some of the players that they all want him back too.

If Favre waits until the draft to decide, it isn't going to change much of anything in the way the team prepares because they've been preparing for this eventuality anyway.
 
#223
MJ5150 said:
You've got other QB's in the league that can't wait until training camp starts. What's Favre's attitude? "Oh, I'll see how I feel in training camp and then decide if I want to play". With that attitude, he needs to go.
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While I don't agree with the tone of this statement, I certainly think that you're right in putting the emphasis on the real issue. It's not whether he has the skills or ability to compete. Whether or not Favre should come back and play is wholly dependent on his drive to compete. If he doesn't have it, he should go into retirement, I won't be sad (well, not too much). If he decides that he wants to give it one more shot, great.

I can't imagine how difficult a decision that is for someone, anyone, that plays at the level. Some guys are forced out with injuries, some are forced out by not having the skills, not enough good players get the opportunity... but if you decide to go, you can never go back (Deion is a rarity, of course). Sure, you can stay around the sport, but nothing is like playing it and playing it well.

Apologies if I've come off as a holier-than-thou Packer fan... you can perhaps forgive our zealousness when a team becomes so much of part of our own identity. In the small northern Wisconsin town that I grew up in, it's really the common ground between almost everyone. All football season, that's all that's talked about by absolutely everyone (and the coming of deer season). Hell, most churches call for prayers in their Sunday services for Brett Favre and the Pack... it's just a lunacy that's contagious and pervasive and it makes living in the hinterlands feel special.
 
#225
wolfs said:
While I don't agree with the tone of this statement, I certainly think that you're right in putting the emphasis on the real issue. It's not whether he has the skills or ability to compete. Whether or not Favre should come back and play is wholly dependent on his drive to compete. If he doesn't have it, he should go into retirement, I won't be sad (well, not too much). If he decides that he wants to give it one more shot, great.

I can't imagine how difficult a decision that is for someone, anyone, that plays at the level. Some guys are forced out with injuries, some are forced out by not having the skills, not enough good players get the opportunity... but if you decide to go, you can never go back (Deion is a rarity, of course). Sure, you can stay around the sport, but nothing is like playing it and playing it well.

Apologies if I've come off as a holier-than-thou Packer fan... you can perhaps forgive our zealousness when a team becomes so much of part of our own identity. In the small northern Wisconsin town that I grew up in, it's really the common ground between almost everyone. All football season, that's all that's talked about by absolutely everyone (and the coming of deer season). Hell, most churches call for prayers in their Sunday services for Brett Favre and the Pack... it's just a lunacy that's contagious and pervasive and it makes living in the hinterlands feel special.
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For over 30 years the Packers have sucked...and up until Wolf pulled the trigger on the trade for Favre and that first game he played, we still supported the Packers...losers that they were.

Favre made such a difference, that as fans, we feel he should be allowed time to make such a huge decision. And apparently, so does the organization. Why? Because around these parts, Favre isn't just another player. He commands respect because he's earned it...big time. He's done more for this franchise than any other player, on any other team, ever has.

Think of how Montana was treated, but even Montana (great as he was) didn't have the impact on his team that Favre has had on Green Bay. And that includes all the Super Bowls Montana won. Because if he had, they wouldn't have treated him that way.

This goes beyond the winning and the stats. Favre has made a difference in a lot of people's lives around here in a way that no other player ever has.

I want him to retire and I'd wish him well.
 
#227
I have been on the outside because my beloved Bears were not active in free agency up until last week. I think the signing of Brian Griese was a move that was a long time coming. Rex needs some competition and don't let me start on the injury issue. I now have a little faith knowing that we have two competent QB's in the fold. If it wasn't for our "vaunted" offense, we would have gotten blown out by Carolina.:rollno:

I hope they can get a solid corner in the next couple of weeks or draft one that can at least cover someone!!! There are three vets that can help but I think the misers of the Midway won't let loose the change. Or they might be waiting for the price to come down on Ty Law or Charles Woodson.


P.S.- I want Favre to come back. He has owned us for years and I would love to see the Bears turn this thing around with him still under center. He is a great QB and is the Bear fans ultimate nemesis. I would like to have another go at him with a solid non-injured team.
 
#228
MJ5150 said:
Right on. I will say that I do have the utmost respect for your passion and conviction. I think we have that in common.

Just you try and say something bad about one of the Steeler greats. :D

-Mike
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I wouldn't. The Steelers are one of my favorite teams next to the Pack. Blue Collar...I love it!

Nothing gave me more pleasure this season than watching the Steelers beat the guy who walked out on us. :D
 
#229
Sundogue said:
Nothing gave me more pleasure this season than watching the Steelers beat the guy who walked out on us. :D
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High-five to that one... I like Holmgren's style of coaching, and that was an impressive year the Seahawks put together... but some part me is always rooting for the 'Hawks to lose... can't help it. I'll even root for the Bears over the 'Hawks :eek: (but not the Vikings...) :D
 
#233
From what I read, this draft does seem to be very deep in talent... but then again, I can only synthesize info from a first- or secondhand account so it may be the hype machine in full swing. A lot of the numbers at the combine were crazy (Vernon Davis, Mario, tons of fast CBs, D'Brickashaw, etc...) and last year's college season was a very competitive one with a lot of standouts and good games... I must confess, that I'm very excited to watch what happens in the draft, too.
 
#234
Sundogue said:
For over 30 years the Packers have sucked...and up until Wolf pulled the trigger on the trade for Favre and that first game he played, we still supported the Packers...losers that they were.

Favre made such a difference, that as fans, we feel he should be allowed time to make such a huge decision. And apparently, so does the organization. Why? Because around these parts, Favre isn't just another player. He commands respect because he's earned it...big time. He's done more for this franchise than any other player, on any other team, ever has.
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One of the last players still playing from the Packers' "Glory Years" was Ray Nitschke. In 1972 he was past his prime, and it was a big deal when Jim Carter replaced him in the starting lineup. When he and Bart retired, they left the team with the last winning record and last division title they'd see for the next 20 years.

No, we don't want to lose Favre or Henderson.
 
#235
The NFL schedule is out!!! Here is a breakdown by strength of schedule: Strength of schedule. Notice if you will that Pittsburgh is right there at number five.

Four national primetime games is sweet for the Steelers. With this new flex schedule system, it may be even more. Should be a fun year, with some legit tough games in the mix.

-Mike
 
#237
My Favorite Matchups:
Colts vs Giants - Wk 1
Tinmen vs Jags - Wk 2
Colts vs Jags - Wk 3
Broncos vs Pats - Wk 3
New England vs Cincy - Wk 4
Tinmen vs Chargers - Wk 5
Cincy vs Bucs - Wk 6
Chargers vs Chiefs - Wk 7
Colts vs Broncos - Wk 8*
Colts vs Pats - Wk 9
Bucs vs Panthers - Wk 10
Giants vs Jags - Wk 11
Bears vs Pats - Wk 12
Seahawk vs Broncos - Wk 13
Colts vs Jags - Wk 14
Chargers vs Chiefs - Wk 15
Panthers vs Falcons - Wk 16

*As far as I'm concerned the bet is still on Page. :D

Pittsburgh has 16 winable games. Roughly 3-4 "freebies", but I counted 9 games that they will have to work win. I'm interested to see San Diego without Brees and whether Palmer comes back as dominant as before.
 
#238
The Lions have got me all excited! New coach, new offensive coordinator and they signed THREE QB's along with two they had (one their trying to get rid of) one free agent wide receiver, three offensive lineman who weren't starters elsewhere. Rumor has it their looking at Cuttler in the draft, ANOTHER QB? Why don't they go for broke and add a sixth wide receiver? You know what they say, you can never have enough wide receivers! :rolleyes: It would help if SOMEONE on the team could block or tackle? I swear the Lions could have stolen Bellceck from the Pat's and he would have gotten a brain fart as soon as he signed! CURSED, CURSED, CURSED, CURSED, CURSED, CURSED, CURSED, CURSED, CURSED:bawl:

Well every year around draft time as a Lions fan I am comforted by two things, Red Wings and the Pistons.
 
#240
The Steelers made some news this week: [Invalid or Expired Link Removed].

I love it. A simple deal that doesn't include some outrageous wage for a guy who had a nice season last year. He is an excellent player. Man, I am excited.

In other news, the Packers extended Brett Favres decision deadline until JULY! JULY? Come on man. So much for making his decision in the "next couple of weeks" like he mentioned a few weeks ago. This is plain ridiculous. He only wants to play if the Packers are going to be good. Dork!

-Mike
 

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