Ah, three (real) football games are left in this season, and one of them has the wonderful, life-affirming, awesome story of a talented athlete having a great season as a lion in winter. Re-energized and reborn by the youth and talent of his new team, they host the NFC Championship Game against the New York Giants for the right to be pummeled by the Patriots in the Super Bowl a shot at everlasting glory in the desert. Who else but Brett Favre?
It’s his day in the sun, to drive the storylines of the sports media machines, and fuel the dreams of old guys everywhere.
That’s fine, but before you start drinking the Brett Favre Appreciation Kool-Aid, let me take a moment to make you think about all that syrupy sap you’re about to lap up. I’m not here to say he’s a bad quarterback, or that he’s not a great quarterback. No, not at all. One of the ten greatest, no doubt.
But the guy is seriously overpraised, no?
Come on, not even a little?
Yes, we know about the three MVP’s. The Super Bowl victory. The records for most consecutive starts, passing touchdowns, passing yards, completions, attempts, wins, and games with three touchdowns. All the Packers records.
But, to act like there was no Green Bay Packers before he got there, as too many people seem to do, is ridiculous. So is the constant minimization of his flaws and failures as well. But like any beloved athlete, that’s going to happen, especially for someone who seems to be as good a guy as Favre is. Maybe I’m a crank for bringing up the fact that I can’t remember the last time he was good in a road playoff game (or, until recently, a home one). Or the fact that he had the ball in his hands on the last drive in Super Bowl XXXII and didn’t get it done, stalling out at the 35. The point is, personally, there are other QB’s in history I’ll take any day over Favre. Sure, they may not be like a kid out there, but they would probably at least have tied John Elway’s Broncos that day:
John Elway: People forget now how crappy some of those late ’80s Broncos teams were. He was often their best RB as well as their quarterback, and Dan Reeves would keep the wraps on him until he needed him to save the day. Which more often than not, he did.
Joe Montana: 
Not the most talent, not the happy-go-lucky gunslinger, and no, not like a kid out there. More like an assassin. With the game on the line, how would you not want Joe Montana under center. And if you think he was only aided by the talent of the 49ers, let me direct you to his Chiefs years, where he overcame Marty Schottenheimer to win playoff games!
Dan Marino: No, he never won the big one, but if I’m going to take a gunslinger, I’ll roll with Marino over Favre every time. Rarely made a ridiculous throw, and could always beat you as long as there wasn’t any time left on that clock when he was done.
Tom Brady: Yeah, he’s been around long enough now. He’s in the discussion. On his way to four Super Bowls and can do it managing a game like he did early in his career or throwing it all over the place to superstars like he does now.
Johnny Unitas: No, I didn’t see him play, but come on, there’s a reason all the quarterback awards are named after him. Defined the position as it is played today in the National Football League. I think he gets a spot above a guy Mike Homgren admitted was pretty hard to control at times, no?
Terry Bradshaw: Yes, also in the “before my time” category, but come on, four Super Bowls and two SB MVP’s. Sure, he was surrounded by superior talent. Go ask Warren Moon if that’s simply enough. Vastly underrated, he piloted the one of the greatest dynasties in the sport and was their leader.
Fran Tarkenton: Another “before my time” guy, he was the first scrambling quarterback to really make a name for himself in the league. Led the Vikings to three Super Bowl appearances. Held nearly every passing record when he retired, much like Favre will. And he co-hosted “That’s Incredible!” Maybe I’ll move Favre past Tarkenton if Favre becomes the star of a cheesy reality show.
Peyton Manning: Yeah, he’s Dan Marino with a ring. Yeah, he’s also failed in clutch situations at times and doesn’t always win. Much like Brett Favre. Yes, overpraised, clearly, by advertisers. That being said, While there’s nothing wrong with Favre’s gunslinger mentality, Manning’s intellectual approach to the game can’t be underestimated, and finally in the end, he is a winner. And he would never attempt some boneheaded underhanded throw to a tackle eligible across the line of scrimmage that would have Jake Plummer wetting his pants.
So, before you get all misty-eyed and what is likely the last playoff run of one of the league’s most beloved players, remember this: he threw six interceptions in a game against a St. Louis Rams squad that will never be remembered for their defense. You think any of the other guys on my list are doing that? Think about it.
To me, Brett Favre is the Cal Ripken Jr. of baseball. He showed up for work every day, didn’t razzle, didn’t dazzle, but he got the job done. If you’ve played in as many games as Favre has and you don’t have every record known to man, then you have no business starting all those games.
Peyton Manning threw 6 INT’s this season to the Chargers, who at the time looked like the San Diego State Chargers. I think off games are more the individual than the opponent (look at the Ravens against the Patriots) and can happen to any team/player on any given Sunday.
LOVE the Joe Montana reference, but what about the southpaw gunslinger from the bay area? Steve Young! Just ignore how many miles per gallon he gets now!!
The Nate
January 16th, 2008