Thursday, August 20, 2009

FSH: TUESDAY (FOOTBALL) TALK

August 18th, 2009 9:37pm PST

[Wednesday Edition]

Favre is Back!!!

Did he ever really leave?
Well it has finally happened. Whether you were anxiously waiting to hear this story break and just praying this whole made-for-television daytime drama would finally go away, the day has come and gone and yes folks, Brett Favre is back.

Sure there was a lot of grandstanding and drama, but what else would you be doing during the offseason, mowing the lawn? So Brett was a little indecisive and had us all guessing while he toyed with the idea; something many of suspected all along. It just made sense and don’t think the two-years was an accident.

On Tuesday in Minnesota, Brett Favre inked a two-year deal with the team worth upward toward $25 million. No only did Favre sign, but he was able to join his new teammates for an afternoon practice. There seem to be plenty of signs indicating that Mr. Favre could play as early as this Friday in the Vikings next preseason game.

Just days ago football folks were breaking down the play of then starting quarterback Sage Rosenfels and discussing his chances of starting. Now that Brett is in town and signed, what will all this mean to not only Rosenfels, but backup quarterback Tarvaris Jackson?

At the high price tag that the team has inked Favre, there is no question that he was not brought in to hold a clip board and coach from the sideline. The Vikings have done their homework and with Favre’s injury behind him, he’ll bring veteran savvy and experience to an offense that features the leagues best runner and great potential otherwise. Favre is the Viking’s new starting quarterback and the hefty investment has to be an indicator that someone in Minnesota believes he can still play the game at a high level.

The Favre Affect:

So Favre is a Viking now what?

Now that we have crossed that bridge and come to terms with what has been brewing all along, its time to talk about what it all means. With Favre under center, Rosenfels becomes virtually irrelevant other than a handcuff or insurance for the soon to be 40-year-old golden boy. If you do draft Favre, he had better not be your number one quarterback, at his age coming off an arm injury he’s a high risk even at your number two.

Brett’s immediate impact will not have great affect on his value, but he suddenly brings great creditability to a passing offense that wasn’t expected to provide too many fantasy options.

Without the Favre, you are only looking at Berrian and Shiancoe as possible fantasy receivers. Harvin could be a consideration, but more in leagues that reward special teams yardage and touchdowns. With Favre, it’s a whole new ball game; not only do you include Harvin, but you must include the Sydney Rice and Bobby Wade.

Harvin is expected to make a splash this season as an all-around option that will include special teams. With Favre’s arm strength coupled with Harvin’s speed, he could be a sneaky sleeper as a touchdown maker. Wade, who led the team in receptions a year ago should once again see a lot of action in the slot and could flourish with Favre calling the signals.

Rice has a great chance to have a big year. Just as in Green Bay, Rice and Berrian give Brett two explosive targets on the outside. At his size with Favre’s gun, that in recent reports has lost very little zip, Rice is going to be an easy target for the gunslinger to find.

Take note: my pick, Rice could be another fine sleeper for 2009.

Looking deeper into the Favre affect in Minnesota, with four quarterbacks currently in camp one must go. There has been some talk and speculation that Favre’s arrival could mean the departure of Tarvaris Jackson. It would make sense from the Vikings perspective, with Rosenfels under contract he makes a very serviceable experienced back-up and gives the team flexibility to move Jackson who still has market value.

The kid, John David Booty fills the number three spot as the potential arm of the future that can be brought along slowly; remember Favre signed for two years and Rosenfels signed a multi-year deal as well.

There’s no question that Favre’s arrival comes with no guarantees, but from an outsiders view, you have to think if it is what it appears to be, the Vikings have definitely improved their chances this season. This won’t be the 1998 Vikings offense, but with Peterson in the backfield and Favre under center, this could be the best this team has seen since.

Last season the Vikings passing game passed for 3,217-yards and threw 22 touchdowns, conceivably very achievable numbers for Brett to match this season. The big difference with Brett throwing for these kinds of modest fantasy numbers, his presence should keep defenses honest and make Peterson possibly better. Can you imagine?

Certainly a lot of questions will follow the 19-year veteran throughout training camp and well into season, but if you’ve been reading or watching the recent happenings from the Vikings camp, players and coaches seem to like what they are seeing and from a fantasy perspective, we are liking what we are hearing.

Welcome back Brett!

By David Ortega


Check back every Tuesday for more “Tuesday (Football) Talk”





No comments: