February 3rd, 2010 - 11:05pm PST
Watercooler Chat
"Lost in the Shuffle"
Falling short of your ultimate goal could hardly be called a success, but when we look back at the 2009 season for the Minnesota Vikings and their quarterback Brett Favre, it was hardly a failure either.
While many will only remember his last offensive play in the playoffs (an interception) everyone should consider his body of work throughout the season. The one play did not define his season, nor did it tarnish his decision to return.
If you take away all the foolish banter about "will he stay retired or return" it just comes down to one thing, can Favre still play. After tossing 33 touchdowns and passing for over 4,000 yards that would be an emphatic "Yes!". Favre not only showed he had something left in the tank, but he put up numbers that rivaled some of his MVP seasons.
Favre completed a career high 68.4 percent of his passes, passed for 4,202 yards (third highest of his career), threw 33 touchdowns, and posted a career high 107.2 passer rating. His seven interceptions were also a career low for a full season.
A lot of people are going to argue that Favre cost the Vikings a trip to the big dance, but as good as the talent was around number four in 2009 he was a big reason why they made it as far as they did. Favre finished third in the MVP voting and if would be difficult to argue that he wasn't deserving of such consideration.
Favre's fastball had lost little zip and his gun slinging prowess was just as prevalent as ever in 2009. When the dust settled after the NFC title game concluded, the Vikings season with Favre had been as successful as most may have thought (unless you are a Viking fan). The team and Favre had gone as far as they could and only came up short against the league's number one offense.
Once again many in the NFL circles will kick up the debate as to whether Favre will come back for another season, but the real question is should he even consider retiring. After his impressive run in Minnesota this past season and very real possibility of returning the same team in 2010, there's no question that it’s very realistic to think Favre and company could make a return trip to the NFC title game.
One of the best seasons of his career, there wouldn't appear to be any reason for Favre to hang'em just yet. In 2009 he turned the clock back another ten or so years with his great play and again gave football fans much to cheer about. More than that he showed the football world his love for the game and why he is one of the greatest to ever play.
Coming off arguably one of his best seasons, part of a championship caliber team, and clearly plenty left in his tank, it sure seems that now is NOT the time to leave the game.
Player Watch for the Big Dance...
Once again here a few players of note that fantasy owners should consider riding or hiding for the big dance on Sunday. Keep these players under close watch, you just may want to give them a hard look come Sunday;
(Start) Drew Brees
There really only two possibilities for Sunday, either Drew Brees will start fast and get the Saints offense rolling early, or he could play catch-up all afternoon. Either way expect the Saints quarterback to.
(Start) Peyton Manning
The Colts quarterback has been solid in the playoffs coming off 377 yards passing and three touchdowns against a very good Jets defense. With the Saints ranked 24th against the pass, he should continue to sizzle.
(Start) Pierre Thomas
The Colts defense struggles against the run, although they have played better in the playoffs. Thomas is coming off a strong performance against a very sound Vikings run defense, the Colts will have a tough time slowing down Thomas and the Saints ground assault.
(Start) Reggie Wayne
The Saints do not have a Darrelle Revis caliber cornerback and although they will likely throw some double and over the top coverage, expect Wayne to find the those soft spots. You can bet Manning will find Wayne.
(Start) Dallas Clark
The Saints just don't have enough to cover everyone. Against the Vikings, they struggled to cover the tight end position, look for Clark and Manning to exploit early.
(Sit) Colts and Saints defense
With two of the league’s best offenses, these defenses will have little chance of slowing down their opposition. They will give up yardage and some scores, but it's very likely the one squad that can come up with the big play could prove to be the difference maker in this classic matchup.
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