Not From The Onion?

You can imagine why I would think this was from The Onion and not the news:

Rams called Brett Favre

Was it for real? Who knows. But if they did, THAT is desperation. Actually the Rams say:

“It was just a joke,” a team source told NFL.com. “It was just a throwaway line. Doesn’t anyone have a sense of humor? (Link)

Sadly, this is also NOT from The Onion.

Brett Favre admits some memory loss since retirement

He said that he couldn't remember his daughter playing soccer. Then the real quote that names the danger:

"I think after 20 years, God only knows the toll that will be taken as time goes by," Favre told Andy Pollin and Jonny Saraceno on SportsTalk 570 in Washington D.C. on Thursday morning. (Link)

Yes, one can say he was partly to blame. He played through the injuries, perhaps not admitting to the signs of concussion. He had one goal- to be the best and keep at it even when he shouldn't have. No, the NFL is not a parent protecting children.

But it has become more and more clear over the past few years that the NFL as well as our overall sports culture plays into the picture as well. They (and we) have often minimized and even downright denied the real dangers. Now it's coming into the open. 

I'm as guilty as any sports fan, of course. Favre gave me many a wonderful Sunday afternoon and a Super Bowl win for the Packers. No one of us made him do it, but there are enough fans like me whose very presence and response encourages the behavior and attitude.

I am glad the NFL and many others are now doing something about it. I am just sorry it wasn't sooner. 

(Sidenote to Greg: Brett? Brett who?)

You Can Tell the Lockout is Over

From NFL.com:

Turns out you're not the only one growing tired of rumors of another Brett Favre comeback.

Bus Cook, Favre's longtime agent, was perplexed enough by recent reports tying the 41-year-old to several NFL teams that he reached out to a Mississippi newspaper on Monday to "clear the air."

"Brett Favre retired in January. He has not talked to any teams, including Carolina Panthers, Philadelphia Eagles, the Arizona Cardinals and the Seattle Seahawks," Bus told The Clarion-Ledger. "He has not talked to anyone about playing football. He's retired, period."

Actually I wasn't even wondering. If he does try to comeback, I won't really care. I didn't even care last year- or the one before that.

But just in case - I was intrigued by humorist Andy Borowitz saying in one of his [fake] news reportings in the Borowitz Report that most football fans would prefer the lockout to continue if "What's His Name" decides to come back.

Can Retirement Be Far Behind?

Brett Favre was listed on Minnesota's inactive list with an injury that snapped his National Football League record for consecutive starts at 297, dating back to September 20, 1992 with the Green Bay Packers.

Age catches up with us all. In any case, over 18 years without missing a start is quite an accomplishment in such a beat-em-up sport.

Brett, thanks for a lot of memories of all kinds, even as a Viking.

And, since it has been posted at least half a gazillion times, I will not post the video of the roof collapse at the Metrodome. I will just say that the roof caving in is a good metaphor for the Vikings season.

Sandy Koufax - or - Brett Favre

Sandy Koufax (#32) is beyond doubt one of the greatest pitchers in the history of baseball. He was nothing short of remarkable. Here, from Wikipedia, is the opening summary of his career:

Sandy Koufax is an American left-handed former pitcher in Major League Baseball who played his entire career for the Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers, from 1955 to 1966. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1972, the youngest former player to receive that honor.

Koufax's career peaked with a run of six outstanding seasons from 1961 to 1966, before arthritis ended his career at age 30. He was named the National League's Most Valuable Player in 1963. He also won the 1963, 1965, and 1966 Cy Young Awards by unanimous votes, all during the period when only one pitcher was chosen per season, making him the first 3-time Cy Young winner in baseball history. In each of his Cy Young seasons, Koufax won the pitcher's triple crown by leading the NL in wins, strikeouts, and earned run average. Koufax's totals would also have led the American League in those seasons.

Koufax was the first major leaguer to pitch four no-hitters (including a perfect game). Despite his comparatively short career, Koufax's 2,396 career strikeouts ranked 7th in history as of his retirement, trailing only Warren Spahn (2,583) among left-handers. Retiring at the peak of his career, he became, at age 36 and 20 days, the youngest player ever elected to the Hall of Fame.

He only played 11 years; he was only 30 when he retired; he holds only one all-time career pitching record.

In his 12-season career, Koufax had a 165–87 record with a 2.76 ERA, 2,396 strikeouts, 137 complete games, and 40 shutouts. He was the first pitcher to average fewer than seven hits allowed per nine innings pitched in his career (6.79) and to strike out more than nine batters (9.28) per nine innings pitched in his career. He also became the 2nd pitcher in baseball history to have two games with 18 or more strikeouts, and the first to have eight games with 15 or more strikeouts. In his last ten seasons, from 1957 to 1966, batters hit .203 against Koufax, with a .271 on base percentage and a .315 slugging average.

Koufax's postseason record is impressive: a 4–3 won-lost record with a 0.95 earned run average, in four World Series. He is on the very short list of pitchers who retired with more career strikeouts than innings pitched. Koufax was selected for seven consecutive All-Star games (twice in 1961 (the last season with two All-Star Games), then 1962 to 1966).

Koufax was the first pitcher to win multiple Cy Young Awards, as well as the first pitcher to win a Cy Young Award by a unanimous vote. Each of Koufax's three Cy Young Awards were by unanimous vote. Koufax and Juan Marichal are the only two pitchers in the post-war era (1946-date) to have more than one 25-win season, with each pitcher recording three.

Among NL pitchers with at least 2,000 innings pitched who have debuted since 1913, he has the highest career winning percentage (.655) and had the lowest career ERA (2.76) until surpassed by Tom Seaver, whose NL career mark is 2.73.

He is perhaps best remembered for NOT pitching:

Koufax is also remembered as one of the outstanding Jewish athletes in American sports. His decision not to pitch Game 1 of the 1965 World Series because it fell on Yom Kippur garnered national attention as an example of conflict between social pressures and personal beliefs.

He retired because he was in pain and didn't want to permanently damage his body. he knew he wasn't immortal or invincible. He was just a very gifted human being who had his moment in the spotlight and was willing to move on at the peak of his career.

Leave them wanting more, not shaking their heads in sadness at the declining show.

Sure. The Vikings' Old Guy may still show some of the old spark, but many of us will sadly remember that he wanted one more- and then one more after that. We will feel the sadness of watching our hero of the past become all-too-mortal. And trying to ignore it.

In my pantheon of great athletes, The Old Guy former Packer will remain one of the greats. But Sandy will be far more than that- a positive role model for knowing what's important in his own life and sticking with it in the 1965 World Series game and the shocking early retirement.

And a quote on Koufax:

"I knew every pitch he was going to throw and still I couldn't hit him."

— Willie Mays

Like The Old Days

Sunday night's football game:

• Lambeau
• The Old Guy driving the team down the field
• The Old Guy throwing interceptions

•  The Packers win.

I Can't Stand It Any Longer

Regular readers of my wanderings may be surprised that we have just passed the fifth week of the NFL season and I haven't said anything about quarterbacks, age, etc. I have been trying to behave, but last night's game between the Vikings and Jets begs for a comment.

The Once-Again-Viking back for another round and The Old-Guy-Starting-Quarterback were united and had some good moments. But, as usual, they were overshadowed by the final score, cemented by an interception.

Make note of the fact that the Old-Guy-Starting-Quarterback set a record of 500 TD passes and 70,000 yards in his career. He also added to his records of most interceptions and most fumbles.

To all you Vikings fans: You now can understand what all the Packer fans went through for those many seasons he was in Green Bay. Perhaps the single-handed record of combined moments of thrill and agony/game.

But the Old-Guy-Starting-Quarterback should not be dissed for his ability to keep right on playing. Aaron Rodgers, the Packers Double-A Rod, may be out due to a concussion. (The SI cover curse?)

That the Old Guy could play for all these seasons without missing a game is worth praising!

There's Money Somewhere

It was on the news the other day. The Vikings' Starting Quarterback is back in town. How did he get here? In a private jet. And all helicopters broke loose and followed his every move.

Hearing that on the news my wife looked up and said:

With all that, there must be money around somewhere.

To which I cynically (but honestly) replied:

The rich are never in a recession.

I'm as guilty as the next sports fan by continuing to support and make some people extremely rich and others obscenely rich. But that is part of why I liked Bill Gates and Warren Buffet urging their fellow "Wealthiest People" to give away more and more of their money. Even at that I will readily admit the obscenity of such wealth. Will I stop going to Twins games or watching football on TV? No. Is this hypocritical? Perhaps and probably. Can I do anything about it? Not a chance.

So I guess I will continue to be a hypocrite. Which places me right smack dab into the center of many of us.

I'll Believe It When the Season is Done

According to the AP this morning, the Vikings' Starting Quarterback will NOT be back this season. Even an official announcement won't convince me. If my memory serves me correctly that has been said at least several times before. And, as some have theorized, the Vikings bye week is week 4. Still plenty of time to come in and be the savior of the team.

I just wish we could stick to playing football instead of guessing games. But then again, it would reduce the number of posts I have.

And, for old times' sake, and just in case the rumor isn't true:

Brett Who?

Yes, He IS Old

Congrats to

Grandpa Quarterback.

Back for One More Monday Morning QB

Well, the regular season is over. For a while it looked like the Vikings' fans were going to see the Starting QB that Green Bay knew and loved. There were some bad weeks for them, but the Starting QB came back in the last game and a half looking like he is 10 years younger. He is truly an amazing QB and not even Packer Fans will disagree. Overall, the Vikings had a great season.

Then there's Green Bay's Double-A Rod (Aaron Rodgers). There were some difficult weeks in the middle of the season but the team did not quit. They are now ready for the post-season playoffs. Rodgers is as good as quarterbacks get. The offensive line has improved and it looks like they may not be running up the penalties like they did earlier. The defense has done a good job- especially in "take-aways," batted balls, etc. The Packers have also had a great season.

But what will happen next?

Who knows! As we all know any given team can beat any other given team on any Sunday. That is just as true in the playoffs. Either of the NFC North teams could find their way into the Super Bowl.

My guess is that (sadly) Arizona will come back next week and beat the Pack and then go all the way to the Super Bowl.* Indianapolis will show their strengths and get to the Big Game, too.

But don't quote me. After all, I'm not even a good Monday Morning QB.

*Sidebar note: My pick of the Cardinals next week is based on yesterday's over-powering win by the Packers. That can often spur the loser into an extra push to get back. The Packers are HOT, but the Cardinals have revenge in mind, I'm afraid.

Monday Morning Quarterbacking: Why Did I Ever Start This?

Well, the first answer is that somehow or other I expected the Vikings' Starting QB to have begun to show the effects of his 40 years by now. The second answer is that I wanted to show that, from my totally unbiased position, the Packers' Starting QB was in the same high quality league as the guy who was his predecessor and now opponent.

To the first reason- so far it hasn't happened. I have actually enjoyed watching the Vikings' Starting QB play. He is as fun to watch as ever. He makes things happen. He has an exciting team around him and it is amazing to watch how he brings out the best in them. He has not shown the wildness that both endeared him to Green Bay fans- and drove us crazy. Just for the love of football, it is a pleasure to watch. (I just wish he was doing it somewhere other than the NFC North!)

To the second reason- Aaron Rodgers (Double-A Rod) has proven he is able to play on the same field as his former teammate. He is in the same league as any of the top QBs in the game today. He need not hang his head in shame. The Packers' management did not make a bad decision. We will probably never know what happened in Green Bay between the Old Starting QB and the team leadership. If they were truly looking to the future and wanted to plan for it, then they have done a great job with Rodgers. They need to develop some other parts of the team, but I think that will happen.

So, I think I will stop this series of Monday Morning Quarterbacking, keeping it in reserve in case the Old Guy in Purple begins to fall apart. I will just sit and enjoy the games.

By the way, did you notice that the Packers beat Dallas?

Check Your Maps

Since there is no comparison this week for the Vikings Starting QB, let it not be said that I would entirely ignore him. After all, we have to keep the hype going. So here, a correction from the LA Times:

FOR THE RECORD:
In an NFL column in Monday's Sports section, Minnesota Vikings quarterback Brett Favre [sic] was quoted as saying, "It didn't seem weird until I got in near the pier," talking about his return to Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. What he said was, "It didn't seem weird until I got in near De Pere," which is a town between Appleton and Green Bay.
- Link

Thanks to Regret the Error.

Monday Morning Quarterbacking: An Odd Game

First it was the Vikings.

Then the Packers made a comeback.

First the Vikings' Starting Quarterback looked good, as did the Vikings defense. At the same time the Packers were falling prey to penalties and sacks. The announcers kept saying that the Packers had only looked good in previous games because they weren't playing anyone who could really beat them. (Yes, some truth in that.)

Then the 2nd half and Rodgers and the Pack looked like the team they really are. The Pack defense came alive and it went from a blowout to a football game.

In the end it was the disastrous first half for the Packers that gave the Vikings the edge. No doubt that the Vikings Starting QB is at the top of his present form. He continues to show the power that has made him such a presence even at age 40. In the end, the two QBs again were relatively even. The difference was in the teams. And the Vikings are a better team overall.

As a Packer fan, though, it was disappointing to watch.

Another Monday- More Quarterbacking

Finally, the Vikings have lost. Not a surprise, actually, when they are playing a truly top-shelf team like the Pirates Steelers (oops). But what is surprising is that their Starting QB had impressive numbers: 34/51, 334 YDS, 1 INT. But nary a TD for the first time this season. Plus a fumble, three sacks, and two defensive TDs by the Steelers in the last 7 minutes- and you have a loss. Even the Starting QB couldn't salvage this one. Is this a sign of things to come for the Vikings? I think so, but never count out the Starting QB.

Final score:
Vikings 17
Steelers 27

Meanwhile in Cleveland the Packers were having a scrimmage playing in preparation for next week's home game against the Vikings. The Packers' Starting QB had another top quality start: 15/20, 246 YDS, 3 TD. What is better to note is that he wasn't sacked at all. Nada. That's after a league-leading 25 times sacked so far this season. (Note that the Vikings' Starting QB isn't all that far behind with 18 sacks.) For today Rodgers was better, the offensive line was better. But, yeah, they were playing the Browns.

Final score:
Packers 31
Browns 3

So through Week 7, overall the race between the Starting QBs is a virtual tie. Rodgers is 3rd top QB overall; the Vikings' Starting QB is 6th. The Packers seem to be slowly working their way together. The Vikings are showing their quality. But next week is the Big One. The two teams most likely to be tied for 1st in the division. If GB wins. We shall see.

Footnote: For the first time in NFL history there are three undefeated teams after week 7- New Orleans, Indianapolis, and Denver.

Monday Morning Quarterbacking: Short and Sweet

1. Another good job by both QBs I am watching. The Packers' Aaron Rodgers had another career-level day (29/37, 358 YDS, 2 TD, 1 INT) and the first shut-out in two years. The Vikings Starting QB had a decent day (21/29, 278 YDS, 3 TD) but was sort of out-gunned by Ravens' losing QB Flacco (28/43, 385 YDS, 2 TD). Only a missed field goal at the end preserved the win. Another tie between the Packers and Vikings QB.

2. The Packers still are having problems with sacks and penalties. They have to solve it.

3. The Vikings are proving they are a championship level team. But they barely got out of this one with a team that may be the best team they have faced. They have a long season ahead of them, even with a 6-0 record.

4. At this point it could turn into an interesting second half. Stay tuned.

Monday Morning Quarterbacking: Closer Than It Looked

Well, at least as far as the two Starting QBs went. Packer Starting QB is not as experienced as the Viking QB. That's a given. Yet, he held his own. He did very well.

Unfortunately, his offensive line was a sieve. Eight sacks and a lot of "hurry-ups."

And the Vikings were psyched. The showed a lot of energy.

With 3:40 left the ESPN announcer finally said that the Packer QB deserves a lot of credit. He kept them in the game. This was after the announcers were falling all over themselves commenting on the amazing feat of the old man on the Vikings who will be 40 on Saturday.

Since the purpose of this weekly post is to talk about the two QBs, not the teams, this week was in my humble Packer opinion- a tie. Rodgers held his own against a tough defense. He had a career-high passing night. If the Pack can fix its problems, Rodgers will become a truly excellent QB. He has no reason to feel second to anyone in the game. (26/37; 342 yds; 1 interception; 1 fumble)

I still believe that the Packers made the right decision letting Favre go. They were rebuilding and they needed to keep Rodgers. The old Starting QB was upset at the team leadership.

As far as the Vikings' Starting QB- what can one say. He is good. (24/32; 271 yds; 0 interceptions; 1 fumble). It was hard to read him in the post-game interview.

I still reserve my opinion on the rest of the season. And whether he'll play the "I can't make my mind up" game in the off-season.

Next week, the Pack has its bye week and the Vikings travel to St. Louis. (Which is good since the Twins may very well need the Metrodome to host the Yankees on Sunday. We will know later today.)

But a note on the hype: Multi-millionaires making money for multi-multi-multi millionaires by taking money from people like you and me while we let them. I had that same feeling at the Metrodome on Sunday as the Pohlad family was cheered for owning the team. Yes, they have provided a lot of us with entertainment. But they haven't lost anything in the deal. The more the cable sports gets into our lives the more the hype will grow.

Quarterbacking Postponed

Since the main purpose of the Monday Morning Quarterback is to talk about the Packers and the team from Minnesota, the Monday Morning Quarterbacking post will not be here until tomorrow morning. After all the game isn't until tonight.



But here's a picture from the game two years ago when the Vikings' Starting Quarterback was the Packers' Starting Quarterback.






And another one of the Packers' current Starting QB from last year's game at the Dome. Unfortunately, the ticket prices went sky-high when the Starting QB signed with the Vikings. Oh well. Wait till next year.

Monday Morning Quarterbacking: With Only Seconds

Okay. I have to bow in humble awareness that the Vikings' Starting QB was his old (note: OLD) self yesterday. With only one chance left to win and seconds left on the clock, there is still no way that you should bet against him. Yes, he makes playing football fun. And when your second favorite team is whoever plays the Vikings, you just close your eyes and pray that he misses.

Yesterday he didn't miss. It was right on and he looked like the kid he once was. He gives the Vikings an overall confidence they haven't had in years. In other words, they didn't give up in spite of bad breaks and the Starting QB's first interception of the year. This is why they wanted him. This is what has made him famous. But note: He looked tired, and every day of 40 years old, after the game. It will be week to week for him. He looked good at this point last year, too.

Final:
SF 24
Vikings 27

Meanwhile over in St. Louis, the Packers' QB was looking quite good as well. Yes, they were playing a team that they should beat, but they did lose to one of those teams last week. He remained cool and calm, ran for a TD himself and looked like he was in charge- which he was.

Final:
Pack 36
Rams 17

So, without the razzle-dazzle at the end, the week would have been a tie between the Vikes' Starting QB and the Pack's Starting QB. Unfortunately, the edge goes to the Old Guy. Let's see what happens next week when they face off. Should be fun.

BTW: Two other games of note. First, the team that the Starting QB left, the Jets, are now 3-0.

Second, Detroit is on a hot streak. Well, they at least won for the first time in 20 games.

And, oh- that Brett. I sort of remember something about him.

Monday Morning Quarterbacking - Week 2

Okay. Even old guys can do great things on the football field. For NFL week 2 it was clearly the Starting QB for the Vikings who took the prize. A record 85.2% completion rate is nothing to sneeze at.

Yes, I know it was against Detroit who have now lost 19 in a row. But you have to give the guy his due. And it is still early in the season.

As to the Green Bay Starting QB, he almost pulled it out but didn't do as good a job of time management at the end as he could have.

So in my book now it is tied with each getting the recognition one week.

Now a Cover-Up?

The NY Jets and their former coach have been fined for "hiding" an injury to their Starting Quarterback in the last month of the season last year. He is now the Starting Quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings and is getting old. The NFL has rules about reporting injuries since it can affect how other teams prepare.

The Starting Quarterback was not fined. He apparently told the Jets that he would be willing to sit out if necessary, thus breaking his record setting consecutive games streak. He has already announced that the Vikings' winning is more important than his record. (Which may be true after this week when he sets the record for any player at 271 consecutive games.)

Who says this isn't an ongoing soap opera?

Oh - Brett who?