How Much Does Brett Favre Have Left?

Hey Jets fans! It looks like there is finally a light at the end of the tunnel. After all, over the years, the franchise has always managed to sign quarterbacks that were "almost" good enough. Anyone remember Richard Todd? With the exception of Joe Namath, the Jets have historically had an "Achilles Heel" in the quarterback position.

Personally, I hope the Favre trade turns out to be a sweet deal for the fans and the franchise; however, the Jets have historically picked up veteran performers at the twilight and decline of their careers. Remember Boomer and Vinnie? They too were considered the Jets' quarterback salvation; yet, they never quite delivered the goods.

Don't get it twisted though; Brett has certainly proven his leadership and talent. Also, Brett has his Super Bowl ring as evidence of such; the man is a warrior. However, I'm skeptical about his continued durability after playing 16 seasons on the "frozen tundra" of Green Bay. All it takes is one good hit; at his age, will he recover?

Granted, he hasn't missed a start. That is unlikely to continue as he fights more battles in the trenches. 

The San Francisco 49ers have historically disposed of franchise players as their careers began to decline. There was Joe Montana, Ronnie Lott, and Jerry Rice; certainly their accolades are in the same league or surpass those of Brett Favre. But remember this; when Montana left San Francisco, Steve Young inherited the position. The Jets could and should learn from that example.

All successful teams have a formula for success. That success in part is getting rid of old veterans while developing talent in younger replacements. In this situation, maybe Green Bay was considering the big picture. Maybe Brett had become difficult and Green Bay simply didn't want to deal with it.

So, please forgive me for being a doubting Thomas and a perpetually disappointed Jets fan. This isn't 1969 and I will cheer when Favre delivers the goods. With any amount of luck, he has two or three seasons to produce for a very tough N.Y. fan base. Until then, he is a very talented quarterback that has 16 years of mileage; and yes, 16 years of punishment as well.  

Should the worst case happen and Brett takes a season or career ending hit, he will recover; laughing, all the way to the bank. For as we all know, he took a very sweet deal coming to New York.

I hope the Jets have learned from their past history and failures at the QB position. They should get maximum mileage out of Brett as long as he remains healthy; then make him the quarterback coach. With any luck, he can groom that talented fifth round draft pick from Tennessee; Erik Ainge. Or, should I say another Steve Young or Brett Favre in training.

This is a golden opportunity for the Jets if they are smart enough to maximize Brett's talent and leadership now and Brett's experience later as QB coach.