New York Jets Fans Should Be Cheering J-E-T-S, Not B-R-E-T-T

Brett Favre-a-Palooza is still in full swing with Jets' fans and isn't showing any signs of slowing down. In fact, if Favre's arrival really does signal the end of hard times, fans can expect the festivities to be kicked up a few notches.

The migration of Brett Favre fans into Green and White territories will only serve to enhance the team's public appearance, but at what price?

What's become more evident in recent weeks, with the influx of new fans and extensive media coverage, is that Brett Favre transcends the New York Jets. His press clippings dominate the sports pages.

When Favre says, "I'm a Jet," it may make a nice headline for Jets' writers, but the thinking fan should be able to look beyond those words.

As Favre was introduced, Chad Pennington was dismissed. While some fans rejoiced at the potential for a more dynamic passing game, Pennington's words from four years ago should still resonate soundly in all of our minds. The New York media ridiculed and crucified him for it then, but his words are so relevant today.

"It is an honor and a privilege for you to cover the New York Jets."

“An honor and a privilege," said Pennington. "But you have an obligation to hold up your end of the bargain by being objective and fair in what you report. Yet you didn’t do that."

After Saturday night's blooper reel against the Washington Redskins, Mark Cannizzaro of the New York Post wrote, "The result, largely due to Mike Nugent's missed 23-yard FG attempt to tie the game as time expired (it hit the left upright), along with a 43-yard miss earlier, was the only disappointment for the Jets.

But it hardly mattered. This was all about Favre's debut, and he didn't disappoint."

Mark Cannizzaro is a professional writer, obligated to cover the New York Jets objectively. I'm merely a Jets' fan with Internet access, but even I recognized that there were plenty of things that mattered after Favre's 14-play debut.

Things like David Clowney, a young and impressive wide receiver being sidelined with a significant injury.

Things like the potential QB of the future, Kellen Clemens, stumbling out of the pocket as his receivers dropped wide open passes.

And that hardly matters?

Before Aug. 6, 2008, the New York Jets were a team with no clear quarterback and holes all over the roster. The team's depth was lackluster, the talent was mediocre to average, and they would be embroiled in a battle for last place with Miami.

It's understandable that the addition of a future Hall of Famer can drastically alter first impressions. However, should this acquisition serve as an adequate basis to dismiss previous claims?

Expectations may be high, but there's no justification for disregarding the other 52 men looking to be named on the final roster.

The bandwagon may be growing larger, as Brett Favre fans arrive to tour Jets nation, but the fans that have bled green through the misery deserve better. People need to remember the name on the front of the jersey.

Angel Navedo is the Head Writer at NYJetsFan.com, boasting Jet Fuel Radio, frequently updated news and opinions, and a premier fan community.