Welcome my friends to the ninth edition of "Brett Favre vs. Aaron Rodgers" The article that sparks more arguments than politics—ok maybe not politics, but you get my point.
Last week was Favre's default win as he tied up the score 4-4 with Rodgers. With bye weeks out of the way, the real competition can start.
Let’s do this thing.
Week Nine
New York Jets 26
Buffalo Bills 17
Brett Favre: 19-28, 201yds, 1 INT
The Good: Jets coach Eric Mangini told Favre before the game to "stop hitting on 20", a reference to Black Jack. Favre did just that. For the most part, Favre took care of the ball. He threw short and safe passes—something he needed to do against an agressive defense like Buffalo. Brett Favre added yet ANOTHER NFL record as he became the first player to win in 32 stadiums.
The Bad: The interception wasn't that bad. It was a terribly ran route on top of top notch coverage by the defense. Favre had pressure and trusted his arm. Sure he paid for it, but he redeemed himself as he led a long touchdown drive for the Jets.
Favre probably could have done more to help his team, but he didn't need to as the defense actually played a good game for once.
Green Bay Packers 16
Tennessee Titans 19
35 comments Last one added 7 months ago — Leave a Comment
Adam Lufrano 8 months ago
I love this "Aaron Rodgers vs. Brett Favre" article string you've been writing. I'm rooting for Aaron Rodgers to beat Brett because I'm a Packer fan. 4-4 is not where we wanted to be, but we did play the Titans and the Bears did play the Lions, so it was as expected, sans the 314 yards by Rodgers.
I still believe the Packers, and Aaron Rodgers, will win the NFC North with a 10-6 and an 11-5 record, with a loss coming from either the Saints or the Panthers, and if it's 10-6 one of them also the Bears. Check out my article "Looking Ahead To The Packers Second Half" if you want.
Good article.
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David Arreola 8 months ago
Yeah i'll take a look at your article.
Thanks for reading mine. 4-4 isn't what anybody expected for the Packers this year. Unfortunately that is where we are so we have to do our best from here on out to make the playoffs.
Thanks man
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Doug Dwyer 8 months ago
The Jets offense punted once and Brett had one interception. The Jets offense had scoring drives of 42, 51, 60, and 65 yards for 1 TD and 3 FGs. They also had another 72 yard drive for a missed FG. The defense gave them the ball for and additional FG. The Jets defense stopped the Bills from scoring, and the Jets offense moved the ball down the field and scored. The Jets won on the road to go into a tie for 1st place in their division.
The Jets finally had a consistent game plan. They passed first, then pounded the ball to keep the defense off balance. After the Jets defense returned an INT for a touchdown, the Jets controlled the game the rest of the way.
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David Arreola 8 months ago
The Jets definately played a mistake free type of game. They were really safe with their playcalling and didn't really try to catch the Bills napping on defense. The Jets defense did a really good job of containing Marshawn Lynch and holding Edwards to minimal production.
Overall a good game.
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greg smith 8 months ago
hey I missed the intereception and fumble by Rodgers in the Bad section of this article. Also I missed that the interception was in a position on the field that would have be an green bay field goal (the one needed to win the game). I also missed that the fumble and resulting field goal is the score that won the game for Titans. I guess when you are so tough on a QB that is know for turning the ball over and winning anyhow (name another QB with 12 INT's and a winning record) you should mention the same issues with a unproven QB that is throwing a lot of yards for no points (no field goals or rushing TD's). You made a mistake this week with your pick. Again this article seems to be more about fantasy football and less about football (W and L). At this point the Jets 4-12 last year are tied for their division lead and the Packers are 13-3 last season are a game behind the team that beat them twice last season (oh and the bears are better this year than last). Oh and don't see how the Viking are not a cup cake team for the Pack. They have already creamed this team once before and they have gotten even more predictable since that game. I should mention that the Rams beat the Cowboys a team that the Pack could not beat. A lot of the teams this season with poor records are dangerous. Ask the Jags and the Bucks about there games yesterday. Again a Packers fan and I think in time Rodgers might end up leading the Packers to the Playoff and maybe futher but the whole thing is one season to early as the W and L are playing out this season. Half way through we are half way to 8 wins. Fortunately for us the only real test left is the Bears twice the rest we have beat already or are on even ground with the pack and I believe the offense is better than most of the teams left on our schedule. So if we play well I see 10-6 but the Bears will win the division if their QB can come back.
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David Arreola 8 months ago
Thanks for the comment Greg.
As I stated in my pick section. It takes more than a win to get my pick. Favre just didn't do as much for his team as Rodgers did. I didn't include the INT and fumble because I didn't see either...because I was trying to switch back and forth between the Jets and Packers game. Its hard to watch both at the same time...especially when they are both on offense.
Also, the Vikings are not a cup-cake team. You are what your record says. Both teams are 4-4.
My article is not about fantasty football, I assure you that. If it was, Rodgers would be up BIG time. It isn't about stats, its about who did more for their team.
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Don Zak 8 months ago
Good Points Greg,
Fans of Aaron see no wrong with what he does, even when it contributes to the team losing.
I would take an ugly win over a pretty "good" loss each and every week of the season.
If the season ended today, Green bay wouldn't get a wildcare spot!
Reality has entered a bubble on praising Rodgers on Bleacher Report. , While I am beginning to believe in as a player with a terrific skill set, it is not translating into wins for the team.
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David Arreola 8 months ago
You are what your record says.
We are 4-4 so we aren't great, but we aren't bad.
I am excited to see how Aaron Rodgers answers the pressure of making the playoffs.
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Michael Priebe 8 months ago
David, I haven't read any of your previous articles in this series, but I hope you have taken into account the adversity Brett Favre faces in trying to learn a new offense and gel with a new set of guys in a new division etc. etc.
Rodgers stepped into an offense he has known for four years.
They are both good at this point in their careers - we'll see how Rodgers numbers look in 17 years.
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David Arreola 8 months ago
I have. In the earlier weeks I gave Favre "controversial" wins that many of my readers felt Rodgers deserved. My reason was exactly that.
Thanks for the comment.
Feel free to look at the past editions of this article if you'd like.
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MJ Kasprzak 7 months ago
I think it is nothing compared to the adversity in following a legend who was unpopularly (is that even a word?) pushed out of town. That's why only one QB (Steve Young) has successfully followed a legend before, and he was already a star. I also think the fact that the record of Favre's opponents was .400, the record of Rodgers' opponents was .515. It's also different to know an offense and to actually apply it in a regular season game.
However, for the first time I have to disagree with you in favour of Favre. I think it's close, just like the two times I disagreed with you in favour of Rodgers, but Aaron's pick was very Favresque, and the biggest advantage to Rodgers was not having Brett's bad judgment. I just feel that pick and fumble cost us--not as much as the D not being able to stop the run or catch any of three picks, but it cost us.
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David Arreola 7 months ago
I saw both games (my luck would be that I miss both Rodgers' turnovers)
And I felt Rodgers played better. He threw better and made good decisions.
Brett Favre also threw a Favresque pick...
So in the end I picked the player I thought threw better and did an overall better job of helping his team win.
Favre's offense died in the redzone as they settled for 4 FGs
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greg smith 8 months ago
So you don't think the two turn overs by Rodgers that gave up the difference in points to a team that averages 24 points per game (when played very well) overshadows the 314 yards between the 40 yard lines that he gained? I could see if Rodgers had come back and led the Pack to a game saving drive after basically loosing the game with two costly errors then I could see what you mean about his efforts. To be completely honest it was the efforts of Rodgers that gave up the game. The Titans basically handed the game to the Packers in the second half and the Packers or should I say Rodgers handed it right back to them. The rest of the team played very well. Grant averaged 4 yards per carry and rushed for almost 100 yards (86). The difference in the game was the turnovers period and the turnovers came from Rodgers. And if you want to see the turnovers go to NFL.com and you can watch the replays.
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David Arreola 8 months ago
This is true. I agree that Rodgers didn't do everything he needed for the Packers to win. But he did enough so that they did not lose. I gave Rodgers this win because his numbers looked better and I didn't think Favre played particularly well either
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greg smith 8 months ago
Oh ya and I forgot that the Viking will be a challenge. I keep forgetting that the Pack are 4-4. Having a hard time accepting that. But still if you think the match up between the Viking and the Pack is a tough one you need to stop speaking so highly of Rodgers. Next week should be a cake walk and Rodgers should be the clear winner in the story.
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David Arreola 8 months ago
Don't forget the Jets play the Rams.
Favre could have a huge day.
Thanks for all the comments Greg, I really appreciate them.
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Bruce Dickenson 8 months ago
I think the Pack is lucky to be at 4 and 4 with a rookie quarterback. It would be silly to expect another 13 and 3 season with that schedule and a rookie behind center. Just goes to show the talent that surounds Rodgers. The Pack will make the playoffs and maybe a deep run.
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Don Zak 8 months ago
Bruce,
why would you release a veteran QB in favor of a rookie that is not going to be a success?
If Aaron adds more value to your team than Brett, it should translate into wins. If Aaron is more of a liability, then why release Brett?
It's a question only time and TT's autobiography will tell!
Ha! Jokes on us Packer fans I guess.
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David Arreola 8 months ago
Aaron Rodgers is hardly a rookie. He has been studying under one of the greatest quarterbacks of all-time for 3 years! He knows the team and the system like the back of his hands. We are merely seeing the product of 3 years of hard work and practice. I am not suprised by Rodgers' production.
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MJ Kasprzak 7 months ago
Don, it's not all about this season. I am not sure we would have any more wins under Brett, but I accept we would probably not be doing worse, even though I proved in an earlier article that Rodgers has been better than Favre through the first seven this season, better than Favre was for the first seven last season, and better than Favre through the first fourteen games of their careers.
However, there is NO doubt Rodgers will win more games in the rest of his career than Favre will. The Packers are a young team, and keeping Favre would have meant losing Rodgers. Before the season, the team judged that even with Favre, we would not be better than the Giants or Steelers, and probably would not win a Superbowl. At least with Rodgers we will have many chances, as he grows with the youngest team in the league.
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David Arreola 7 months ago
MJ, that is a bold statement.
Are you suggesting that Aaron Rodgers will win more games than not only Brett Favre.
But Dan Marino, John Elway, Fran Tarkenton and Johnny Unitas?
Dude, I have to ask...are you a Cal fan?
That seems like an awful lot of praise for a quarterback who just finished his 8th start...and has as many wins as losses.
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Micah Green 8 months ago
It doesn't matter who's stats are better. It only matters who gets the big W.
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David Arreola 8 months ago
In the NFL....not my article. lol.
Thanks for the comment Micah.
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Micah Green 8 months ago
lol.
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Gavin 8 months ago
Favre should have won this week. David said " Favre just didn't do as much for his team as Rodgers did." Favre did exactly what his team asked him to do play it safe and win he did both. David you should look into getting this new invention called dvr or even a vcr. this is two of your articles where you have made the excuss u didn't see something in a game if you don't see both games you have no right writing about them at all. don't get me wrong i like your article but be fair, yards aren't everything. Rodgers lost the game for green bay.
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David Arreola 8 months ago
Gavin,
I live in a cardboard box and can't afford that kind of stuff.
That first article I wasn't even home to watch the games. I apologized to my readers, luckily the pick was not hard at all.
This week was a closer week. Yards aren't everything, but they are something. Rodgers also accouted for one more TD than Favre, who didn't account for any.
I stand by my pick of Rodgers
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Gavin 8 months ago
it doesn't matter that farve didn't throw a touchdown u can't throw the ball everytime you want to score, its not just about bretts stats a touchdown is a touchdown. Favre doesn't call the plays, a rushing touchdown is just as good for the team.
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David Arreola 8 months ago
Favre led the Jets into the red zone SIX times. Only to come away with 1 TD, 4 FGs and 1 missed FG.
Favre didn't seal the deal in the redzone, just like Rodgers. So therefore they are even in that sense.
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Don Zak 7 months ago
It's a dead issue.
Move on to debating next week's game.
Aaron is a terrific fantasy football QB and an above average NFL QB. I think everyone agrees on those topics.
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Doug Dwyer 7 months ago
I saw the Packers game on NFL replay and I watched the Jets on Sunday. There is a big difference in the receiving corp. The Packers receivers actually get separation from the defense. Jordy Nelson has played big in his first year to go along with Driver and Jennings.
Remember, Favre was shipped to a 4-12 team. He didn't have a lot of choice in the matter. Even though his numbers are horrible, the defenses have to honor his arm, which has opened up the running game. Thomas Jones has 5 rushing TDs in 8 games compared to 1 all of last year. Similarly last year with the Packers, no running game for 1st half of season until Favre started airing it out vs. Broncos & Chiefs.
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David Arreola 7 months ago
Brett Favre's Jets also lead the AFC East in points scored. Quite a feat for a team that seemed offensivly inept last year.
Brett Favre has a far inferior receiving corps compared to Rodgers. Only Cotchery is pro bowl worthy. Favre has done better than i expected....I didn't think they would be in the hunt for the division crown at midseason.
At the same time Aaron Rodgers is in the same position. So we will see what each are made of. For Favre the circumstances are different than they were in Green Bay. He has to contend with 3 teams that have a playoff chance, rather than just 1.
Rodgers is in a whole new postion...trying to make the playoffs. lol.
I'm excited!
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Doug Dwyer 7 months ago
Impatiently waiting for the Week 10 games & post game discussions.
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David Arreola 7 months ago
You and everyone else. A three way tie for 1st. Buffalo and New England play each other, so we know some1 will be 6-3. Big time pressure.
Rodgers trying to avoid going sub-.500.
Week 10 will be huge!
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Gigi W. 7 months ago
Favre has to adjust to a new team with new identity, new teammates, new venue, new coach, new fans, new playbook and new teams to play against. On top of that, don't forget personal life adjustments. He and his family had to move to a new city, new house, new schools.....and at the same time deal with all the smack talk by his former team and all the bad press and gossip. That is tremendous pressure on anybody.
Rodgers - same team, same teammates that he has known, trained with and played with. He lives in the same city, plays in the same stadium, plays to the same fans, execute the same playbook that he has watched, trained and filled in for three years, same rivalry teams that he is accustomed to and studied a great deal. Not to mention he is much, much younger.
Favre still has more wins than Rodgers.
Favre inherited one of the worst teams in the NFL. Rodgers inherited one of the best. Did we forget last year they were in the conference championship game?
Favre still has more wins than Rodgers.
Favre has hardly any weapons on his team. Rodgers has all the weapons he needs.
Favre still has more wins than Rodgers.
Truly, you can't even compare the two. The circumstances are too different. It is not apples to apples.
But Favre still has more wins than Rodgers.
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David Arreola 7 months ago
Gigi,
I agree with everything you said except:
"Favre has hardly any weapons on his team"
Thats what we thought week 1,2,3... But now we are in week 11 (9 for this article) and it is now clear, the talent of the Jets. Jerricho Cotchery is one of the most underrated WRs in the NFL. He is quick, strong, and makes great catches. Laverneus Coles is fast and makes plays, he just needs to get open more often. Dustin Keller is turning out to be a jewel from the draft. Thomas Jones is on pace to have a career year.
So no, I think they are even on talent.
But, Favre still has more wins that Rodgers.
Winning isn't based solely on the QB, but he does play a large part on the outcome. Rodgers has played well most of the season. Based on his games I would think the Packers should be 7-3 or at least 6-4.
Thanks for the comment!
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