Brett Favre: Is He Really Worth $20 Million More?
The Brett Favre retirement saga is beginning to heat up once again, providing another chapter in one of the most ridiculous spectacles the sports world has ever witnessed.
According to a story first reported by the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, the Vikings are reportedly dangling an extra $7 million dollars in front of Favre in an attempt to postpone the Tavaris Jackson era for another year.
Favre is already slated to make $13 million should he decide to return next season.
The Vikings appear to be willing to do just about anything to encourage the Hall of Famer to emerge from his apparent retirement.
Let's take a look at whether or not Brett Favre is actually worth a $20 million investment.
Yes: Tarvaris Jackson Isn't Capable of Being a Starting Quarterback
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For the time being, Tarvaris Jackson is the Vikings' starting quarterback.
Jackson's career has been plagued by mistakes and inconsistency, which is what prompted the Vikings to seek an upgrade heading into last season.
His 10-9 career record as a starter is indicative of his performance. His 21-18 touchdown-to-interception ratio for his career is further proof that his decision making and accuracy has always been a work in progress.
The Vikings probably aren't eager to see Jackson's patented jump-pass once the regular season gets underway.
No: Enough With The Distractions Already
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Brett Favre has once again dominated the chatter at Vikings' training camp in Mankato, Minnesota without actually even being there.
Wednesday, head coach Brad Childress faced questions from skeptical media members and referred to the situation as "Watergate."
That might be a stretch, but there is no doubt that Favre's antics are a distraction.
The Vikings need to end the soap opera and move on, and that starts with setting a deadline for his highness to make a decision.
Regardless of what Vikings' coaches and players say, Favre's dalliance with retirement is creating a distraction at camp.
Yes: The Vikings Are On the Cusp of the Super Bowl
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On paper, the Vikings are clearly a Super Bowl contender. In reality, expecting a team with Tarvaris Jackson to make it all the way to the big game is like expecting Brett Favre to stay retired through the end of this week.
If Favre returns, the Vikings' biggest void is filled with a proven Hall of Famer. The balanced attack that lit up the NFL last season would be poised for continued success.
Brad Childress wants to make another run at a title, and Favre gives him the best chance to win.
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No: The Vikings Already Have Enough In Place
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History has proven that an All-Pro caliber quarterback isn't a prerequisite for making the Super Bowl.
The fact that average (at best) quarterbacks including the likes of Trent Dilfer and Rex Grossman have piloted teams to the big game should be encouraging for the Vikings.
Minnesota's roster is loaded with talent on both sides of the ball.
Adrian Peterson remains one of the most dominant players in the NFL. Sidney Rice and Percy Harvin provide big plays in the passing game.
Defensively, Chad Greenway has emerged as one of the best young linebackers in football, and the Vikings' defensive line is among the best in the entire NFL.
Even without Favre, the Vikings still have a decent shot at a Super Bowl.
Yes: Stability
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Brett Favre's decision-making under center might not be the most stable, but if he is on the field, there isn't much to worry about from the Vikings' perspective.
Favre's health has declined in recent seasons, but he still managed to start every game to add to his incredible consecutive games streak.
He might make bad decisions now and then, but Childress wouldn't have to worry about yanking Favre for Sage Rosenfels. There would be no quarterback controversy in Minnesota.
No: The Bad Wheel
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If there is one clear factor in the on-again off-again retirement, it is almost certainly the condition of Favre's healing left ankle.
Favre had surgery earlier this summer and has continued to rehab the ankle, but there have been reports that the process has not gone well.
If Favre can't use his left leg to plant when he makes throws, it will be difficult for him to drive the ball. A strong arm is important, but so is a healthy ankle.
Yes: Just Look at The Numbers
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These type of arguments aren't complete without referencing some type of statistical basis.
In the case of Brett Favre, the statistics suggest that he is worth all the headaches.
At age 40, he threw for 4,202 yards and 33 touchdowns while tossing a career-low seven interceptions in the regular season. He also set a career high by completing over 68 percent of his passes.
He might be old, but he can still sling the ball all over the field.
Even if those numbers decline in the upcoming season, Favre would still be one of the most productive quarterbacks in the NFL.
No: The Skills Will Begin To Decline
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Favre's incredible 2009 numbers aren't likely to manifest themselves again this season.
The significance of his ankle surgery cannot be understated, nor can his advanced age.
The Vikings would be wise to expect some bumps in the road if Favre is at the helm, and his durability late in the season and in the playoffs could become a concern.
Yes: Leadership
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People seem to gravitate towards Brett Favre, for one reason or another. That includes his teammates.
The Vikings welcomed Favre with open arms last season and had few qualms about his privileged status as a member of the veteran elite, which allowed him to miss all of training camp before stepping in as a starter.
Could there be Deja Vu? Absolutely.
Favre's enthusiasm for the game—not practice but the game—has always been contagious among teammates.
His experience in big games and tense situations would make the Vikings' coaching staff feel somewhat comfortable—probably more comfortable than if Tarvaris Jackson was running the show.
No: Egomaniacal Play-Changer
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For all of his intangibles, Brett Favre brings a huge negative to the table: He is stubborn as hell.
His stubborn ways lead to bad decisions, but also led to an interesting clash with his head coach during a game against the Carolina Panthers last season, when Brad Childress questioned Favre's interpretation of the plays being called into his helmet.
The Vikings went from being Adrian Peterson's team to Brett Favre's team around the middle of the season, when the offense became much more of an aerial attack and got away from the basics.
That upset Childress, and might have been due, in part, to Favre's eagerness to throw the ball, even if it meant changing plays in the huddle.
Being stubborn isn't always a good thing, especially at age 40 with arguably the best running back in football in your backfield.
The Simple Answer to a Difficult Question
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The Vikings appear intent on courting Favre until the very end. In the end, that probably won't be a good thing.
Although he might still be a better option than Tarvaris Jackson, Favre's age and ankle should be two huge concerns for the Vikings.
By offering Favre even more money, the Vikings would put themselves into a corner financially while risking team chemistry.
If he isn't healthy, can the team risk pulling him and leaving him on the bench?
Brad Childress might not want to think about that possibility, but it could certainly happen. It could also be devastating to the Vikings' chances.
Should the Vikings shell out an extra $7 million to bring Favre back? Not unless they want to pay more for dated, damaged goods.
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