After a week of saying and doing all the right things preceding today’s game against the Green Bay Packers, Brett Favre returned to the place where he is a living legend—where he quarterbacked and led a team for 16 years, Lambeau Field—and exacted revenge beat his former team 38-26. As with his previous win over Green Bay just four weeks ago, Brett was outstanding. He was 17-of-28 passing for 244 yards and four touchdowns this afternoon as the Vikings improved to 7-1 heading into their bye week and the halfway point of this 2009 season.
I couldn’t be more impressed with …read more

Before Brett Favre finally signed a contract with the Minnesota Vikings this past summer, the very idea of him running onto Lambeau Field dressed in purple sent a shockwave of hysteria throughout the National Football League—not to mention throughout the national media, who figured such an occurrence would rank right up there with the parting of the Red Sea. But here we are, a mere four days from this event actually happening, and the excitement is somewhat less than what I had anticipated it would be. Sure, there’s a buzz. A lot of people are talking about the Vikings vs. …read more

Blogcasting the National Football League, Blogcasting the NFL
Brett Favre returned to Lambeau Field today to honor former center Frank Winters’ induction into the Green Bay Packers’ Hall of Fame today. I wonder how uncomfortable that was for Brett? And Ted Thompson? And Mike McCarthy? And others? Brett declined to answer any questions about his “unretirement” out of respect for the event and the individuals being honored. I wonder what the coming weeks will bring in regards to Brett’s possible return to the game?
I think former Packers defensive back LeRoy Butler made a very sensible statement. He feels Brett wavered …read more

Blogging the National Football League, Blogging the NFL
There’s a Manning in the Super Bowl again this year. But this time, it’s younger brother Eli’s turn as he led his N.Y. Giants to a 23-20 overtime win against the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Championship game. Yes, Eli Manning led them. It was the Giants’ 10th straight road win and once again, Eli took charge by managing the football game and not making mistakes. He was 21 of 40 for 254 yards with no touchdowns, but also no interceptions. There is so much to be said for not turning the …read more

Blogging the National Football League, Blogging the NFL
It’s a one-game season for the teams in this weekend’s Conference Championship games. Win and you’re on your way to sunny Glendale, AZ for Super Bowl XLII on February 3. Lose and it’s the sudden beginning of a long offseason. “Our whole season is at stake and so is theirs,” says New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick in describing his AFC Championship Game against the San Diego Chargers. The same can be said for the New York Giants and Green Bay Packers in the NFC Championship Game.

Both games are rematches of Week …read more