QUOTE: “Success would be the best revenge.” -- Lost Prophets quote
Do you remember the fifth season of “The Sopranos,” when Tony was talking to Dr. Melfi and mangled the famous revenge line? He said, “Revenge is like serving cold cuts,” but he meant to say, “Revenge is a dish best served cold.” Monday night in the Metrodome, Brett Favre was anything but cold – although he did serve a little revenge and, at the same time, became the first player to beat all 32 NFL teams in his career.
Favre proved to me that he still has the complete game to make it all work -- despite his age, despite his lack of preparation for the season and despite his first two games in which he looked to check the ball down. Monday night, his arm was live, his accuracy was pinpoint and his will to win was back to 1994 form. He did what he had to do when the Vikings couldn’t run the ball; he carried the team. As I wrote two weeks ago, never think a running game is going to carry a team deep into the playoffs, and Favre proved last night his game is still strong and that the passing game is how teams score points in the NFL. This kind of play wasn’t there in the first two games, but he showed he can reach back and rekindle that magic — which he’ll have to keep doing for the Vikings to be a Super Bowl team.
Running back Adrian Peterson was limited to just 55 yards, but Favre carried the team on his back with his ability to make all the throws, especially on critical third downs. He converted 57 percent of the Vikings’ third downs chances, and 14 of his completions went for first downs. He also delivered in the red zone, converting 3 of 3, which is always a secret ingredient to winning. What was most impressive was that four of the first six times the Vikings had the ball, Favre produced touchdowns.
The torch was passed last night. The Vikings are now capable of being an effective passing team. Favre threw the ball down the field, averaging more than eighth yards per pass attempt — which is exactly what a championship team must do. For the Vikings to beat the good teams, this level of performance from Mr. Favre is what it will take. He has developed a nice chemistry with his new receivers, and the play calling of the Vikings is more diverse. It was obvious they’re comfortable putting the ball in Favre’s hand — something they weren’t comfortable doing with former starter Tarvaris Jackson.
For the Packers, their Achilles’ heel showed clearly in Minnesota as their offensive line was not able to give quarterback Aaron Rodgers the time he needed to make throws. The power of the Vikings’ front was too much for the Packers offensive line in every facet. The Packers’ linemen are built to move sideways in the zone scheme, so when they’re pushed back, they’re not powerful enough to anchor down. When I was with the Hotel and we would play the Broncos, their line was similar in style to the Packers – they were effective moving laterally running their boots and nakeds. However, when they got behind in the game and had to drop back and pass protect, their deficiencies in physical power were exposed.
Now, before Packers fans overreact, the Metrodome is a tough place to play, and the crowd noise really places a burden on the offensive line. Yet the reality for Packers fans is that their line is a weak link and makes winning on the road -- especially in loud stadiums -- very difficult. Can they fix this problem now? The only way they can correct it is to make the players they have on the roster play at a higher level. There are no players walking down the street who can help them, so they must work to repair their problems in practice. Maybe overreacting is in order for Packer faithful.
Another concern for the Cheesehead nation might the play of their team’s defense and its inability to apply pressure. Favre had been sacked nine times in three games, but last night he had time to make his throws and was never really rushed into making a poor decision. The sole reason for bringing in defensive coordinator Dom Capers to convert the Packers defense to the 3-4 was to apply pressure on the passer. We didn’t see this pressure -- especially from Aaron Kampman, who was matched up on rookie Phil Loadholt at right tackle. My thinking was that Kampman was going to have a huge game, but he was in coverage as often as he was coming forward and really only got one good quick hit on Mr. Favre.
In the last 10 games at the Metrodome before the arrival of Capers, the Packers defense had allowed an average of 26 points per game, so nothing has changed. They must keep working on finding ways to get the pressure they need to disrupt the passing game. And the reality is that they’re only in Week 4 of the season, so this pressure can come along. They have too many talented players in their front seven to not be able generate pressure.
Finally, does this win exact revenge for Favre against his former team? I really doubt it. I’m sure it was very sweet for the entire Favre family, but revenge won’t come until the Vikings win the Super Bowl. Game four of the NFL season is too early to feel revenge has been served, but for certain it tasted awfully good.
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Purple Cheese is the new black.
Woodson's called back INT was huge, but the Vikes played a very good game from the field position aspect(Harvin helps that greatly). Combined with what they already have on defense and their running ability, that's tough to top in the dome.
Oh Raji, where art thou? It would help if those high picks in the front seven could handle the point of attack.
The problem is that GB has spent the past few drafts on O Lineman and those guys just have not shown they are NFL-starter caliber Sooner or later, Rodgers is going to take a sack he's not going to get up from.
I have to admit, I thought in game #1, Favre looked like an old man in a baggy shirt who was going to get killed by week 3. In game #2, he looked a little more mobile, but indecisive and weak of arm. In game #3, he surprised me with his accuracy, but the arm looked ragged at times. Not sure why he looked so great last night other than time to throw, but he looked 34, not 39, which is about all the Vikes need to have a shot at a deep playoff run. I'm sorry I picked the Vikes to finish 2nd in the division now (though I did still have them making the playoffs).
As a Viking fan. I would rather have Rodgers then Favre as my starting QB, but the Vikings are much better in the other 21 spots. That said Favre is sure nice to have.
The Vikings have not had this much leadership at the QB spot - maybe ever.
I agree with Randal -- he has summed up the Rodgers vs Favre comparison quite accurately as well as Favre's impact on the Vikes.
I thought last night that you could literally see Berrian and Rice coming alive as receivers. Especially on the play where Rice ran a straight route up the sideline, not thinking the ball was coming his way, turned his head back and there was the ball. He knew immediately that the incompletion was his fault and that he now was dealing with a QB who plays on a different level from what he has been accustomed to in Minnesota. Overall Rice had a great game and Berrian has momentarily silenced a few critics.
I hate to say this, but Favre is making Childress look good.
Congrats to Brett for a game well played, and lets remember that the Packers never questioned his ability to play well for awhile or to win some regular season games. The reason Favre isn't a Packer today is that he was unwilling to put in the time and effort to PREPARE to win a Championship, and without that commitment GB was unwilling to woo him.
Green Bay fans know as well as anybody that Favre is a talented QB, but we also know that the chances of him stringing together 3 quality playoff games and a Super Bowl win are slimmer than slim.
When the vikes hoist a Trophy.....then they will have succeeded. Till then its the same thing we saw for a decade, moments of incredible brilliance shattered by heartbreaking, season- ending blunders. Lather Rinse Repeat. Check back in January
No Lombardi ? No revenge.
Packer fans need not to overreact in a negative way. The talent on this team is strong. Their offensive line is a concern that needs to be addressed quickly. They have a bye week coming up. Guys can get healthy and can begin the process of ironing out deficiencies. If I were a Packer fan, I would be disappointed, but not down. There is a lot of football left to be played. Go Packers!!!!
It's common opinion that Rogers is the best QB in the NFC North. But Favre clearly outplayed him last night.
Rogers is a good QB with great upside and I'd rather have him for the long-term than Favre. But in two very important plays last night, Rogers came up short – whereas Favre seems to make the important plays.
1. On 4th and goal, Donald Lee was wide open because Greenway had fallen down from the contact with Lee. Yes, Lee should've caught Rogers's pass. (Not an EASY catch however, Rogers drilled it at Lee's shins). But if Rogers sees Lee in the middle left 2 secs earlier, it's a gimme TD. Rogers was even looking left first but failed to see Lee.
2. On the 2 pt. conversion, Grant (I think) was wide open out of the backfield. But Rogers didn't see him till it was too late. Then he tried the little backhanded shovel pass to no avail.
Both plays were among the rare occasions that Rogers actually had time. He just didn't see the open man. Ultimately, they were two clutch plays Rogers failed to convert when he had the chance.
I agree that he's got a lot of upside and looks as good as Packers fans could ever have hoped as a replacement for the Lambeau Legend. But Rogers deserves criticism for those very KEY plays.
And while he's obviously gifted with some mobility, a live arm, and an ability read a defense well, it remains to be seen if Rogers has that little extra something that separates the very good quarterback from the truly great.
Rodgers was sacked 8 times, the offense turned the ball over in FG range twice, the running game never got going and Green Bay only lost by a TD. The Vikings should be upset they only won by 7.
The running game never got going because of the Vikes DD and Rodgers was sacked 8 times because of the Vikes DD. The Matthews TD was something of a fluke, though a great defensive play. The Rodgers safety was a hair away from a TD. With a 30-14 lead the Vikes offense shifted into Conservative mode. So not sure that the Vikes need to be upset about a whole lot, but I am sure that the Pack should be upset by their offensive line and a defensive pressure that gave Favre 7.3 seconds to complete a pass.
No one seems to remember that on the Woodson INT in the end zone, GB was also offsides on the play. It doesn't matter that Woodson DID make the catch, it was already a free play. of course, the Vikings accepted the PI penalty, and not the offsides, because it gave them a 1st down, but even if they had accepted the offsides, it would have been 2nd and goal on the 1. The officiating really had no bearing on who won this game- although it is a common excuse for those who wind up on the wrong side of the outcome.
In the end, the Vikes looked like the better team last night, and they won because of it. Despite a stable of WR's and a QB who scares the hell out of me, the Pack need to fix their O-line before they can be considered contenders.
I don't understand where all this love for Rodgers comes from. The guy hasn't done anything. He's had one good finish to a game in his 20 starts. That was the Chicago game this year. Otherwise he hasn't shown me much. He's like Romo to me...he puts up good numbers but not when it really matters. He's 8-12 as a starter. Whoopee. A lot of people rip on Cutler for having a losing record but not Rodgers. Also, the Packers by far have the best receiving corps in the division. I would rather have Favre or Cutler at this point.
I'm a Packers fan but i'm realistic to know they're gonna lose at least 7 games this year, especially w/the O line as it is. Are they not good enough or not big enough? There probably isn't an O lineman for GB that weighs over 315, w/out Clifton so IMO I think they're not big enough up front. GB can't have every DE get at least 3 sacks every game not only because the offense loses yards but also to keep Rodgers healthy. I certainly don't wanna see Flynn start this year.
The injuries in the secondary haven't helped either though.
Also, Kampman needs to be put at DE sometimes cause he's not getting any sacks at OLB.
I'm starting to think about next year already. GB needs to draft bigger linemen and/or trade for a veteran. Or throw Lang into the fire cause the current players aren't getting the job done this year either. Another RB wouldn't hurt since Jackson has either been average or injured for the most part. I still think Grant is an above average RB. I woulldn't even be mad if they drafted a punter next year. Changes that need to be made shouldn't have to be made when the GM and coach have been together this long. I'm finally starting to lose faith in Thompson and McCarthy.
If the Vikings are to win a Super Bowl, Favre will have to play at a high level late in the season. Thus far, we've seen this movie before. The Jets did beat the Pats at Foxborough, Mass. last year before a major collapse wherein Favre played at an extremely low level. The jury is still out. The Vikings are 4-0 as are my Broncos. While I'm pleased with what I've seen from the Broncos, it is only Week 5 and both the Broncos and Vikings have a lot of work left to do. Their poor clock management leaves much to be desired. As always, Lombardi, nice takes and I look forward to tomorrow's entry.
This was fairly predictable. The Packers were practically playing 46 D to stop Peterson and, in doing so, not only were they playing with a soft secondary - they couldn't buy pressure on Favre all night. No team can win in this league without getting some hits on the QB.
Say what you will about Favre getting revenge: Rodgers has been, is currently and will be the better of the two Quarterbacks.
Last nights Pros and Cons for GB as I see them:
Cons:
- The Offensive Line looked bad
- The Defensive Line got little or no pressure
- The backup safety that we traded for (Martin) doesn't know what he is doing
- We weren't able to get 3rd Down Stops
- We looked afraid to do exotic blitzes (The difference vs. Wk1 in CHII was marked)
- Rodgers held the ball too long at times, especially later in the game
- We failed to get the ball into Jennings hands more often, so he had little gamebreaking potential (he needs more YAC type throws)
Pros:
- We shut down a good running game, and the DL and Linebackers looked much improved doing this
- We used the screen pass effectively in a game (3 10+ yd gains) for the first time that I can remember since McCarthy arrived
- We ran reasonably well, if not very often. If you look at the screen pass as part of the running game, we ran very well.
- We had a pretty good offensive game plan. Screens and draws to disrupt the rush a bit, and seam routes to the TE to take advantage of MN's abysmal safety tandem.
- Aaron Rodgers can pick apart a blitz along with the best in the business. There were some really nice drives that sacks destroyed.
- We were pretty clearly on the short end of the penalty spectrum. Even if we committed a few more, the differential was laughable, and those are things that shouldn't happen every week.
We now have a week off, and that should allow Clifton (OL), Bigby (S), and Raji (DL) to get healthy, which could shore up the first 4 cons up above. In addition, we have to hope the defense gels, which is plausible, since it is still new (think of the strides that NYG made under Spagnuolo in 07, his first year there).
Finally one question I am asking myself: Could we get a mid-tier LT or a top-tier RT for Aaron Kampman in the next two weeks. Kampman might come around, but wouldn't it be worth exploring what we could get for him before the trade deadline?
I've been defending Thompson for quite some time, but last night may have flipped my switch. When Thompson took over several years ago, it was apparent that the bookend tackles, Clifton and Tauscher, would have about 3 remaining productive years, and that they likely would go out of the league within a year of each other. Here we are, four years later, and the Packers didn't have a single NFL-quality tackle on the roster last night.
Add into the mix the safety fiasco. Anthony Smith, a rare free agent acquisition, was a surprise cut at the end of training camp despite making several intelligent plays during the preseason. Aaron Rouse kept his job at season's start, but was cut after game 2, leaving the second safety slot to guys off the street, which cost Green Bay last night.
Add into the mix the last minute cut of punter Jon Ryan a couple of seasons ago that cost the Packers dearly all season with the ineffective Brooks.
We've also had the same mediocre crew at running back the last three seasons. Brandon Jackson retains a roster spot although he only plays in the whirlpool. DeShawn Wynn has never done anything. Grant is a one-dimensional runner who is a liability in the passing game.
While I don't advocate tossing away money in free agency, Thompson was too timid to trade a 4th rounder for Moss; didn't step up in the Jared Allen sweepstakes. I tip my hat to the Bears and Vikings for pulling the trigger on big deals that helped their teams immensely.
Ted, how are you gonna get us out of this mess? Will Packer president Mark Murphy have the gumption to can TT if the Pack posts a losing record?
They should have signed Runyan and flipped their RT over tot he other side? What options are out there now? Tutan Reyes the former Bronco G/T?
Michael - an interesting future article might be to address the upcoming trading deadline and what a team like the Packers could potentially do to acquire someone. For example, any teams out there with some OT depth or practice squad players, what that player would be valued at at this point and what they have to offer. A number of teams have these sorts of holes - what options are out there?
Raji only played a handful of snaps b/c of his bum ankle. He is also playing at DE which will take time to adjust. The game plan was to stop AP (2.5 ypc) and make Brett beat us (which he did). I'll take a touchdown loss on the road without our starting LT and a special teamer playing safety.
For those who haven't heard yet, they are saying that Mark Tauscher's return to the Packers is imminent. That would make for a huge lift on the O-line if he's even 75% the player he was prior to his injury. Blackmon lost for the year - torn ACL
By the way, did anyone else notice Favre taking revenge on Al Harris for blowing the 2007 NFC championship game against the Giants? We forget that Harris got abused all game by Plaxico Burris and that the Packers were winning that game until the final drive by the Giants which culminated in a Burris touchdown where he beat Harris. I can't re-watch last night's game, but I'm pretty sure Favre was throwing at Harris all night (see the Berrian TD).
The world is filled with people who look good on paper. Rogers may look good on paper however... I don;t see him going anywhere thus....his team has not gone anywhere.
Brett Favre has been a leader of a team, he has more often than not did what it took to win.
Brett Favre woule be my choice for a QB since...to win now, this year, is what matters.
All this namby pamby stuff about building a team means... they are not going to be winning NOW.
Green Bay has shown this. Teddy Thompson is terrible.
The past few years he was "rebuilding the defense" then....he changed hired a different defensive coordinator who changed the scheme leaving good players in some different positions not in their best position. There are "some" who are always injuired yet are still around.
The offense....a week link. The players aquired have been terrible. This leaves team looking to shuffle players just to get by.
You can never guaranty players will stay healthy however....many of them just have a history of not being healthy which is a concern.
Rodgers, is not all that. He's ok....just ok. Almost all of Favres backups have done well for 1-3 years then they tank. Rogers does not have the "magic" it takes to be a star...it's just not there. Can they survive game? Perhaps. Are they a playoff team? No way...............
The poor choices to keep a team hostage in the "rebuilding years" should have Ted Thompson FIRED!
If the Packers were interested in winning a Championship, they would not have let a Championship player be traded.
If moving on is the key.....rebuilding is the Packers intentions.....it doesn't matter who the Packers QB is... they are not going anywhere with the management direction they have. Wasn't it a coach there who said of a player....."his mind is just not in it". That seems to be more of the coach looking in the mirror there......
Old fart 4 showed the nation that he is still a top ten QB in the league last night. He is only in this position because he is surrounded by studs on both the offense and defense. He made Tightwad Ted and Big Mac look like completely incompetent fools.
Where are all the Ted Thompson fans at? Defend this idiot now. The onus for this loss and potential loss season falls squarely on Tightwad Ted. As the GM, he built this team in his image. Sorry to say Packer backers, the image is of a LOSER.
No one on the offensive line is of a starter caliber and would be back ups on any other NFL team. Their mediocre play will result in season ending injury for A-Rod. They have given up 20 sacks in 4 games. They are on pace to give up 80 sacks this season. A-Rod might be the new David Carr after this season. They made Odom into a pro bowler in one game. Wait until this motely crew goes up against the Vile-queens again. Not to mention DeMarcus Ware, the 49ers defense, the Ravens defense, the 2nd city bums again, and the real 3-4 Blitzburg(with Troy P.).
Let me see, the Pack cut safeties Smith and Rouse for making mistakes. So is Martin the next victim? Can we apply that logic to the GM also? Hey at least they have three fullbacks on the roster.
Lastly, Mike Sherman has a better winning record than Tightwad Ted. Does that not say it all right there? Ted Thompson equals FAIL! FIRE TED THOMPSON NOW! NUFF SAID!
Unfair to compare Rodgers and Favre from this game. Put Rodgers behind the Minnesota offensive line against the Packer defense and you're looking at 400 yards-plus (as it was, he had almost 400 yards with his OL). Put Favre behind the Packer line and you might get a couple of quick outs that Rodgers didn't try, but he might not have finished the game. It would have looked like the Dallas game in 2007 - he would have tried to win it by himself and ended up on the turf.
Mike - I think Favre went after Harris when he saw Harris playing off the receiver in zone. That is not his strong suit, and expect other teams to go there as well if the Packers continue to have a weak pass rush. The idea of the 3-4 is that the pressure on the QB allows the DBs to play off. Without pressure, you can have 7.33 seconds to throw the ball 25 yards to a backup tight end, who was the only eligible receiver on that play. And I was at the Giant game - yes, Harris lost the battle against Burris (badly) but they never rolled any help over to Harris' side. After about the sixth or seventh catch, I thought that might have been a good move. It's not like the other GIants receivers were so scary.
And while I have generally approved of Thompson's approach in building this team through the draft, the start of this season has caused me to drop my approval rating a few points. They're going to have to find not one but two blue-chip tackles before next year, and possibly a new guard and feature running back. That's too much to expect from one draft, so they'll have to go to free agency. Also, being the youngest team four years running with your backups having an average age of 22.4 has been exposed.
Not sure why he looked so great last night other than time to throw, but he looked 34, not 39, which is about all the Vikes need to have a shot at a deep playoff run.
Packers were interested in winning a Championship, they would not have let a Championship player be traded.
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Oct 06, 2009
10:42 AM
Way to stick it to those Cheese Donks, Mr. Favre!! Hopefully, this will shut them up for a while.