Brad Childress set out this past offseason on a mission to bring ex-Falcon/Packer/Jet quarterback Brett Favre to Minnesota to help guide his Vikings to the playoffs. For the last few years, the Vikings had all the pieces that were necessary to make a run at the playoffs, except for a quarterback.
In 2006, they drafted Alabama State quarterback Tavaris Jackson in hopes that he could take the reins as the Vikings new quarterback. 3 Seasons later, they decided that enough was enough with Jackson, who in his first 3 seasons threw for almost as many interceptions as he did touchdowns, leading him to a QB rating of 76.5. After multiple benchings of Jackson as well as additions of veteran quarterbacks such as Sage Rosenfels and Gus Frerotte, the Vikings knew that they didn't have much longer before their chance at the playoffs slipped out of their grasp. So Childress went after two-time retiree Favre who had just ended a disappointing season with the New York Jets.
After much indecision and talks of Favre not wanting to come back, Favre eventually joined the Vikings, coming in late to training camp yet having the starting job from day 1. Facing an onslaught of criticism, Favre took to work with the Vikings, getting them ready for what was hoped would be their last ditch effort to reach the Super Bowl.
Even with all the scrutiny and controversy involving Favre and Childress' "heated arguments" during a couple of games, Favre took the field this past season with poise and confidence. The end result was probably his best season of his Hall-of-Fame career. He led the Vikings to a 12-4 regular season record, threw for over 4,000 yards and 33 touchdowns, while only throwing a career-low 7 interceptions. It was an outstanding season that was full of promise going into the playoffs.
In the first playoff game, he played sensationally, throwing for 4 touchdowns and picking apart the Dallas Cowboy defense. The Conference game against the New Orleans Saints, however, was not so pretty. He has smashed and abused all day long, throwing two interceptions accompanied by only one touchdown. He limped off and onto the field numerous times and was simply harassed. The look on his face after every play could only be perceived as excruciating pain. The Vikings came away empty-handed, losing to the Saints in overtime off of a Garrett Hartley field goal.
Now that their season is over, Favre has a choice to make. Many believe he came back in hopes of winning another Super Bowl and ending his career with a bang. The only thing he came away with from this game was a massive headache and a injured ankle. Will this be the end of Favre, or will he come back for another season with the Vikings or another team in hopes of finding that elusive Super Bowl victory?
Just keep this little tid-bit in mind... Favre's last pass with the Packers and the Jets were both interceptions. That last pass Favre threw for the Vikings this season was picked with 12 seconds left in the game deep in the Saints territory. Only time will tell what he decides, but my guess is he's done.
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