Talking NFL

Before we get to this weekend’s match-ups, a quick thought on the topic du jour: whether or not Brett Favre should return next year.

My initial thought was that it’s time for #4 to move on. I only saw part of the Pack’s thrilling 9-7 win over the Vikes last night. What I did see was both of the interceptions Favre threw, which were either complete miscommunications or just horrendous throws. My thinking (like others) was that they need to see if Aaron Rodgers can get the job done, and Brett would be better off as a veteran back-up QB for a contender with an injury prone starter (perhaps Philly or even Atlanta - how ironic would that be?). It all makes sense in a cold, calculated business way.

But, as Tracy McGrady would say, I’m pulling a 360 on this one. The Packers have looked relatively competent these last 3 games, especially on defense. (Yes, I realize those games were against San Fran, Detroit, and Minnesota, which is the NFL equivalent of Moe, Larry and Curly - work with me here for a sec). More importantly, this is Green Bay we’re talking about, and they absolutely love this guy. Staying for another year with the chance to make one last playoff run is the heartwarming, feel good ending. And I’m a sappy guy when it comes down to it. So go for it, Favre! (Just try to keep the INT’s under 30 for the season. Please. The Cheeseheads are begging you.)

OK, now for comments on some of the Week 16 match-ups:

Chicago at Detroit - The big story for this game is off the field. Lions fans are planning a walkout at 8:57 in the second quarter. Click here to see the significance of the time they will walk, and to see some really unhappy football fans.

I think this is a great idea & I sincerely hope everyone in the stadium leaves the game. Makes me wish we had the internet when Victor Kiam owned the Patriots.

Cincinnati at Denver - Huge game, with both teams fighting for a wild-card spot. Jay (I’ll have the veal) Cutler is making Shanahan look like a genius only weeks after everyone in the media was killing him (full disclosure - I would have ripped him as well). He’s also throwing a huge monkey wrench into Fantasy Football Championships across the country. Do I start this kid against a team ranked dead last in pass defense? Hmmmmm…..I’m shying away from it; since he’s due for the token rookie setback game. And now that I’ve typed that, he’s probably putting up 4 TD passes and 350 yards passing. Nnnnnggghhhh!

Baltimore at Pittsburgh - If you’re a fan of any of the division leading AFC teams (like me) you’re praying for the Cincinnati Mugshots and the Jacksonville (Lost my “How to Win on the Road” manual) Jaguars to clinch the wild-card spots. You don’t want Denver, and you certainly don’t want the resurgent Steelers, who are playing inspired ball and looking to replicate their late season Superbowl run from last year. Fortunately, for Pittsburgh to make the playoffs, about 10 different things need to happen. One of which is a lunar eclipse.

Philadelphia at Dallas - For pure drama, you simply can’t beat the NFC East this year. QB controversies, infighting, players lashing out through the press, leading the division one week, out of the playoff picture the next. And all of that applies to three of the four teams! Good thing the Redskins still suck, otherwise there’d be mass chaos.

Speaking of QB controversies, please take a moment and check out Drew Bledsoe’s Blog. I knew he was bitter, but wow. Looks like somebody needs to hold an intervention before Romo gets hurt. (Seriously, I wish I’d thought of this site….great stuff!)

Consider that my early Christmas present, friends (since I’m too poor to get you anything else). I’ll be back on Tuesday with some analysis of the weekend’s games. In the meantime, have a very safe and Merry Christmas!