So I’m assuming most of you have heard now that Brett Favre has now officially become a New York Jet and if you haven’t, you’ve been sleeping under a rock for the last 4 days. That or you received the email from achengy, telling me to move my ass on this story. Anyway, here it is. It took almost 20 hours from the time that Favre landed in Green Bay to this Thursday morning that the trade was finalized with the Packers and Jets. Here are the details of the trade, the Jets receive Favre for a conditional fourth round pick. The conditions revolve around the number of snaps Brett takes this season, at 50% - 3rd round pick, 70% - 2nd round pick, and 80% and the Jets make the Superbowl, a first round pick. Favre still gets a base $12 million salary. Here is the kicker though, if Favre gets traded to any team in the NFC North, the Jets trade away 3 first round picks to the Packers. They really don’t want him going to division rival.
I don’t know who benefitted from this draft. I know most of you are thinking the Jets got a great deal, they just traded for one of the most electrifying and talented QB’s that the game has ever seen, but let’s be honest, Brett hasn’t had to learn a new system since 1992, he’s 38 years old and his only deep threat is Lavernius Coles. He was spotted on the sidelines with the playbook during New Yorks exhibition game against the Browns. The offense isn’t much different, especially with Thomas Jones at RB, his style is very similar to Ryan Grant, and Lavernius still has some speed but there isn’t really any other option except for Jerricho Cotchery playing opposite Coles. Cotchery had 2 TD’s in 07. He’s got a lot of work to do, adjusting to the rampant style of the AFC, a much more fierce style of defense (most teams running a 4-3, instead of the NFC traditional 3-4) and that means an extra D-Linemen coming over the blind side. Let’s also look into the fact that now the AFC has probably 3 of the top 5 QB’s in the league, Manning, Brady and Favre, and has now become that much more competitive. We all remember Brett being able to make plays from nothing, but now he’s got to make plays with the likes of Shawn Merrimen, Julius Peppers and Mario Williams breathing down his throat. I’m not saying he can’t do it, i’m just saying that it’ll be a sight to see.
As for the Packers, I’m proud of them for sticking true to their word. Then again, i’m not Mike McCarthy who just traded away a HOF QB to the AFC and might lose my job if Aaron Rodgers wets the bed this season. I’ve heard both sides of this story, keep Brett, the man bleeds cheese and then ship the old timer out, his time has come and gone. From a Packers perspective, i think by staying true and strong to keep Rodgers as their #1 QB, they show confidence in him and that will trickle down to the rest of the team. He’s paid his dues, let the man play. I’m confident the Packers will be just as successful as last season with Rodgers under centre. He’s been backing up Favre for almost 3 years, and if Tom Brady can win 3 championships shadowing Drew Bledsoe, then Aaron Rodgers is the next Steve Young. If you’re wondering what happened to Chad Pennington, well he’s out of New York, and is waiting to get picked up. He got the boot and eventually whatever team he get’s picked up by will boot their current quarterback. There are talks that the Vikings and the Bucs are interested having lost the battle to secure Favre as their star. Pennington is a definite steal especially having rebuilt the Jets over the last couple of seasons. He is definitely on his way up in the QB rankings in my book.
I wouldn’t go as far as to say the Jets have just become a Superbowl contender, but QB’s, as prolific as Brett is, are hard to come by. I’m going to predict the Jets go 8-8 this season under the gun slingger Favre, a very optimistic record considering they went 4-12 in 07. Favre will finish with 25 - 28 TD’s and a QB Rating of 115. I’m throwing that rating out there, but it could be close. As for the Packers, look for them to play Dallas in the NFC championship game. Brett, you got your wish, you get to play football again. Green Bay, some of you are deeply saddened by this and others might be cheering to hear that your team has heart, but that heart is now in the hands of Aaron Rodgers. As Preseason match ups have gotten under way I will have my season predictions before week 4 of exhibition.
On a side note, EA Sports has decided to keep the current cover for Madden 09 of Brett Favre as a Packer. Must be because they’ve already gone to print.
Leaving on a Jet plane,
QUANSTRONG
