So rumor has it that Brett Favre just might call the Packer's bluff by showing up to training camp. So far, Brett is a little butt-hurt that Packer management didn't trip over their feet upon hearing that Favre wanted to unretire. What are Brett's options? 1) Stay retired. 2) Unretire and sit on the Packer bench relegated to backup status. Option # 1 is pretty self-explanatory so let's dive into option #2. At first glance, option 2 doesn't sound very attractive. At least not to some one with Brett Favre's ego. It's true that I am making Favre out to be a whining child (see link below). Favre expects the Packers to jump through hoops for him. When Favre says "jump!" the Packers should ask "how high?". Nah...not this time. The Packers are going to turn this into a winning situation for themselves. What they are doing is actually quite clever. The Packers have already stated that they are ready to mo ve forward with Aaron Rodgers...and Brian Brohm. Think about it. Let's put Favre on the bench and see what Rodgers can do. We already know Favre can win games.
But how will Rodgers perform when other teams start to gameplan for him? We'll look at 3 scenarios looking into 2008. Let's say the Packers start the season 1-3 with Rodgers off to a horrible start at QB and Favre on the bench. At this time, coach McCarthy can still yank Rodgers for Favre and make a playoff run because we all know Favre can win games. What if just the opposite happens and Rodgers performs admirably and leads the team to a 3-1 start? Well you ride that train until it breaks. Call me crazy, but I have this feeling that Rodgers won't make through the whole season without getting hurt. He just seems a little...say...fragile. At this point, a well rested Favre would lead the Packers deep into the playoffs and possibly the Super Bowl. What if Rodgers performs well and makes it through the whole season? Well then the Packers have answered the doubts about Rodgers and have their QB of the future. But I find it highly unlikely that the last 2 scenarios will play out. It's a solid plan for the Pack and Brett does not have the bargaining chips. Suck it up Brett. You need to be a team player now when the team needs you the most. Call the bluff, sit on that bench for a few games and then come out slingin'!
