Along with Orlando, the other cities on the U.S. short list are: Los Angeles; Atlanta; Baltimore; Boston; Charlotte, N.C.; Chicago; Cleveland; Dallas; Denver; Detroit; Houston; Kansas City; Indianapolis; Jacksonville, Fla.; Miami; Nashville, Tenn.; New York City; Oakland; Philadelphia; Glendale-Phoenix, Ariz.; San Diego; San Francisco; Seattle; St. Louis; Tampa, Fla.; and Washington.If by San Francisco they mean The Stadium Formerly Known As Candlestick Park, then surely the Linc would be in the top 12 or so, wouldn't it? I guess in the end, it's all a toss-up as to what FIFA is looking for. While some may say that Philadelphia should definitley be in it, I'm sure there are many others who would say "no way in Hell". The bad news is that we'll have to wait until December 2010 for FIFA to make a decision on the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Philly Is One-Step Closer To Hosting Some World Cup Matches
If you'll remember a couple of months ago, I posted a long list of cities that could potentially host a World Cup in the U.S. Well, the United States cut down the cities on the list to potentially host a 2018 or a 2022 to 27 and Philadelphia is still on the list. Then again, the only remaining cities that do not host an NFL team are Los Angeles and Orlando. But anyway, here is your list of 27 possible cities that could potentially host the 2018 or 2022 World Cup. From the Orlando Business Journal.
2009 NFL Preview: Pittsburgh Steelers
By JFein:
After a thrilling win in Super Bowl XLIII, the Pittsburgh Steelers are not only the 1st NFL team to win 6 Super Bowls, but they are hoping to be the first team since the New England Patriots to repeat as champions. Something that is a whole lot easier said than done. Now before you discredit anything I say because I'm an Eagles fan, I do have a great deal of respect for the Pittsburgh Steelers and what they have been able to accomplish this decade at first with Coach Cowher and now Mike Tomlin all with Ben Roethlisberger at QB. That was a thrilling Super Bowl and a great win for the Steelers, but the keyword there is "was". This is a new year, a new season, and everyone is starting from scratch at 0-0 and the Steelers are no different (face it, this kind of insight is quite hard to come by). That being said, the Pittsburgh Steelers might just be one of the favorites to win the AFC and make it back to Florida and the Super Bowl. Here's a look at some of the keys to this season for the Steelers.
Willie Parker: Ben Roethlisberger may be the quarterback of the Steelers, but Willie Parker is the engine that gets it going. When he does well, the Steelers do well, but when he does not have a good game, chances are the Steelers as a whole are not having a good game as well. If Willie Parker stays healthy through the year and is as productive as he has been in past years, I have a hard time visualizing this team NOT making the AFC Championship game again.
The Steel Curtain: Last year, the Pittsburgh Steelers defense was the best in the NFL. This year, they retain the core group of that defense and even added to it by drafting Ziggy Hood in the 1st round of the draft. As a franchise as a whole, the Pittsburgh Steelers have always been known for their defense (except for a few years in the early 2000s with Tommy Maddox as QB). This era of Steelers is no different. And this year will be no different.
Big Ben Roethlisberger: Some Super Bowl teams would not have gotten there if it was not for superb QB play. Just look at the Colts in Super Bowl XLI and the Patriots in every Super Bowl they made this decade. And that's just naming the recent ones. And then there are the teams that all they need is an average passer to get the job done. Just look at the New York Giants in Super Bowl XXV. The Steelers under Roethlisberger are one of those teams. Despite leading a Super Bowl team, Big Ben only completed 59.9% of his passes last season. And while that is certainly not piss poor, you would expect different from a QB who has won 2 Super Bowls in 5 seasons. The trait that makes Big Ben special is his leadership ability, but perhaps more importantly, his performance in the clutch. All you need to do is watch the game-winning drive of Super Bowl XLIII for an example of that.
Video: Aspeaking of Super Bowl XLIII
Prediction: 13-3, 1st place AFC North. Bottom line: this is the team to beat in the AFC.
After a thrilling win in Super Bowl XLIII, the Pittsburgh Steelers are not only the 1st NFL team to win 6 Super Bowls, but they are hoping to be the first team since the New England Patriots to repeat as champions. Something that is a whole lot easier said than done. Now before you discredit anything I say because I'm an Eagles fan, I do have a great deal of respect for the Pittsburgh Steelers and what they have been able to accomplish this decade at first with Coach Cowher and now Mike Tomlin all with Ben Roethlisberger at QB. That was a thrilling Super Bowl and a great win for the Steelers, but the keyword there is "was". This is a new year, a new season, and everyone is starting from scratch at 0-0 and the Steelers are no different (face it, this kind of insight is quite hard to come by). That being said, the Pittsburgh Steelers might just be one of the favorites to win the AFC and make it back to Florida and the Super Bowl. Here's a look at some of the keys to this season for the Steelers.
Willie Parker: Ben Roethlisberger may be the quarterback of the Steelers, but Willie Parker is the engine that gets it going. When he does well, the Steelers do well, but when he does not have a good game, chances are the Steelers as a whole are not having a good game as well. If Willie Parker stays healthy through the year and is as productive as he has been in past years, I have a hard time visualizing this team NOT making the AFC Championship game again.
The Steel Curtain: Last year, the Pittsburgh Steelers defense was the best in the NFL. This year, they retain the core group of that defense and even added to it by drafting Ziggy Hood in the 1st round of the draft. As a franchise as a whole, the Pittsburgh Steelers have always been known for their defense (except for a few years in the early 2000s with Tommy Maddox as QB). This era of Steelers is no different. And this year will be no different.
Big Ben Roethlisberger: Some Super Bowl teams would not have gotten there if it was not for superb QB play. Just look at the Colts in Super Bowl XLI and the Patriots in every Super Bowl they made this decade. And that's just naming the recent ones. And then there are the teams that all they need is an average passer to get the job done. Just look at the New York Giants in Super Bowl XXV. The Steelers under Roethlisberger are one of those teams. Despite leading a Super Bowl team, Big Ben only completed 59.9% of his passes last season. And while that is certainly not piss poor, you would expect different from a QB who has won 2 Super Bowls in 5 seasons. The trait that makes Big Ben special is his leadership ability, but perhaps more importantly, his performance in the clutch. All you need to do is watch the game-winning drive of Super Bowl XLIII for an example of that.
Video: Aspeaking of Super Bowl XLIII
Prediction: 13-3, 1st place AFC North. Bottom line: this is the team to beat in the AFC.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
2009 NFL Preview: Detroit Lions
By 49er16:
The 2008 Detroit Lions made a lot of people happy, sad, and depressed. If you ever listen to the Jim Rome Show, you will know it has been Jim's dream to see a team run the tables backwards. And that is exactly what happened. The Lions went 0-16 last season to become the first team in history to go 0-16. And the Lions want their fans to relive that experience.
The Ford Family finally made the right decision and dumped Matt Millen as their general manager and then they dumped Rod Marinelli as their head coach. In related news, the Detroit News finally dumped Rob Parker after this awkward question he asked Marinelli. It was that kind of season in Detroit.
But like the other NFL teams, the Lions get to start all over again. This year though their is an entire new coaching staff and a new quarterback and a new beginning for the Detroit Lions. But there has been a new beginning in Detroit since the team traded Bobby Layne. The Lions though keep plugging away and maybe this is their year.
Coaching Staff: I remember hearing a long time ago that offensive or defensive line coaches don't make great head coaches. And guess what Rod Marinelli was? Yep he was a defensive line coach. He's a great line coach, but he lacked the vision to be a great head coach and it showed in Detroit. Well he's out and Jim Schwartz is in.
Schwartz comes from Tennessee where he was the defensive coordinator for the past ten years. It's not known yet if he has the vision to be a head coach, but that hasn't stopped him from bringing in a great coaching staff. One of the complaints about Marinelli was his coaching staff, specifically his choice for defensive coordinator his son-in-law. Schwartz though seems to be different and he brought in a top coaching staff. Schwartz brought in Scott Linehan as the offensive coordinator. While Linehan was a disaster as the Rams head coach, but he was an accomplished offensive coordinator before. He also brought in Gunther Cunningham to run the defense. Cunningham brings experience and intensity to the Lions defense. Schwartz has definitely impressed with his coaching hirings.
Who will Quarterback?: Right now Daunte Culpepper will most likely be the starting quarterback at the beginning of the season. Culpepper has lost weight and he reunites with his former offensive coordinator Scott Linehan. Culpepper's best years in Minnesota was when Linehan was the offensive coordinator. So while they look to recapture their past glory, the team can ease Matthew Stafford into the starting lineup.
Will Jeff Backus Ever Step up?: Backus was drafted out of Michigan in the first round of the 2001 draft. While Backus has played every game and rarely complains. But he has been a below-average left tackle who has never came close to a Pro Bowl. Backus signed a long-term deal in 2006(thanks Millen) but he has never played up to the contract. The Lions will need him to step up to protect Culpepper's and Stafford's blindside. But he hasn't been able to step up in eight years and probably won't step up this season.
The Draft: You'd would think the Lions would use the draft to improve their offensive and defensive line's. Instead the Lions drafted a quarterback, tight end, and safety with the first three picks. The Lions eventually drafted a defensive and offensive lineman, but in a draft with depth at those positions and Detroit needing help in that area of the field, they swung and missed at the opportunity. You could tell Matt Millen doesn't work in Detroit anymore, by the Lions not choosing a receiver in the first round.
Schedule: The Lions drew an easy schedule, the only problem though is the Lions don't play an easy game until week eight. They play Pittsburgh, New Orleans, Pittsburgh, and Green Bay in the first eight weeks. By the end of the season Detroit has to play in San Francisco, Cincinnati, and Baltimore. So the schedule might not be as easy as they thought.
Video: Here's a tribute to the 0-16 Lions.
Prediction: 4-12, 4th NFC North. While I do expect the Lions to improve, I don't see them winning more than four games. Their schedule is tougher than expected and they have to break in a new coaching staff and eventually a new quarterback. The Lions will improve, but there is no where to go but up from a 0-16 record.
The 2008 Detroit Lions made a lot of people happy, sad, and depressed. If you ever listen to the Jim Rome Show, you will know it has been Jim's dream to see a team run the tables backwards. And that is exactly what happened. The Lions went 0-16 last season to become the first team in history to go 0-16. And the Lions want their fans to relive that experience.
The Ford Family finally made the right decision and dumped Matt Millen as their general manager and then they dumped Rod Marinelli as their head coach. In related news, the Detroit News finally dumped Rob Parker after this awkward question he asked Marinelli. It was that kind of season in Detroit.
But like the other NFL teams, the Lions get to start all over again. This year though their is an entire new coaching staff and a new quarterback and a new beginning for the Detroit Lions. But there has been a new beginning in Detroit since the team traded Bobby Layne. The Lions though keep plugging away and maybe this is their year.
Coaching Staff: I remember hearing a long time ago that offensive or defensive line coaches don't make great head coaches. And guess what Rod Marinelli was? Yep he was a defensive line coach. He's a great line coach, but he lacked the vision to be a great head coach and it showed in Detroit. Well he's out and Jim Schwartz is in.
Schwartz comes from Tennessee where he was the defensive coordinator for the past ten years. It's not known yet if he has the vision to be a head coach, but that hasn't stopped him from bringing in a great coaching staff. One of the complaints about Marinelli was his coaching staff, specifically his choice for defensive coordinator his son-in-law. Schwartz though seems to be different and he brought in a top coaching staff. Schwartz brought in Scott Linehan as the offensive coordinator. While Linehan was a disaster as the Rams head coach, but he was an accomplished offensive coordinator before. He also brought in Gunther Cunningham to run the defense. Cunningham brings experience and intensity to the Lions defense. Schwartz has definitely impressed with his coaching hirings.
Who will Quarterback?: Right now Daunte Culpepper will most likely be the starting quarterback at the beginning of the season. Culpepper has lost weight and he reunites with his former offensive coordinator Scott Linehan. Culpepper's best years in Minnesota was when Linehan was the offensive coordinator. So while they look to recapture their past glory, the team can ease Matthew Stafford into the starting lineup.
Will Jeff Backus Ever Step up?: Backus was drafted out of Michigan in the first round of the 2001 draft. While Backus has played every game and rarely complains. But he has been a below-average left tackle who has never came close to a Pro Bowl. Backus signed a long-term deal in 2006(thanks Millen) but he has never played up to the contract. The Lions will need him to step up to protect Culpepper's and Stafford's blindside. But he hasn't been able to step up in eight years and probably won't step up this season.
The Draft: You'd would think the Lions would use the draft to improve their offensive and defensive line's. Instead the Lions drafted a quarterback, tight end, and safety with the first three picks. The Lions eventually drafted a defensive and offensive lineman, but in a draft with depth at those positions and Detroit needing help in that area of the field, they swung and missed at the opportunity. You could tell Matt Millen doesn't work in Detroit anymore, by the Lions not choosing a receiver in the first round.
Schedule: The Lions drew an easy schedule, the only problem though is the Lions don't play an easy game until week eight. They play Pittsburgh, New Orleans, Pittsburgh, and Green Bay in the first eight weeks. By the end of the season Detroit has to play in San Francisco, Cincinnati, and Baltimore. So the schedule might not be as easy as they thought.
Video: Here's a tribute to the 0-16 Lions.
Prediction: 4-12, 4th NFC North. While I do expect the Lions to improve, I don't see them winning more than four games. Their schedule is tougher than expected and they have to break in a new coaching staff and eventually a new quarterback. The Lions will improve, but there is no where to go but up from a 0-16 record.
Week 2 Pre-Season National TV Announce Schedule
It's only Week 2 of the pre-season and already the Eagles are going to be in the same building as Tony Siragusa. On the plus side, at least if there are any more offensive line injuries, the Eagles can get Siragusa to come in on a moment's notice. (all times eastern)
Thursday August 20
Philadelphia Eagles @ Indianapolis Colts 8:00 (Fox - Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston, and Tony Siragusa, SR: Curt Menefee)
Friday August 21
Tennessee Titans @ Dallas Cowboys 8:00 (Fox - Joe Buck and Troy Aikman, SR: Pam Oliver)
Saturday August 22
Pittsburgh Steelers @ Washington Redskins 7:30 (NFL Network - local feeds)
Denver Broncos @ Seattle Seahawks 10:30 (NFL Network - local feeds)
Monday August 24
New York Jets @ Baltimore Ravens 8:00 (ESPN - Mike Tirico, Ron Jaworski, and Jon Gruden)
Thanks to the506 for putting this together. I'm sorry I missed last week as I was not really thinking about this as the time, but this is something that I will try to put up every week for you. And yes, assuming I do not get yelled at by anyone, I will be putting up the506 maps (along with announcers) during the regular season.
Thursday August 20
Philadelphia Eagles @ Indianapolis Colts 8:00 (Fox - Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston, and Tony Siragusa, SR: Curt Menefee)
Friday August 21
Tennessee Titans @ Dallas Cowboys 8:00 (Fox - Joe Buck and Troy Aikman, SR: Pam Oliver)
Saturday August 22
Pittsburgh Steelers @ Washington Redskins 7:30 (NFL Network - local feeds)
Denver Broncos @ Seattle Seahawks 10:30 (NFL Network - local feeds)
Monday August 24
New York Jets @ Baltimore Ravens 8:00 (ESPN - Mike Tirico, Ron Jaworski, and Jon Gruden)
Thanks to the506 for putting this together. I'm sorry I missed last week as I was not really thinking about this as the time, but this is something that I will try to put up every week for you. And yes, assuming I do not get yelled at by anyone, I will be putting up the506 maps (along with announcers) during the regular season.
Just When You Thought The Phillies Starting Pitcher Controversies Were Over.....
....Jamie Moyer comes in in relief of Pedro Martinez after a long rain delay and pitches the last 6 innings of the game, giving up only 2 hits in the process and no runs. And that's not to say that Martinez was necessarily bad, as he allowed 1 run and 2 hits in 3 innings, a pace that if kept, the Phillies would be giddy if he kept through 9 innings of play, but Moyer tore the house down. Now in all likelihood, Jamie Moyer won't get called back to the starting rotation unless there is an injury to a starting pitcher, but regardless, even though he is now a member of The Pen, tonight was Old Man (or GrandPaPa as we call him in the JFein household, even though he is not actually a grandfather) Jamie Moyer's night as the Phils won 5-1, in large part thanks to Moyer.
Moyer relieves Pedro in rainy Phils win (Phillies.com)
Moyer relieves Pedro in rainy Phils win (Phillies.com)
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
2009 NFL Preview: Chicago Bears
By 49er16:
The Bears had an hell of an off season. They dumped the neck beard and pickup the whiner. The Bears did give up a lot though to pick up Cutler. They gave up the neck beard and two number one draft picks. So the Bears front office is on their hands and knees praying the move doesn't backfire.
The Bears have the easiest NFL schedule and finally have their best quarterback in many years. Also they return their great defense, Matt Forte at running back, and Devin Hester is improving at receiver. The Bears have all the pieces together and it's up to Cutler to take the Bears to the next level.
Previous Year: The Bears had the same look that they have had in the past five years. Crappy offense + great defense and special teams = NFC North title. But in 08, the defense became old and the special teams were hurt from Hester doubling as a receiver. The Bears need more from their front four who struggled throughout the last year. And specifically they need more from Alex Brown who had only six sacks and that lead the team.
Off season Moves: Besides trading for Cutler, the Bears improved their offensive line to protect Cutler. The Bears also paid the corpse of Orlando Pace to protect Cutler's blindside. The Bears also signed Frank Omiyale and Kevin Shaffer to improve the line. The Bears in the off season decided to not resign safety Mike Brown. Despite being constantly injured, Brown is a great leader for the defense and he will be missed.
Coaching: The Bears have struggled considerably since relieving defensive coordinator Ron Rivera from the position. Head coach Lovie Smith has vowed to be more involved in the defense in the season. The Bears also brought in Rod Marinelli to help the defensive line. Marinelli may have been a disaster as the Lions head coach, but he is considered to be one of the best defensive line coaches in the league. And the Bears defensive line definitely needs help.
Hester!: Last year the Bears finally wised up, and moved Devin Hester to wide receiver. Hester was already the best returner in the league and it was only a matter of time before he transitioned to receiver. Hester last season had 51 catches, 665 yards, and 3 touchdowns. Hester is still trying to learn the position and it's well known that he still drops a lot of balls. Right now he is penciled in as a starter, and Hester must improve his skills to give Cutler a weapon.
Cutler's Mouth: The Bears may have finally got their star quarterback, but his loud mouth comes with him. When the Broncos drafted him, he said that he as a better arm than John Elway. Then there's his little showdown between Phillip Rivers, a quarterback who has actually been to the playoffs. Well I guess Cutler's mouth is starting to run wild all over Chicago. And Cutler didn't mine chiming in on an interception he threw and blaming Devin Hester for not breaking it up.
Schedule: Like I said at the top, the Bears have the easiest schedule in all of football. They play the AFC North and the NFC West for eight games. The Bears will not have a better look at the playoffs, then they do with this schedule. And their tough games against Pittsburgh and Philadelphia are both at home.
Video: Da' Bears never gets old
Blog of Choice: I would go to Windy City Gridiron for all my Bears news.
Prediction 12-4: 1st NFC North. With the rest of the NFC North rebuilding and the easy schedule, it's the Bears year to make the playoffs. All their toughest games are at home and they still return a great defense. And with the addition of Cutler and a rebuilt offensive line, the Bears should actually be one of the best teams to watch this season.
The Bears had an hell of an off season. They dumped the neck beard and pickup the whiner. The Bears did give up a lot though to pick up Cutler. They gave up the neck beard and two number one draft picks. So the Bears front office is on their hands and knees praying the move doesn't backfire.
The Bears have the easiest NFL schedule and finally have their best quarterback in many years. Also they return their great defense, Matt Forte at running back, and Devin Hester is improving at receiver. The Bears have all the pieces together and it's up to Cutler to take the Bears to the next level.
Previous Year: The Bears had the same look that they have had in the past five years. Crappy offense + great defense and special teams = NFC North title. But in 08, the defense became old and the special teams were hurt from Hester doubling as a receiver. The Bears need more from their front four who struggled throughout the last year. And specifically they need more from Alex Brown who had only six sacks and that lead the team.
Off season Moves: Besides trading for Cutler, the Bears improved their offensive line to protect Cutler. The Bears also paid the corpse of Orlando Pace to protect Cutler's blindside. The Bears also signed Frank Omiyale and Kevin Shaffer to improve the line. The Bears in the off season decided to not resign safety Mike Brown. Despite being constantly injured, Brown is a great leader for the defense and he will be missed.
Coaching: The Bears have struggled considerably since relieving defensive coordinator Ron Rivera from the position. Head coach Lovie Smith has vowed to be more involved in the defense in the season. The Bears also brought in Rod Marinelli to help the defensive line. Marinelli may have been a disaster as the Lions head coach, but he is considered to be one of the best defensive line coaches in the league. And the Bears defensive line definitely needs help.
Hester!: Last year the Bears finally wised up, and moved Devin Hester to wide receiver. Hester was already the best returner in the league and it was only a matter of time before he transitioned to receiver. Hester last season had 51 catches, 665 yards, and 3 touchdowns. Hester is still trying to learn the position and it's well known that he still drops a lot of balls. Right now he is penciled in as a starter, and Hester must improve his skills to give Cutler a weapon.
Cutler's Mouth: The Bears may have finally got their star quarterback, but his loud mouth comes with him. When the Broncos drafted him, he said that he as a better arm than John Elway. Then there's his little showdown between Phillip Rivers, a quarterback who has actually been to the playoffs. Well I guess Cutler's mouth is starting to run wild all over Chicago. And Cutler didn't mine chiming in on an interception he threw and blaming Devin Hester for not breaking it up.
"Devin is more of a go-get it guy, he is not really a back shoulder orjump up and get it [guy],'' Cutler said. "You learn from it. Wemade some mistakes. It's the first preseason game. Luckilyenough, we have some time to correct them and keep going."If the Bears don't make the playoffs, they might regret trading for Cutler.
Schedule: Like I said at the top, the Bears have the easiest schedule in all of football. They play the AFC North and the NFC West for eight games. The Bears will not have a better look at the playoffs, then they do with this schedule. And their tough games against Pittsburgh and Philadelphia are both at home.
Video: Da' Bears never gets old
Blog of Choice: I would go to Windy City Gridiron for all my Bears news.
Prediction 12-4: 1st NFC North. With the rest of the NFC North rebuilding and the easy schedule, it's the Bears year to make the playoffs. All their toughest games are at home and they still return a great defense. And with the addition of Cutler and a rebuilt offensive line, the Bears should actually be one of the best teams to watch this season.
It's Done: Brett Favre Has Signed With The Minnesota Vikings
Holy Hell. What in the name of Davy Jones' Locker is going on this week?
Let's reset here. On Thursday at 7:30 PM ET, the big story in the NFL was that Tom Brady was making his NFL return after suffering a season-ending knee injury Week 1 of the regular season. Everyone knew about it. By the end of that night, if you told them that Brady returned that night most people would have been like, "What?? Tom Brady returned as well? Damn, what a night!"
The story that was alluded to above was the fact that Vick joined the Eagles. Well now, by the end of the night, I think when told of the fact that Vick is now an Eagle, people will be like "What??? Vick joined the Eagles????? When???? I need to protest!" (that last line pertains to animal lovers and PETA members, and angry Eagles fans only). So what story is it? As 49er16 talked about below, Brett Favre was flying to Minnesota to sign with the contracts, well now it is done and Brett Favre is now once again out of retirement. Who saw this one coming? Oh, wait, I, and I think every other person who has been watching the end of Favre's career over the past few years. Via NFL.com
The circus has just left Philadelphia and is currently stationed right outside of Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Update: Holy crap! It just dawned on me that Week 1 will now feature a match-up between Brett Favre and Eric Mangini. Seeing as Brennaman/Billick is the highest team on the depth chart to not have a game assigned, they would seem like a lock to call that game over Rosen/Ryan unless there is a line-up shuffling. I'll keep you posted when more is revealed.
Let's reset here. On Thursday at 7:30 PM ET, the big story in the NFL was that Tom Brady was making his NFL return after suffering a season-ending knee injury Week 1 of the regular season. Everyone knew about it. By the end of that night, if you told them that Brady returned that night most people would have been like, "What?? Tom Brady returned as well? Damn, what a night!"
The story that was alluded to above was the fact that Vick joined the Eagles. Well now, by the end of the night, I think when told of the fact that Vick is now an Eagle, people will be like "What??? Vick joined the Eagles????? When???? I need to protest!" (that last line pertains to animal lovers and PETA members, and angry Eagles fans only). So what story is it? As 49er16 talked about below, Brett Favre was flying to Minnesota to sign with the contracts, well now it is done and Brett Favre is now once again out of retirement. Who saw this one coming? Oh, wait, I, and I think every other person who has been watching the end of Favre's career over the past few years. Via NFL.com
The Minnesota Vikings have signed three-time NFL MVP Brett Favre, the team announced on its website Tuesday. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.Ugh. Just ugh. I actually have a unique perspective of this as my brother is pretty much a die-hard Vikings fan (I have yet to figure out to this day how that came about). Back when Favre was a Packer, and even last year as a Jet, he HATED him more than any NFL player. But now that he has signed with the Vikings, although he is not happy about all of his contradictions and the way it went down, he is happy that Favre is with the Vikings. And I think the same can be said for most Viking fans out there. 3 years ago, who would have thought that this would have been the case. To sum my thoughts up best: Despite the retirement announcement a few weeks ago, I still knew that this day was coming, but at the same time, I never thought I would see the day when Brett Favre would put on a Vikings helmet and jersey.
Sporting a red No. 4 practice jersey, Favre joined his new teammates on the field. John David Booty, who formerly wore No. 4 for the Vikings, had changed to jersey No. 9.
"We believe adding a player such as Brett Favre to our mix will be a strong positive for this football team," Vikings coach Brad Childress said. "As we have conveyed before, his unique knowledge of our system, the NFC North and his innate skills make this a rare opportunity. We felt there was a brief window to reconsider the possibility and we owed it to the organization to evaluate our options. After thorough discussion, the same variables that made this a unique and positive situation previously, still exist. Now, our attention turns to getting to work as a team, our next practice and preparing for the season."
Entering his 19th year in the NFL, Favre has started 269 consecutive games (291 including playoffs) for the Green Bay Packers and New York Jets, the longest stretch ever by an NFL quarterback and the second-longest streak in NFL history, behind only former Minnesota Viking Jim Marshall (270). The 10-time Pro Bowler is the league's all-time leader in touchdown passes (464), completions (5,720), attempts (9,280), yards (65,127) and victories as a starting QB (169).
"I am excited about the opportunity to join this football team," Favre said. "From ownership, to coaching to the players, it is evident that everyone in the Vikings organization is committed to bringing the fans of Minnesota a Championship. I am eager to join my new teammates and get to work towards that goal."
The circus has just left Philadelphia and is currently stationed right outside of Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Update: Holy crap! It just dawned on me that Week 1 will now feature a match-up between Brett Favre and Eric Mangini. Seeing as Brennaman/Billick is the highest team on the depth chart to not have a game assigned, they would seem like a lock to call that game over Rosen/Ryan unless there is a line-up shuffling. I'll keep you posted when more is revealed.
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