When you throw three interceptions that aid in the demise of your team, your head coach isn’t going to be very happy with you.

Brad Childress somewhat called out Brett Favre following the Vikings’ 28-24 loss on Sunday night to the Packers, a loss in which Lord Favre threw three interceptions and Minnesota had three touchdowns overturned by replay. Childress even admitted that he had considered removing Favre at one point.

From the Minnesota Star-Tribune:

“It still goes back to taking care of the football,” he said. “You can’t throw it to them. You’ve got to play within the confines of our system. Sometimes it’s OK to punt the football and you can’t give seven points going the other way. Not in a game like this. Not with a high-powered team.”

Childress said he considered removing Favre but he did not say if he had told Favre. “[I] was going to give him that next series and he took us and moved us down the field,” Childress said.

Childress has every right to complain about the play of his quarterback when his quarterback throws three interceptions that lead to a loss for his team. But this is vintage Brett Favre – he was throwing interceptions 10 years ago and he’s throwing interceptions now. When he’s under duress, he will force the issue, which leads to mistakes. Childress knows (or should know, anyway) exactly what he’s getting with Favre every time the QB takes the field.

My question is, if the guy is too hurt to play then why leave him in there? Favre has been battling an elbow injury for the past few weeks and now his surgically repaired ankle is bothering him again. Childress needs to make a decision: does he want Favre at 75% (or whatever) or Taravaris Jackson at 100%? There’s no question that Favre gives the Vikings their best chance to win when he’s healthy, but he’s not healthy. He’s never healthy actually, but he appears to be even more banged up than ever right now.

The point is to win. If Favre isn’t going to help the Vikings do that because he’s too hurt, then Childress needs to put the big boy pants on and get the 40-year-old out of there.

Brett Favre told SI.com’s Peter King that he wasn’t sure if he was going to be able to play against the Packers yesterday because of a groin injury. Favre claims he suffered the injury last week in practice and then re-aggravated it in pregame warm-ups.

“I told T-Jack [backup Tarvaris Jackson] and [offensive coordinator] Darrell Bevell I may not be able to do it,” he said. “I didn’t know if I’d be able to drop back very well. After I aggravated it, there was no way I was going to be able to move around in the pocket very much. We never called one bootleg the whole game. But we made it through OK.”

And now, I wondered, how was the groin four hours and a lot of lost adrenalin later?

“It’s throbbing right now,” he said.

Oh…come…on. Look, I don’t doubt that Favre injured himself in practice (he is 60 years old after all) and then re-injured himself during pregame warm-ups. I also don’t doubt that he told Jackson and Bevell that he was hurt and might not be able to play.

But I don’t buy for a minute that he was going to hold himself out. He wasn’t going to allow a groin injury to get in the way of beating the Packers at Lambeau and if anything, I’m willing to bet that he wanted people to know that he was hurt just so he could build the moment up even more.

Some are going to look at this as the “gritty” Brett playing through pain; I’m sure ESPN is already salivating thinking about the story. But I think this guy has a lot of people fooled.

Maybe I’m being to cynical and over thinking this, but it’s Brett’s comments that bug me the most. If King asked him how he was feeling and Brett said, “Well Pistol Pete, I’m a little sore because of a groin injury I suffered last week,” then I wouldn’t question him because the comment would have been more fly-by.

But no, Brett made damn sure to note that he might not have been able to play. To me, that’s just another prima donna move by one of the more underrated prima donna athletes of all-time.

The Vikings’ 38-26 win over the Packers wasn’t even an hour old yet and I got an e-mail from my partner in crime here at The Scores Report, John Pauslen, who happens to be a huge Green Bay fan and is/was an active Brett Favre supporter.

I won’t share what John wrote in case there are women and children reading, but he wasn’t kind to Brett. And I can’t imagine that John is the only one who feels angry with Favre after what transpired on Sunday.

Brett walked into Lambeau Field, a place where he was known for being a legend, a hero and an icon, and essentially burned the place down. He completed 17-of-28 passes for 244 yards and four touchdowns, while also spending most of the game pumping his fists wildly in celebration of his accomplishments.

Many people still want to blame Ted Thompson for why Favre currently wears purple and white. But the fact of the matter is that there are 32 teams in the NFL and he wanted to be a Viking. If he just wanted to play football, he could have returned to the Jets. Hell, if he wanted to play football, he could have returned to the Packers two years ago because they said yes to him twice. It was the one “no” that has fans blaming Thompson, yet they should blame Favre for his indecisiveness and his desire to play in Minnesota before blaming the GM that eventually committed to Aaron Rodgers and decided to move forward.

I hope that Brett is satisfied with the outcome from today, because while he once again got his revenge on Thompson and the Packers, he also torched a lot of loyal Green Bay fans in the process. There will always be people that player worship and will root for Favre no matter what color jersey he wears, but there no doubt are many who watched the game today and said, “You know what? To hell with Brett Favre.”

The funny thing is, Brett’s true fans will always be in Green Bay. Unless he helps the Vikings win a Super Bowl, Minnesota fans will forget about him the moment he’s done playing for them and you’re kidding yourself if you think otherwise. So while he may feel good about the way things have transpired so far this season, he’s hurting his legacy in the long run by accomplishing exactly what he wanted in beating the Packers.

Was it worth it, Brett?

Photo from fOTOGLIF
]]> http://www.scoresreport.com/2009/11/01/i-hope-you%e2%80%99re-satisfied-brett/feed/ 10 http://www.scoresreport.com/2009/10/28/2009-nfl-week-8-point-spreads-odds/ http://www.scoresreport.com/2009/10/28/2009-nfl-week-8-point-spreads-odds/#comments Wed, 28 Oct 2009 20:45:56 +0000 Anthony Stalter http://www.scoresreport.com/?p=27762

Along with the odds for Week 8, here are a couple of marquee matchups worth tuning into this weekend.

Giants at Eagles, 1:00PM ET
After starting the year 5-0, the Giants have dropped two straight and now travel to Philadelphia to take on the Eagles in a hostile environment. The Eagles didn’t look particularly sharp offensively on Monday night vs. the Redskins, but they have more than enough weapons to put points on the board against a banged up Giants defense. Both these teams are looking for a win in order to keep pace in the NFC East.
Odds: Eagles PK.

Broncos at Ravens, 1:00PM ET
Both of these teams are fresh coming off their byes, but the Broncos have won six straight while the Ravens have dropped three in a row. Baltimore’s secondary has been its Achilles’ heel all season and while the offense continues to put up points, they’ll be tested this Sunday by a Denver defense that has played well this year. Josh McDaniels’ squad has battled adversity all season and will have to do so again this weekend against a Ravens team desperately seeking a win.
Odds: Ravens –3.

Vikings at Packers, 4:15PM ET
This game is important for both teams on so many levels. Brett Favre returning to Lambeau will command most of the headlines, but perhaps more importantly is the Packers need a win to prove they can beat an opponent with a winning record and keep pace with Minnesota in the division. The Vikings would love to bounce back from their loss to Pittsburgh last week, sweep the season series with Green Bay, and take a commanding three game (really a four game when you factor in tiebreakers) lead over the Packers.
Odds: Packers –3.

Falcons at Saints, 8:30PM ET, Monday
The Saints appear to be unstoppable right now, while the Falcons are reeling following their loss to the Cowboys last Sunday. Atlanta’s secondary is a major question mark and if the front four can’t generate any pressure, Drew Brees is going to have a field day. The Falcons also need to get Michael Turner and the ground game going or else the solid New Orleans defense might force Matt Ryan into making a couple mistakes. This is a huge game for the Falcons, because they don’t want to fall three games back in the division.
Odds: Saints –10.

NFL Week 8 Point Spreads:

Broncos +3 Over 41.5
Ravens –3 Under 41.5

Browns +13.5 Over 40
Bears –13.5 Under 40

Texans –3.5 Over 41.5
Bills +3.5 Under 41.5

Vikings +3 Over 47
Packers –3 Under 47

49ers +13 Over 44
Colts –13 Under 44

Dolphins +3.5 Over 40.5
Jets –3.5 Under 40.5

Seahawks +10 Over 46
Cowboys –10 Under 46

Raiders +16.5 Over 41.5
Chargers –16.5 Under 41.5

Jaguars +3 Over 45
Titans –3 Under 45

Panthers +10 Over 41
Cardinals –10 Under 41

Giants PK Over 44
Eagles PK Under 44

Falcons +10 Over 54
Saints –10 Under 54

For expert picks and daily free picks, visit HIS Sports!

Earlier this season, Brett Favre said that the 2009 version of the Vikings was the best team he’s ever been on based on a physical and talent level. But some of Favre’s teammates from the Super Bowl-winning 1996 Packers team disagree.

From ESPN.com:

“To say that the team he’s on now, after seven games, is better than the ’96 team — that’s just preposterous. Not only did we have the No. 1 defense in 1996, but we had No. 1 special teams,” former safety LeRoy Butler told the Journal Sentinel. “I bleed green and gold so much. I don’t want somebody to beat my team.”

Mark Chmura, a tight end on the ’96 team, said he went through the rosters position by position and could not find an advantage for the Vikings. “And it all starts with Brett — Brett’s not as good as he was,” he said, according to the report.

“I mean, you’re talking about the No. 1 defense in the league at that time, maybe one of the best defenses ever to play the game,” Chmura added, according to the report. “Don’t get me wrong. Favre is still a good quarterback, but he was unbelievable in the day. When we played back then, teams feared us. I don’t know if teams fear the Minnesota Vikings today. We knew no one could beat us at home, absolutely nobody.”

This is a situation where Favre probably didn’t really mean what he said, but he was trying to make people believe that the Vikings were/are a great fit for him and that he could lead them to the playoffs. In other words, he was trying to pump himself and his new team up.

That said, it’s hard to argue with Favre’s ex-teammates. That Packers team used to script the first 10-15 plays and march right down the field for six almost every time on their first offensive possession. Opponents then had to try and play catch up against Green Bay’s relentless defense, which often proved to be a fruitless endeavor.

The Vikings are good, but they aren’t Super Bowl-good. (At least not yet anyway.)

Here are quick-hit previews for all the games in Week 4 of the NFL.

Ravens (3-0) at Patriots (2-1), 1:00PM ET
Baltimore must pressure Tom Brady more than Atlanta did last week if it wants to leave Foxboro with a victory today. It would be wise for the Ravens to stay balanced offensively and grind down a New England defense that looked good for the first time last week. The Pats did a great job establishing the run in their win over the Falcons. If they can do that again, things will open in the passing game and Brady can take advantage of a Baltimore secondary that has not played well so far.

Lions (1-2) at Bears (2-1), 1:00PM ET
Fresh off their first victory in nearly 20 tries, the Lions look to pull off an upset in Solider Field. Detroit could be without running back Kevin Smith, so look for the Lions to throw early and often to take advantage of a suspect Chicago secondary. The Bears will look to establish the ground game with Matt Forte, although Jay Cutler should make more than enough plays in the passing game against a brutal Detroit defense.

Bucs (0-3) at Redskins (1-2), 1:00PM ET
Jim Zorn’s team has a lot to prove this week after losing to the Lions last Sunday. They’ll take on a Bucs team that they can dominate as long as Zorn doesn’t get conservative with his play calling. Washington needs to throw the ball vertically against a brutal Tampa secondary or else they’ll once again give an inferior opponent a chance to win. The Bucs will start Josh Johnson at quarterback and the O-line must give him time to throw or else his inexperience will shine through. It would be nice if Kellen Winslow and Antonio Bryant (who is questionable to play) could step up and help the young man out.

Titans (0-3) at Jaguars (1-2), 1:00PM ET
Will Jeff Fisher’s team fall to 0-4 a year after they started 10-0 and had the best record in the AFC? Keys to victory for the Titans are to run the ball offensively, stuff the box with eight defenders to stop Maurice Jones-Drew, and to get better in a hurry in pass coverage. If they can force David Garrard to beat them throwing the ball, they should be fine. Offensively, however, they need to get Chris Johnson and the running game going to take pressure off Kerry Collins.

Raiders (1-2) at Texans (1-2), 1:00PM ET
Will the real Texans please stand up? Houston has enough talent to make the playoffs, but their inconsistent play so far this season is maddening. They have a prime opportunity to earn another win today, as Oakland continues to struggle moving the ball offensively. The Texans can’t allow Darren McFadden to run wild because that will take pressure off quarterback JaMarcus Russell and the passing game. If Houston can establish its run game early, take shots down field in the passing game with Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson, then they should control this contest from the onset and take home a victory.

Bengals (2-1) at Browns (0-3), 1:00PM ET
Cincinnati needs to continue to play with the raw energy it displayed in its first three games. The Browns have had major offensive issues, but will start Derek Anderson over Brady Quinn today in hopes of generating a spark. Anderson is turnover-prone, but he has a stronger arm than Quinn and can move the ball vertically. The Bengals can’t fall asleep in this one and think that they have an easy win. They need to shut down Cleveland’s poor running game and force the Browns to become one-dimensional. If they do that, Anderson should make a mistake or two to turn the game in Cincinnati’s favor.

Seahawks (1-2) at Colts (3-0), 1:00PM ET
It doesn’t appear that any defense can slow down Peyton Manning and the Colts’ offense, which is a troubling sign for a Seattle defense that has struggled the past two weeks. Without Matt Hasselbeck, the Seahawks need to try and control this game by wearing down Indy’s front seven. If they can keep the ball out of Manning’s hands, they’ll have a shot, but it’s going to be hard without a dominating running game and Seneca Wallace starting under center. Things could get ugly in a hurry at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Giants (3-0) at Chiefs (0-3), 1:00PM ET
The Chiefs could take advantage of a banged up Giants defense if they can protect Matt Cassel. New York has terrorized opposing quarterbacks so far this season and if KC can’t keep Cassel upright, then they don’t stand a chance. The Giants do a great job of mass-protecting Eli Manning, but the Chiefs still need to send extra defenders in hopes of disrupting his timing. If not, Manning will pick their KC’s defense apart as it continues to struggle with adjusting to the 3-4.

Jets (3-0) at Saints (3-0), 4:05PM ET
How great will this matchup be? The Jets will use multiple defensive fronts in hopes of disrupting Drew Brees’ timing in the passing game. Rex Ryan will use confusion to hide where extra defenders are coming from in attempt to slow this explosive Saints’ offense down. New Orleans has an outstanding offensive line, but received a huge blow earlier this week when Jammal Brown was placed on IR. Can the Saints establish a running game and protect Brees? Or will he be another QB that falls victim to Ryan’s aggressive game planning?

Bills (1-2) at Dolphins (3-0), 4:05PM ET
The Dolphins are in crisis mode after falling to 0-3 and losing Chad Pennington to a season-ending shoulder injury. Chad Henne will start in his place and if Miami can’t establish the run against a banged up Buffalo defense, then they’re going to have issues moving the ball offensively. The Bills need to find a way to get T.O. more involved in the offense before he strangles Trent Edwards in the huddle. If Buffalo can take advantage of the T.O.-Sean Smith matchup, they could flourish today at Land Shark Stadium.

Cowboys (2-1) at Broncos (3-0), 4:15PM ET
The Broncos will get their first real test of the year after earning wins over the Bengals, Browns and Raiders to start the season. The offense hasn’t taken shape under Josh McDaniels, but it has shown signs of improvement and this might be the game everything comes together against a Dallas defense that has been inconsistent in all phases. Tony Romo needs to limit the mistakes against a Broncos defense that is allowing less than a touchdown a game. Tashard Choice is expected to see the majority of the carries today as Marion Barber and Felix Jones battle through injuries. Can Choice carry the full rushing load?

Rams (0-3) at 49ers (2-1), 4:15PM ET
The 49ers will be without Frank Gore in this matchup, but rookie Glen Coffee had a great preseason and if he can build off his success he’ll lead San Fran to victory today. The Rams are bad in all phases of the game, although Kyle Boller arguably gives them more offensive firepower than Marc Bulger did. If St. Louis can get Steven Jackson going early, the Rams might have a shot at their first victory. But that’s going to be tough against a stingy Niners’ defense.

Chargers (2-1) at Steelers (1-2), 8:20PM ET
It’s amazing to think that the defending champs may fall to 1-3 on the year with a loss tonight against the Bolts. But that’s exactly what will happen if the Steelers can’t establish their running game. Without safety Troy Polamalu, the Chargers need to attack the middle of Pittsburgh’s secondary. Fortunately for them, they have a tight end in Antonio Gates who excels in that area. Pittsburgh has had trouble creating turnovers so far this year, so San Diego can’t give the Steelers opportunities. With the Charger running game struggling to produce, the Steelers need to stay back in coverage and take away Philip Rivers’ vertical game. This will be an interesting matchup to see unfold, because the Steelers are desperate for a win.

Packers (2-1) at Vikings (3-0), Monday, 8:30PM ET
Brett Favre’s last-second heroics in a win over 49ers last week have set the stage for the Vikes’ clash with the Packers on Monday. Favre recently said that revenge isn’t what he’s after, but he also stated last year that he wanted to stick it to Green bay GM Ted Thompson. Favre is going to be motivated to come away with a victory and the Packers would love to put the 39-year-old on his back early and often. But they must slow down Adrian Peterson and Minnesota’s running game and protect Aaron Rodgers first and foremost, or else they’ll be watching Favre celebrate at the end of this one.

Brett Favre should know better than anyone that whatever an athlete says will be examined, analyzed and often criticized by the media.

And since he should know that, it’s a little strange that he’s now claiming that he isn’t out for revenge against the Packers despite previously stating that he wanted to stick it to Green Bay GM Ted Thompson, who traded him to the Jets last year.

This is what Brett said in a conference call with the media on Thursday (via ESPN):

“Never was motivated for that reason,” Favre said in a conference call. “No. That has nothing to do with it.”

Uh Brett, then what would you call your open desire to stick to Thompson then?

“It’s human nature to feel, I didn’t use the word revenge, but to prove that you still could play,” Favre said. “To prove someone wrong, or prove a group wrong. So you can call it what you want.”

While I’m not ready to paint Brett with the liar brush, I do question his true motives to come back and play – specifically for the Vikings. He had to know that donning purple and gold would alienate many of the fans that rooted him for all those years in Green Bay, so why Minnesota?

Chances are that Brett was telling the truth from the start. He’s still angry with Thompson for not bowing down and allowing him to return to Green Bay, no matter how many times he retired and unretired. Why else would he sign with the Packers’ most hated rival?

I’m not oblivious to the fact that Minnesota was a perfect fit for Brett. He already knew Brad Childress’ offense and was familiar with the division. Plus, the Jets were transitioning to a new coach and none of Favre’s former teammates were championing for his return.

But I still find it hard to believe that Brett’s main motivation wasn’t to beat Thompson and the Packers. The easiest way to burn the Pack was to sign with a rival, and then beat them on the field. He already accomplished the first feat, and a win on Monday night would allow him to cross off the other.

Don’t let Favre fool you – he isn’t above trying to make Thompson and the Packers look foolish for not allowing him to return after the 2007 season. The hatchet is certainly not buried.