Brett Favre is Not the Answer in Minnesota

So, Brett Favre didn't retire. Surprise surprise. Something tells me Viking fans will probably think he should have once the season is over. For a team that is only a quarterback away from making a serious push for a Super Bowl ring, signing Favre doesn't make much sense to me.

Last season, the Vikings had a very strong team, minus their QB position. In 2008, their defense was stellar. They ranked number one against the run, allowing a stingy 76.9 rushing yards per game on defense, and they ranked sixth overall in yards allowed per game with 292.4 yards per game. Offensively, they had the sixth best rushing attack, as they gained 145.8 yards on the ground per game (thank you Adrian Peterson). Through the air, however, the Vikings struggled.

Between Gus Frerotte and Tarvaris Jackson, the Vikings ranked 25 in passing offense, gaining a paltry 184.8 yards per game. Both QBs had completion percentages of 59.1, which isn't that impressive. Frerotte threw for 12 touchdowns compared to 15 interceptions, while Jackson threw nine TDs compared to only two INTs. But don't let Jackson's TD/INT ratio fool you. Jackson came on strong at the end of the season, going 3-1 in the Vikings last four games; however he did face the defenses of the Lions, Cardinals, and Falcons. He was impressive against the Giants in the season finale, throwing for 239 yards, but he laid a huge egg in the playoffs against the Eagles, completing 15 of 35 passes for 164 yards and a crucial interception.

The Vikings then signed Sage Rosenfels in the off season. Rosenfels has been the backup in Houston, but has had some quality moments. During his three years in Houston, Rosenfels has completed 65.6% of his passes. In 2007, the season he got the most playing time (nine games), Rosenfels completed 64.1% of his passes and threw 15 TDs compared to 12 INTs. Seems like a decent choice to run the offense. But then Minnesota talked to Brett.

Favre has been mediocre over the last four seasons. He had a fantastic 2007 campaign, throwing 28 TDs to only 15 INTs, but if you look from 2005 until 2008, Favre has thrown an equal number of picks as touchdowns in three of his last four years, and let's not forget his '05 season where he threw a horrendous 29 INTs. The Vikings need someone that can make throws when needed, give the ball to AP, and not turn the ball over. Sure Favre is fun to watch on TV (at least 5 years ago he was) but now, he's not someone I would want to run my offense and make smart quality throws. That's because he can't. Just ask the Jets.

REFS:

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/teams/min/stats;_ylt=AvBa8uHQRLmT.8Cxuwe6KNqM2bYF