The Donkey from Minnesota Rides into Jerusalem

Praise Be to Brett Favre

It seemed like the in the weeks leading up to Brett Favre's homecoming game at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin, whenever Favre was asked about the game, he gave his awww shucks routine. He seemed to want the world to believe that this game means no more to him than the pickup type of game shown in his Wrangler jeans commercial. Given the length of time that Favre spent deliberating and strategizing on how to make this game become a reality, I find this hard to believe.

In the pre-game commentary, Troy Aikman commented that this game probably is more important to Rodgers than Favre. I couldn't agree less. True this game was important to Aaron Rodgers and his Green Bay Packers. However, it is important, because the Packers need to win in order to prevent themselves from falling 3 games behind Minnesota in the Division with 8 games to go. Rodgers knows that he is the Packers franchise quarterback and is doing a fine job of coming out from beneath the Brett Favre shadow. Win, lose or draw Rodgers seems destined to enjoy the opportunity of leading Packers for an indefinite period of time. Brett Favre on the other hand is in the twilight of his career and this game appears to be the pinnacle of his career. I am sure he enjoyed his wins as the Packer quarterback and also adored his win as a Viking over the Packers in the Metrodome. However, Favre seems to need a win in this game in Green Bay, to vindicate himself from his perceived mistreatment at the hand of the Packers management. A loss here could force us all to endure another off-season of his indecision.

I think this game will be won in the trenches. In Minnesota, the Packers defense gave Favre all day in the pocket. They paid a terrible price as Favre shredded them like cheese. On the other hand, the Vikings defense harassed and sacked Rodgers from start to finish. Though Rodgers played fearlessly, it was not enough to make the Packers prevail.