The Favre era has officially ended in Green Bay with the trade of Brett Favre to the New York Jets. Upon reinstatement Favre felt no love from the Green Bay front office. The Jets now have their undisputed starter at quarterback. Is this the year head coach Eric Mangini and the Jets replace New England as AFC East Champions?
Favre is heading to the Big Apple and a team that went 4-12 in 2007. If he was tired after the Packers playoff run last year, he’s really got a lot of work to do now in ‘08. Favre will have to learn a new system in New York and a new lifestyle. Not to mention having to deal with the New York media.
Brett Favre is no doubt a country boy, born and raised in Kiln, Mississippi. Playing and living in Green Bay was similar to the south, now he will take center stage in one of the biggest cities America has to offer. Can he adjust to the bright lights of New York, the busy streets, and the hype to return the Jets to the Superbowl? Only time will tell.
It’s going to be a change of pace for someone that was too tired to continue his NFL career back in March. Learning the new playbook and timing with his new teammates won’t be easy. Favre will have to work harder in training camp this year than in previous years with the Packers.
Green Bay got what they wanted by trading Brett out of the NFC. Tampa Bay was thought to be Favre’s new home but the Jets were more determined to land the future Hall of Fame quarterback. Depending on Favre’s playtime and the Jets win-loss record the draft pick traded for Favre could be between a first and fourth round pick.
Chad Pennington Released
With Favre on the roster quarterback Chad Pennington’s tenure in New York is over. Pennington was released allowing youngster Kellen Clemens to assume the role of backup and learn from a legend. This trade could help the Jets in the present and future. The pressure is on for Mangini to win, and adding Favre could guarantee at least a playoff spot in 2008.
The Jets now find themselves as legitimate contenders to dethrone the Patriots. If the Jets can maintain a running attack, allowing Favre to do play action and roll out passes, Favre could be very successful in New York. Favre knows football so learning the Jets style of play shouldn’t be to hard for the 38 year-old quarterback.
New Offense for Brett Favre
The Jets had a busy off-season and added some solid new and old talent on both sides of the ball. Favre will have a solid offensive line anchored by free agent guard Alan Faneca along with talented youngsters Nick Mangold at center and D’Brickashaw Ferguson at left tackle.
Having time to find the open receiver will not be a problem for the Jets new Hall of Fame quarterback.
Speaking of receivers, Brett Favre has a few talented ones to throw to. Veteran Laveranues Coles has had a productive career and had six touchdowns in 2007. Along with Coles are younger, talented receivers in Jerricho Cotchery (82 receptions 1,130 yards in ‘07), Wallace Wright, and Brad Smith. Not the best group in the league but Favre has had success with less talented receivers in the past.
Along with the Jets wide receivers are tight ends Bubba Franks, a familiar target of Brett Favre’s, having played together in Green Bay, and Chris Baker ( 41 receptions in 2007).
Favre will also benefit by being able to hand the ball of to former Bears running back Thomas Jones. Jones is a workhorse that will take pressure of Favre to be perfect every week. Along with free agent fullback Tony Richardson, a quality blocker, the Jets offense is vastly improved from the 2007 squad.
Jets: Playoffs or Bust in 2008
Brett Favre needs to have a solid year in New York for this trade to make sense. If he plays poorly and the Jets don’t reach the playoffs, the media in New York will bash Favre and the Jets. It is a love-hate relationship between the New York fans and their professional teams, so by adding Favre the fans expect the best in 2008.
If Favre does not perform well and the Jets don’t make the playoffs it could very well be Brett’s last year. There are two years remaining on Favre’s contract so his intent may be to finish out his current deal, but failure won’t be accepted in New York. A 6-10 season and the fans will be calling for Favre’s release.
With Favre’s ability though, he should have no trouble turning the Jets back into contenders. He better hope he can anyway. After all the fuss to play anything less than success will be highly scrutinized. Playoffs or bust Brett. Good luck in the Big Apple.
