Top Storylines For Upcoming 2009 NFL Season
Brett Favre to Return Again, Had Arm Surgery, Vikes Super Bowl Bound
Jun 9, 2009
What's that noise in Green Bay? It's the sound of Packers GM Ted Thompson sighing in disbelief. Poor Ted tried his best last season to keep Favre out of the Vikings grasp, only to see it happen after all.
What's even worse is that Favre will be healthier following reports stating recent surgery on his throwing arm. Poor Ted must be wishing he allowed Favre to stay a Packer.
If Brett wasn't planning on coming back why would he have surgery to repair what he said ultimately made him retire a second time? Unless riding his tractor in lower Mississippi hurts his arm...doubt it.
Favre will be back in the NFL for his 19th season, wearing the Purple and Gold of Minnesota. Although Packers fans will cringe at the sight of it, Favre would love nothing more than to stick it to Thompson twice this year.
Consider this as well. A group of Favre's friends and family have booked 25-30 rooms for the Vikings visit to Lambeau on Nov. 1, according to the Green Bay Press-Gazette. sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story
The question is not if he'll return, but how reluctant John David Booty will be to give his number 4 to Brett.
Jeff Garcia a Raider
Another 39 year-old quarterback made news this offseason. Jeff Garcia was released from Tampa Bay and signed with the Raiders. He is penciled in to back-up the inconsistent JaMarcus Russell.
In 10 NFL seasons Garcia has never thrown more than 13 interceptions (2003 w/49ers), and thrown as many as 32 touchdowns (2001 w/49ers). So why would he sign with a defunct team like Oakland?
In the back of his mind, Garcia must have realized that if Russell still proves inconsistent, his leash will be short. Raiders coach Tom Cable will want to prove he's the man for the job and will do what it takes to win games for Oakland.
So the question is how long will Cable stick with Jamarcus Russell shall he remain a raw talent? Not very. Garcia has proved himself a winner and has the poise to endure a quarterback controversy (see the 2006 Philadelphia Eagles).
Stafford vs Culpepper
Who will start for the Detroit Lions in 2009 is the talk in Michigan. Culpepper was brought in midway through the 2008 season in an attempt by the Lions to win a game. Injury and limited knowledge of the offense did not allow that to happen.
However, a full offseason learning the system and renewed confidence in himself, Culpepper could force Stafford to sit.
If Culpepper is wise, he will use the 6'5” 239 pound receiver Calvin 'Megatron' Johnson to his advantage. Not since Randy Moss has Culpepper had such a target to 'chuck it up' to.
Matthew Stafford was the 1st pick in the 2009 draft out of Georgia. Many believe he may be their gift following the 50 year curse of Bobby Layne. Only time will tell, but for 2009 Culpepper should start and revive his career so he can move on in 2010.
NFL FYI
Some Brett Favre fans may be concerned with his 6-10 record inside the Metrodome. From 1992-1996 Favre was 0-5 with an abundance of turnovers and bad decision making.
But fear not, in his last five trips up north Favre is 4-1, with 12 touchdowns and just 3 interceptions. Favre also broke the all-time touchdown record in 2007 inside the dreaded dome.
The Metrodome curse on Favre is also over. Keep an eye on the NFC North this year, it should be a wild ride!
