The NFL draft came and went this weekend for all thirty-two teams. Teams were drafting based on needs and best available player. In this weekend’s draft, there were thirteen quarterback selected from Matt Ryan (Boston College…now an Atlanta Falcon) to Alex Brink (Washington State… now a Houston Texan). The teams that picked quarterbacks were: Giants (two), Packers (two), Ravens, Dolphins, Patriots, Steelers, Bucs, Vikings and Redskins. The Giants, Pats, and Steelers picked quarterbacks “because they could”. The Ravens, Vikings, and Dolphins picked quarterbacks out of necessity. While the Bucs and Skins fell somewhere in between the two groups.
The decision to not draft a quarterback was not negligent, but IDIOTIC! The Bears had a plan; the plan was to address the team needs. What is the biggest need on this Bears team and has been the biggest need of the Bears Franchise? The answer is: A FRANCHISE QUARTERBACK!!! The last Franchise quarterback for the Bears was Sid LUCKMAN. He was quarterback from 1939 to 1950! That is 58 years and counting.
The Bears management especially G.M. Jerry Angelo is convinced that the Bears do not need a “great” quarterback to win the Super bowl. It seems as the Bears are comparing themselves to 2001 Ravens team and the 2003 Bucs. The Ravens won the Super bowl with an average quarterback in Trent Dilfer, and good running game, Priest Holmes, and a great defense lead by Ray Lewis. While the Bucs were from the same mold, average quarterback, Brad Johnson, good running game, Dunn/Alstott, and a great defense led by Sapp, #### and Brooks. The fact that the Bears made the Super Bowl in 2006, with a similar mold, reinforced the point. Their management believes they can without a FRANCHISE quarterback.
The most disappointing thing is that Bears have not taken a quarterback since Kyle Orton. The biggest need in franchise history and three drafts in a row, there was not even an ATTEMPT to address it. Negligent and idiotic might not be the proper words to describe the Bears draft.
The only word that comes to mind is DISSAPOINTING.
Brett Favre has been flirting with the idea of retiring for the last several years. Yesterday that flirtation ended for Favre. Favre announced his retirement via phone call to Head Coach Mike McCarthy. This announcement comes as a shock to all football fans, but especially to Packer fans.
Favre retired after one of his best season’s in his career. This season Favre was not the gunslinger of old, but instead a game manager. His numbers reflected his game management; he threw for 4155 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions. Those numbers along with an overall team effort propelled the Packers to 13-3 regular season record and a trip to the NFC title game.
Being a Bears fan, I feel torn on the Favre retirement. I am envious that Packer fans had stability in a position that Bears seemingly always find ineptitude. I despised his ability to rally the Packers late against teams especially the Bears. I also respected his “greatness”. Favre was such a rare talent in the NFL. He was the most unorthodox quarterback, people will ever see. He would seemingly makes plays, when people were certain he would fail.
Packer fans always found comfort in knowing that they had number “4” behind center late in any game. All of Wisconsin took solace in the fact, regardless of how any season ended; they always had a chance next season with Favre at the helm. For sixteen years, Favre gave the Packer faithful hope.
I know now Packer fans will look at the negative in Favre retirement, but Packer fans should be looking at the positive they had sixteen years with the Great Brett Favre.
Good bye Brett Favre Wisconsin mourns your retirement, while all Illinois celebrates it; which in my mind is the ultimate sign of respect.
I am a graduate student at Western ILL in Communication .
I have a BA in Communication from Monmouth College.
I ran CC and Track in College.
I interned with WGN Radio in Chicago
I love to share my feelings and thoughts on Sports.
