Sometimes, something will happen off the field that shocks sports fans. By now, we've all become accustomed to seeing our favorite players arrested for crimes such as domestic disturbance, or drag racing, or using illegal drugs. Unfortunately, it's becoming common place in the world of sports. Often times, we'll be shocked to see a player leave via free agency and join a rival team. We will shake our heads in disbelief when we hear of the salaries that some of todays athletes are making. But perhaps the most shocking thing I've seen in sports this year is the bashing and abuse being directed at Brett Favre. Last time I checked, Favre was considered one of the best quarterbacks of all time.

We're talking about a three time league MVP and Super Bowl Champion who holds most of the NFL passing records being booed and trashed by the media and fans. If this isn't utter lunacy, then I don't know what is.

If fans and/or media truly believe that Favre was the reason for the Jets collapse, that's fine. I don't agree with that assessment, but I can respect those who believe that to be true. But New York sports talk shows are showing us just how stupid some New York fans can be. Listen to WFAN, and you'll hear Favre being called a "loser" or a "choker" or a "bum". How in the world can that be true of a man who has Favre's resume? This so-called "loser" led the Packers to the championship game last season, and led the Jets to an 8-3 record this season before the collapse. Where were these people when the Jets were 8-3? Were these same people calling Favre a loser back then? The Jets were 4-12 last season. This season with Favre, they were 9-7. Does Favre not deserve some of the credit for the turnaround? The Jets were better this season because of Favre. People see Pennington having success with Miami this season, and they feel that's just cause to bash Favre. Fact is, Pennington hadn't had monster seasons with the Jets the past two seasons because of the game plans devised by Mangini. Couldn't the same apply to Favre? Perhaps the Jets collapsed down the stretch because of some head shaking calls by the coach, and a lousy offensive game plan devised for Favre and the offense. Perhaps Favre was put in a position where he had to throw when a run was a better option. And is it a coincidence that the Packers, who were in the NFC Championship game last season were 6-10 this season without Favre? Granted, Favre wasn't his sharpest down the stretch, and he made some poor throws, but other factors were in play... not to mention the torn biceps tendon in his throwing arm. Five games should not define a player's competency.

And then there's Thomas Jones. I guess he feels that because he was the AFC's leading rusher that he has Card Blanche to bad-mouth Favre. Without Favre early on, Jones wouldn't have had the success he had earlier in the season. Perhaps Favre's slump coincides with Jones slowing down as the season wore on. It's easy to say that a RBs production goes down because of a slumping QB, but it works the other way too. Jones had just 2 TDs last season. Brett Favre helped him find the endzone with more regularity this season. Yet Jones felt the need to rip Favre. He stated that Favre should have been benched. Benched? In favor of who....Kellen Clemens? Is he serious? Would Peyton Manning be benched if he threw three interceptions in a half? I don't think so. Would Jones himself be benched if he fumbled twice in a half? I doubt it.

Between the Packers last season, and the Jets first 11 games this season, Favre was a combined 24-7. Yet that is overlooked because he was 1-4 in his last five games. There are too many factors involved to put the blame on Favre. Sure, Favre should take some responsibility, but so should Jones, and the offensive line, and the coaching staff. Perhaps there was a reason that the coach was fired. Perhaps there was a reason that Favre was being mentioned in MVP talk before the collapse. Perhaps there's a reason that Favre was selected for the Pro Bowl (which was decided before the collapse). Granted, others were more deserving (can't dispute that), but for the purpose behind this article, that's not the point.

Brett Favre is a winner. The Jets would be better with him next season than with Clemens or Ratliff. A new coaching staff and more consistent play from the Jets high-priced offensive line is needed. A QB of Favre's stature doesn't just lose it "overnight". Favre deserves another season as the Jets starting QB. Hopefully, he'll get that opportunity. Hopefully, he'll want to come back. But if he decides to retire, one thing is for sure...he's a winner, and he went out a winner. The only losers here are the Jet fans, teammates, and press who criticize Favre's character and talent. Favre is a Hall of Fame quarterback. He should be treated as such. The 2009 Jets would be a better team with Favre than without him.



Court Adjourned!