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Mike Vandermause column: Thompson has critics lining up

How many more punches can Ted Thompson take? The Green Bay Packers' general manager has been booed by fans and questioned by the media. And now, in the biggest blow of the offseason, he was called out by quarterback Brett Favre. Favre's comments on Saturday were so critical that Thompson felt compelled to issue a response Sunday on the Packers' Web site.
A brutally honest Favre, at his celebrity golf tournament in Mississippi, said he was disappointed the Packers failed to acquire wide receiver Randy Moss, who instead was traded to the New England Patriots. Favre also expressed deep frustration at the Packers' failure to improve the offense. Favre reportedly was so upset about losing out on Moss that two weeks ago he asked the Packers to trade him. While Favre made no mention of that demand Saturday, he lashed out at the plight of the Packers' offense. "Our offense struggled last season," Favre said. "If it were not for our defense, we would not have won eight games. Right now, it's hard to be optimistic."
That's a resounding indictment of Thompson's offseason performance, particularly his failure to add firepower to the offense. Coming from the team leader, those words had to sting. Why else would Thompson have been prompted to defend himself?
But it's important to keep Favre's comments in perspective. It's not as if Thompson is dealing with an all-out mutiny. Favre is a fierce competitor who wants to win, and he wants to win now. He's not a disgruntled player blasting his team because he didn't get his way. Favre called the Packers "a first-class organization," and based on his public comments, appears prepared to do whatever he can to help the team succeed. But there obviously is a difference of opinion between Favre and Thompson about how to accomplish that goal.
Favre wants Thompson to display more urgency. While Thompson methodically has laid a foundation for the future through the draft, he has been reluctant to make bold moves this offseason to address glaring needs. Favre isn't blind. He scans the roster and sees no proven, featured running back. Other than Donald Driver, he sees a collection of untested receivers. He sees a lineup of tight ends with limited ability to stretch the field. Favre wanted an offensive playmaker so badly he said he offered to give up a portion of his paycheck to guarantee Moss' salary in Green Bay.
In fairness to Thompson, he can't make roster decisions based on how Favre or any other player reacts. He must do what he believes is in the best interest of the Packers. But Thompson will have a hard time explaining why acquiring Moss for a fourth-round draft choice and $3 million in guaranteed money — the price the Patriots paid for him — wouldn't have given the Packers the best chance for success. Addressing the team's short-term and long-term needs is a difficult balancing act, and Favre apparently is caught in the middle.
If Thompson is building a team capable of winning a championship in two or three years, what's the point of keeping Favre around? That's what Favre seems to be wondering. If Thompson wants to win a championship in 2007, why wouldn't he make a stronger effort to acquire Moss, or some other offensive playmaker? These are difficult questions, and Favre is not alone in looking for answers.