Pack: Come On Back ... As A Backup

[RashanGary]

He just said when it came to core issues that mean as much as this one that he will now allow his organization to make the wrong decision. In the same breath he said Rodgers was his starting QB.

I don't know what exactly the finial straw is with TT or what that core issue is, but I think you can read between the lines that something Brett has done has crossed his line and he will not go back.

Thompson is a very big team guy. I think he sees Favre's actions as unforgivably selfish and disrespectfull to his teammates. I think he really cares about his guys and Favre, well, doesn't.

[digitaldean]

TT also said he visited with Favre in Mississippi in April and Favre didn't say a word about wanting to come back. Unless TT went there after April 26-27 draft days, it means Brett still could have said something before the Packers picked Brohm and Flynn.

As far as I'm concerned, Brett has egg all over his face on this. There is no reason for this to be dragging on.

It's turning out to be a hand of Texas hold 'em. Let's see who folds first....

[motife]

OK TT....and are you ready to deal with what's real if you refuse to bring back Favre and Rodgers gets hurt early on? Is Brohm ready? doubtful.

In the story, Silverstein notes Thompson is not ruling in or ruling out anything, (other than they will not release him). Wait and see is what he says, then they'll have internal discussions.

[GrnBay007]

My prediction - Brett will be back....and as starter. (although he may need to "share" more with Rodgers than in the past) They are going through the motions they need to at this point. With a winning team standing by NO WAY will they allow BF to slip away.

[texaspackerbacker]

Yes!

It's as if Thompson and McCarthy read my posts.

This is EXACTLY the way to handle this situation. All this silly crap about Favre holding all the cards, No Way! He does hold all the cards if the goal is be paid his $10 or 12 million. However, the Packers have the cap room to afford that and keep him as a backup/insurance policy.

Ideally, this will play out in a harmonious way, considering how great Favre has been in Green Bay. But if not, my loyalty is to the team first.

Brett has always seemed to be a suggestive person--a bunch of media and others suggest retirement, and he retires; A bunch of media and people start talking unretirement, and he now unretires. Hopefully, if McCarthy and others plant the seed of a backup role, and he will get used to it and be an asset to the team.

Of course, the more likely thing is that Thompson will pursue or at least consider trade opportunities. I'm just glad they didn't get all sentimental and release him for nothing.

[bobblehead]

John Clayton is reporting that a call with TT says that he never said Favre would be a back-up. He clarified that he'd be an active member of the Packers and would have 'a role' of some sort. Really interesting - but not as harsh as, 'you're the back-up'. Talk of trade is only hypothetical to TT until Favre files reinstatement.

Maybe Favre is the starter but doesn't play 100% (best for specific situation/game)... hmm

IMO, the Packers are not going to bring back Brett Favre and have him sit on the bench. If anything they will use BOTH QB's where they are best suited. Remember, TT said he will do what is best for the Packer team. No way does that mean having BF sitting on the bench. I think it was also Leaper that mentioned this could be the best situation....having both Favre and Rodgers playing. Favre is having a rough time....bring out Rodgers. Cold weather game Favre is not looking good, bring in Rodgers. It's like the best scenario. In this case, it's probably Rodgers that will need to be convinced to stick around more so then Favre.

Almost 5000 posts 007 - impressive. And I agree (and sorta like) this approach from the others.

Your both joking right? I mean, you have to know more about football than to be serious. No way you play QB shuffle as you suggest. In the NFL you have a starter and a backup. Look back at history and show me when playing musical QBs has been anything but a disaster.

[Scott Campbell]

Yes!

It's as if Thompson and McCarthy read my posts.

You mean the ones about this being nothing, and the media is just stirring up trouble?

[Dabaddestbear]

I do think that he will either eventually be released, or face bad chemistry in the locker room during the season.
And make no mistake, there is no way that the Packers organization will sit Brett in favor of Rodgers. That is a bluff I am sure Brett will call the entire organization on. I cant stand favre as a Packer, but I will take him on my side of the table in poker any day....lol

[texaspackerbacker]

Yes!

It's as if Thompson and McCarthy read my posts.

You mean the ones about this being nothing, and the media is just stirring up trouble?

I already dined on a healthy chunk of crow for that.

I mean where I said that Favre doesn't hold the cards here. All the Packers have to do is invite him to came as a backup--albeit a damned expensive backup--and then keep him as an insurance policy against Rodgers getting hurt, trading him, or just putting him in some status where he just sits and collects his pay--phantom injury, unfit to perform, etc.

[oregonpackfan]

Favre has too much pride to sit as a backup. Do you think someone who has started every game as QB for 16 straight years is suddenly willing to back up a younger, inexperienced QB?

Even if Rodgers legitimately beat him out in training camp, Favre would not be content to sit on the bench.

I agree with Bobblehead that switching QBs on a regular or even irregular basis would be disastrous in this situation.

If McCarthy goes ahead with his promise that Rodgers is the starting QB, I predict Favre will truly "retire" and stay retired.

[Dabaddestbear]

Favre has too much pride to sit as a backup. Do you think someone who has started every game as QB for 16 straight years is suddenly willing to back up a younger, inexperienced QB?

Even if Rodgers legitimately beat him out in training camp, Favre would not be content to sit on the bench.

I agree with Bobblehead that switching QBs on a regular or even irregular basis would be disastrous in this situation.

If McCarthy goes ahead with his promise that Rodgers is the starting QB, I predict Favre will truly "retire" and stay retired.

I say if MM sticks to that plan that Brett will call his bluff and let his fans speak for him. He knows how hard pressed it will be for Rodgers knowing that his every mistake with Brett on the bench will have everyone calling for his head.

I say Brett calls their bluff.

[Scott Campbell]

I say if MM sticks to that plan that Brett will call his bluff and let his fans speak for him. He knows how hard pressed it will be for Rodgers knowing that his every mistake with Brett on the bench will have everyone calling for his head.

I say Brett calls their bluff.

They could easily just cut him at the end of camp. Then he heads into the season with a brand new playbook, brand new team mates, and no training camp to figure either of them out.

[RIPackerFan]

I have to believe that everyone is trying to save some face here.

First of all - if Brett calls the bluff - he is serious about coming back. To be willing to compete for a starting position - would be a significant step in committment (thus removes the iffy position that TT still believes Favre has).

In addition, Arod is still told the team is his - if he can't beat Brett out (with the first team) - then he shouldn't be starting.

Finally, I think they all know that Brett, even with the second team, will easily beat Arod out. Unless he has taken a huge step backwards (which I doubt), he will pass him and get the starting job by the last preseason game.

Thus, they ensure committment from Brett, they give Arod their support (giving him every opportunity to win the job) and in the end, get Brett for at least another year as the starting QB.

A lot of people are thinking that they would bring him in with no intention of letting him earn the starting position. Sorry - don't see it. First, the fans watch practices - they will know who is outperforming who. In addition, Favre has an immense amount of credibility with the players (especially the older ones) - you don't think there would be a revolt if the players truly believed that Favre was outperforming Arod and didn't get the shot?

Finally, some people think that they would release him right before the first game. Do you really want that to happen or do you think its smart - get Favre pissed off? There is no doubt, MN or Chicago would take him in a second and have him ready to play by the 3rd game - heck - I wouldn't even be surprised if he play for the veteran's minimum just so that he could show up TT? Personally, I would hate to see a pissed off (and rededicated) Favre going to another team.

Thats my take.

[Bretsky]

TT was pretty harsh, man. I am in the first ranks of those disappointed with how Favre has handled this whole thing - letting his family air his complaints with Ted, denying the "rumors" that he wanted to come back when they were true (that is, he misled people deliberately), - but to suggest that Favre was welcome...as a backup - man, that's harsh, Ted.

I'd actually consider it assenine to say that; I have no problem with his we'll do what's in the best interests of the Green Bay Packers..aka...trade him....we've moved on...etc....all that stuff.

But if mention was made as him coming back as a backup that is assenine, stupid, and insulting to those who know football.

Just say you are moving on with AROD in a way that we all assume that Favre will be moved.

[Bretsky]

John Clayton is reporting that a call with TT says that he never said Favre would be a back-up. He clarified that he'd be an active member of the Packers and would have 'a role' of some sort. Really interesting - but not as harsh as, 'you're the back-up'. Talk of trade is only hypothetical to TT until Favre files reinstatement.

Maybe Favre is the starter but doesn't play 100% (best for specific situation/game)... hmm

Gosh I haven't clarified anything.......but I will say this. Milwaukee TMJ station reported TT wants Favre back only as a backup. I don't know if it was said or implied but that is what's being reported locally