OFFICIAL BRETT THE LIVING LEGEND THREAD

[denverYooper]

Hey Ras, how does it feel defending Favre?

Against what?

Repeat after me

"It wasn't Brett's fault, the WR ran the wrong route"

"That WR should have made a better play on the ball, or at least batted it away from the 2 defenders surrounding him"

"He was just trying to make a play"

"I'm pretty sure Favre had the sun in his eyes and couldn't see that defender"

Ha! That's already begun...

"He knows all of the calls, it's just getting used to the receivers' tendencies"
"Harvin was coached to break outside, not inside... Brett didn't know that"

And my favorite, yet to come:
"He got confused because he's used to throwing to the guys in the Green and Gold jerseys "

[HarveyWallbangers]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/trainingcamp09/news/story?id=4424660

Source: 'Little support' for Favre
By Adam Schefter

What two knowledgeable NFL people described earlier this week as an "issue" in the Minnesota Vikings locker room was described Wednesday by a third informed person as a "schism."

The issue is quarterback Brett Favre, and the schism is the preference that certain Vikings players have for specific quarterbacks.

Sources with knowledge of the Vikings locker-room dynamics say some players believe Tarvaris Jackson gives the Vikings the best chance to win, while other players believe Sage Rosenfels gives the team the best chance to win -- which is one of the new twists to this storyline. In the words of one NFL source, Favre has "little support" in the locker room as Minnesota prepares for its Monday night preseason game against the Houston Texans.

Favre, who signed only last week, struggled in his one preseason appearance but could easily win backers with improved performance and victories. But as it now stands, one NFL source said these locker-room issues stem back to long before the team signed Favre, and it's possible they will not be going away any time soon unless Favre can completely silence them with his play.

[hoosier]

ESPN is running a story about how the Vikings locker room is divided--but it's not Favre against whoever. Instead, the players are reportedly split on whether Rosenfels or Jackson gives them the best chance to win. This is a little hard to believe given Favre's stature, and I doubt that he has managed to burn up ALL of the good will that he earned over the first 15 years of his career during the last two years. Who knows how the players in that lockerrom really feel? If Favre performs well early in the season, surely they will jump on the bandwagon and get behind him 100%. But if Favre struggles and if Jackson performs well in the last two preseason games we could see some interesting friction to the north. I'm hoping that TJax is absolutely on fire against Houston.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/trainingcamp09/news/story?id=4424660

EDIT: I got beat to the punch by a minute! At least I added my own commentary as proof that I thought of it first.

[Scott Campbell]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/trainingcamp09/news/story?id=4424660

Source: 'Little support' for Favre
By Adam Schefter

What two knowledgeable NFL people described earlier this week as an "issue" in the Minnesota Vikings locker room was described Wednesday by a third informed person as a "schism."

The issue is quarterback Brett Favre, and the schism is the preference that certain Vikings players have for specific quarterbacks.

Sources with knowledge of the Vikings locker-room dynamics say some players believe Tarvaris Jackson gives the Vikings the best chance to win, while other players believe Sage Rosenfels gives the team the best chance to win -- which is one of the new twists to this storyline. In the words of one NFL source, Favre has "little support" in the locker room as Minnesota prepares for its Monday night preseason game against the Houston Texans.

Favre, who signed only last week, struggled in his one preseason appearance but could easily win backers with improved performance and victories. But as it now stands, one NFL source said these locker-room issues stem back to long before the team signed Favre, and it's possible they will not be going away any time soon unless Favre can completely silence them with his play.

This is usually indicative of a coach that gives them no chance to win.

[Rastak]

Hey Ras, how does it feel defending Favre?

Against what?

Repeat after me

"It wasn't Brett's fault, the WR ran the wrong route"

"That WR should have made a better play on the ball, or at least batted it away from the 2 defenders surrounding him"

"He was just trying to make a play"

"I'm pretty sure Favre had the sun in his eyes and couldn't see that defender"

You ever see the bang cartoon Brett Favre excuse-o-matic? That was some funny stuff.....you guys would laugh right now but when it was first published you'd have been red faced and mad about it....

[Freak Out]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/trainingcamp09/news/story?id=4424660

Source: 'Little support' for Favre
By Adam Schefter

What two knowledgeable NFL people described earlier this week as an "issue" in the Minnesota Vikings locker room was described Wednesday by a third informed person as a "schism."

The issue is quarterback Brett Favre, and the schism is the preference that certain Vikings players have for specific quarterbacks.

Sources with knowledge of the Vikings locker-room dynamics say some players believe Tarvaris Jackson gives the Vikings the best chance to win, while other players believe Sage Rosenfels gives the team the best chance to win -- which is one of the new twists to this storyline. In the words of one NFL source, Favre has "little support" in the locker room as Minnesota prepares for its Monday night preseason game against the Houston Texans.

Favre, who signed only last week, struggled in his one preseason appearance but could easily win backers with improved performance and victories. But as it now stands, one NFL source said these locker-room issues stem back to long before the team signed Favre, and it's possible they will not be going away any time soon unless Favre can completely silence them with his play.

This is usually indicative of a coach that gives them no chance to win.

It's always great to see a locker room full of overpaid arrogant player/coaches/GMs argue.

[Tony Oday]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2VfHnCwLp14&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Efacebook%2Ecom%2Fhome%2Ephp%3Fref%3Dhome&feature=player_embedded#t=222

[HowardRoark]

Hey Ras, how does it feel defending Favre?

Against what?

Repeat after me

"It wasn't Brett's fault, the WR ran the wrong route"

"That WR should have made a better play on the ball, or at least batted it away from the 2 defenders surrounding him"

"He was just trying to make a play"

"I'm pretty sure Favre had the sun in his eyes and couldn't see that defender"

"I told you fellows about my rotator cuff, didn't I? I thought I mentioned it during the first 3 minutes of my first press conference."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_wy8ebqKbA

[HarveyWallbangers]

This is usually indicative of a coach that gives them no chance to win.

Disgruntled ex-player alert. Sharper takes another swipe at an ex-team.

http://www.sportingnews.com/blog/The_Trenches/entry/view/31466/Are_Vikings_Rebelling_Against_Childress?

"What it comes down to is loyalty to players, that's a big question mark in Minnesota. " Saints safety Darren Sharper told me a few weeks back.

[mraynrand]

It had to have pissed the Vikings plenty when Favre pulled up with his PODS and brought in his old Packer locker, with TT's return address still on the shrink wrap.

[Rastak]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/trainingcamp09/news/story?id=4424660

Source: 'Little support' for Favre
By Adam Schefter

In response to this former Packer beat writer Judd Zulgad did some investigation........

8:49 PM (8 hours ago)
About that schism
by Judd Zulgad
I spent much of the late afternoon following up on ESPN and ProFootballTalk’s reports today that painted a picture of division in the Vikings locker room over who should be this team’s starting quarterback.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter posted a story that cited a source as saying a “schism” – a separation or division into factions — had developed over the situation and stated that while some players felt Tarvaris Jackson gave the Vikings the best chance to win, others felt Sage Rosenfels should be the guy. The story also had an NFL source saying, Favre had “little support” in the locker room.

So where did my reporting get me? Nowhere close to feeling that this situation is as dire as it is being painted. Let’s make this much clear: There are almost certainly some members of the Vikings who would like to see Jackson starting. Jackson might not have proven himself as a reliable starter in his first three seasons but he is well-liked by many of his teammates and from everything I’ve seen a good guy who often faces criticism head on.

Defensive end Ray Edwards made it clear during the offseason that Jackson was his guy and it seems highly unlikely that has changed. Guys like Adrian Peterson and Sidney Rice also have spoken highly of Jackson in the past. Keep in mind, there are 80 guys in the Vikings locker room right now and the fact that not all of them think that having a nearly 40-year-old quarterback who reports late to training camp isn’t a good idea should come as no surprise.

But that doesn’t mean this is a majority opinion and it certainly doesn’t mean the locker room is fractured with two weeks to go in the preseason. If the Vikings get off to a rough start in the regular season there could be some grumbling about Favre and how his situation was handled, but that’s the nature of the beast in professional athletics. If guys who get paid to do this for a living are on the winning side enough that can make a lot of potential problems go away. On the other hand, if those same folks experience a disappointing season the natural reaction of some is to express their frustration through various forms of media. (As much as head coaches would like to see that change it’s not going to happen.)

So how did we get to this point only a week and one day into Favre’s tenure? That’s the best question in my opinion. I’m going to tell you at least three teams that likely saw the Favre stories on ESPN and ProFootballTalk today and immediately smiled. The Bears, Packers and Lions (I guess, you can throw them in) aren’t going to mind that a potential smoke bomb has been tossed into the Vikings locker room only a few weeks before the regular season opens. (The Vikings were more than happy to see the Favre situation serve as a distraction for the Packers last summer.)

Even if in the end it turns out there is only smoke and no fire.

Who knows.....or cares at this point in the preseason...if they lose a few games to start the season I can assure you they'll be some kind of fracture in the locker room. There was to some extent last year....same issue, different name at QB. When a team starts losing and there is what is perceived as a capable backup guys take sides, it;s human nature. As for Schefter (who I do respect) indicating there is very little support for the old dude, I am not getting that vibe at all from the offensive starters and their body language when asked about it. Most people just tow the company line so you do have to read between the lines a bit.

[Rastak]

This is usually indicative of a coach that gives them no chance to win.

Disgruntled ex-player alert. Sharper takes another swipe at an ex-team.

http://www.sportingnews.com/blog/The_Trenches/entry/view/31466/Are_Vikings_Rebelling_Against_Childress?

"What it comes down to is loyalty to players, that's a big question mark in Minnesota. " Saints safety Darren Sharper told me a few weeks back.

I would have to agree, there was no loyalty to Sharper, he was shown the door when a younger guy was brought in to take his place. Similar to no loyalty to Scott Wells, KGB, etc etc etc etc. It's the nature of the business.

[Rastak]

One more look at the great divide....

http://www.twincities.com/vikings/ci_13212029?nclick_check=1

Reports that there is an "issue," "schism" or "faction" in the Vikings' locker room over who will start at quarterback was news to 13 players, including nine offensive and defensive starters, Wednesday evening.

To encourage candor, the Pioneer Press contacted players expected to make the final 53-man roster and offered them anonymity to address how they felt about who should start at quarterback and if they had heard any teammates discussing the "issue" or "schism."

Two of the veteran starters spoke on the record.

"I'm in the mix, but I haven't heard anyone talk about that," starting tight end Visanthe Shiancoe said. "The locker room is not divided at all.

"Everyone is going to have their own opinions, and everyone is not going to like everyone all the time. But we don't have time for that dumb (expletive)."

Vikings Pro Bowl defensive tackle Pat Williams said he hadn't heard any whispers about a possible rift regarding the quarterbacks.

"But if someone did say something, it don't matter because he isn't one of the leaders on this team," said Williams, one of those said leaders. "The leaders are all together."

All 13 players contacted by the Pioneer Press were in full support of Favre as the team's starting quarterback, although none said that was a slap at Jackson.

Several players said they were disappointed with the representation that Favre is the final piece to a possible championship team.

"One person doesn't make a Super Bowl team," one player said. "But I can't say that it hurts our chances, either."

During a news conference immediately after practice, Pro Bowl running back Adrian Peterson said he also hadn't sensed any faction of the team preferring Jackson.

"I don't know where that came from," he said. "That's news to me."

Asked if it's tough because of his friendship with Jackson, Peterson said, "The key word is 'professional,' and that's how you've got to handle it.

"Guys come in competing for jobs each year," he said. "If there was a running back they brought in this year that was being more productive than me or whatnot, then I'm sure I would be sitting on the bench. That's what it's all about."

One starter said he was thrilled about Favre's signing but insisted that Jackson has the potential to be a starter in the NFL for a long time.

Yet given the options, the starter preferred Favre for his consistency and championship credentials.

On his first day as a Viking, Favre expressed concern to Williams about how the former Packers quarterback would be welcomed in the locker room, Williams said.

The defensive tackle recalled that same uncertainty when he joined the Vikings in 2005.

"I told him to be himself," Williams said. " 'We all got your back.' "

If anyone said anything, Williams suggested it might have been one of the team's younger players.

"The young players get caught up, and some of the young guys don't know (expletive)," Williams said. "You have a role, and you have to accept it.

[Stevogbfan]

rastak, are you talking about this video...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZxzeBxTz_Y

it might be weird when the shoe is on the other foot

[MOBB DEEP]

Not sure, I don't have access to the players to do my own poll so I have no idea

sorry smarty pants! I think of you as a conduit

When i lived, and go back to, milwaukee i DO obtain more info than when I'm here in DC. But again, my bad buddy

LOL at "schism." This is probably coming from the youngns who dont respect their Lord enough. Bow down! He he...Actually youngsters DONT understand the idea of seizing the moment as much as the vets do (every walk of life really, my 14 year old doesnt want to hang with her grand ma ma just because she might not be around in 10 years when she realizes fam IS of the utmost importance). They dont have as much a sense of urgency that say a Hutchinson has; not every year do you have an awesome D, plentiful offensive weapons, and only lack in the most important area of QB and have a chance to get a should-be-motivated HOFer? And like Golic said, will this schism prevent the o-line from preparing their best for games? DBs? AD wont run as hard? Winfield will just let Hester run past him b/c he's mad Lord didnt do OTAs? Its a PROFESSION not social club and these cats get paid to perform; why jeopordize your employment (NFL = not for long buddy!) by not trying to be the best YOU can be regardless of personnel moves?

oh, and winning is the best elixir. Vikes schedule is ready made to get off to a good start, thus eliciting team-wide confidence to build nice cushion before hitting the meat of the sched (at packers biggest reg season game EVER, at steelers, at Car/the game wifey and I are attending, at bears, and vs nyg). 4 out of first 5 games are gimmes - browns, lions, 9ers, pack, and rams...1st loss = packers

Yeah, Vikes are ruined now