Sports have played an integral role in most of our lives. For myself certain events and times are benchmarked against Super Bowls, World Series, Stanley Cups, NCAA Finals, Kentucky Derby’s and so on. I can recall with absolute clarity exactly where I was when Green Bay played in the first Super Bowl, or what I was doing when the Mets won the ’69 World Series. There are some things that are forever linked by circumstance.
A memorable time in my own life occurred in the fall of ’73, and it is marked by the Mets’ appearance in the series against the A’s that year. What jumps out now as it did then was seeing a 42 year old Willie Mays trying to compete in a young man’s game and no longer having the “Say Hey!” youth about him. His legs were no longer spry, he was no longer a threat at the plate and his defense was suspect at best. Willie was brought on as a semi gimmick but he was hanging in there for one more shot at a Series ring.
It goes without saying Willie did not only not get his ring he left the game with less dignity than he played it for so many years. It was a sad sight and it, like the night when Gretzky broke the record for scoring or Secretariat won the Belmont by a staggering 37 lengths, has become the benchmark for a moment indelibly frozen in time.
We have another such moment at hand and history will be made. Watching the Packers dismantle and methodically destroy Minnesota it has become painfully obvious that Brett Favre has started his last game. Brett is suffering from Steve Carlton/ Muhammad Ali disease by hanging on just a little too long. The magic is gone and the fire is out. At 41, it is not coming back for him either.
This week’s game vs. the Vikes will be that benchmark for Packer fans… it will be the last game in Brett’s streak of games started. Turnovers, poor decisions and restricted mobility are evident in every game and the cannon that once roared from his right arm is not enough to compete in today’s NFL.
This mess of a game should also cost Brad Childress his job as he has clearly lost this team. When coaches are arguing with players and players are seen openly criticizing each other all is lost and no one is in charge. Darrelle Bevelle has the same chance of stepping up as Favre does of playing in another Super Bowl. Perceived as a ‘buddy’ of Brett’s, Bevelle will rightfully be passed over in lieu of Defensive Coordinator Leslie Frazier who has a mountain to scale. In any event, look for a few things out of Minnesota this week – a new coach and a new starting quarterback.
The streak, and Minnesota’s season, is over.
On to the Game Balls as the Pack is now looking like a real force.
AARON RODGERS – That’s more like it as Rodgers has found his mojo, and Greg Jennings again, neither independent of the other. Look for more games out of Arod like this along the way.
GREG JENNINGS – Jennings stepped up large and man, what a game! A fantasy league superstat sheet – 7 catches, 150+ yds., 3 TD’s. Nice.
THE INTERIOR OLINE – Wells, Sitton and Colledge all played stout and neutralized the Williams Wall. But some stern looks at T’s Chad Clifton and Bryan Bulaga as they have played better games. Bulaga in particular looked very rookie-ish get shoved onto his backside giving up a sack. Ug-ly.
A J HAWK – He has been a stud almost all year and has finally found the right position and is playing like a #5 pick. While CM3 gets the headlines Hawk has been the best run stuffer along with BJ Raji all year.
TRAMON WILLIAMS – He is a #@2 CB only because Sir Chas owns the #1 spot. This kid is a budding superstar and will want the Revis Island dollars that come with the territory. Memo to TT: Pay the kid whatever he wants, and for a lot of years.
DC DOM CAPERS – In the past 3 games the GB defense has given up a total of 10 points, and average of 3.3. It simply does not get any better than that. And with the upcoming schedule all of a sudden opposing teams have something to fear and rightfully so.
Any win is a joy, but to run the table on Minny and ending favres quest for a ring has a kind of fiendish delight about it. And every day it is so obvious that the Packers made the right choice in going with Rodgers. As much as Brett played to stick it to the pack it is a mixed feeling seeing the end come. It was probably pre-ordained and maybe just a bit of karma.
But, damn!!! This game feels good to a Pack Rat.
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