Jclombardi updates Favre watch.

The Neverending Story: Key dates in Brett Favre’s retirement choices, from 2002 to the present.

Update: According to his brother Scott, Favre sustained injuries to wrists, ankles, & one leg and having his head bruised in the NFC title game. “He was beat all to hell,” said Scott, adding that he doesn’t think Brett has made a decision on retirement yet. Scott also believes it will be difficult for his brother to walk away because of his special bond with Rice, Harvin, and Peterson.

NBC VIDEO: FAVRE CAN TAKE HIS TIME.

Jclombardi’s update about Packers going to Pro Bowl.

With Saints QB Brees heading to the Super Bowl, Packers QB Rodgers will probably be the starting quarterback for the NFC in the Pro Bowl.  In other Pro Bowl news, LB Matthews travels to the Pro Bowl along with S Collins. All-pro CB Woodson has decided not to participate due to injuries. The game is on ESPN Sunday January 31st at 4:30 pm CST. 

Jclombardi reviews Vikings loss win & iconic NFL QB Favre’s future.

Senior Writer Jclombardi

Summary: For the 2009 Season, legendary NFL QB Favre will not be going to the Superbowl. The Saints battered Favre and beat the Minnesota Vikings 31-28 in overtime on K Hartley’s 40 yard field goal. The Vikings should have easily won the NFC Championship, but they gave the game away with 6 fumbles (Fumble-aya!), 5 turnovers, & two costly penalties, although they outgained New Orleans’ explosive offense 475-257. True, iconic Favre is human Favre committing that late-game interception in regulation. Yet, contrary to the classy Packers press (playing both sides of the Favre story for ratings) claiming “Oops, Same Old Favre” headlines, the Vikings beat themselves with TE Shiancoe saying, ”We beat ourselves. We made a lot of plays, but we left a lot of plays out there.” However, the ultimate responsibility for the loss rests with HC Childress and his clock management, especially in the final 2:37 in the game. Before you chastise Favre for his gaffe, remember that the Vikings are likely golfing on Sunday were it not for the season he had. In the end, bad Brett cost the Vikings, but Childress’ poor clock management put the quarterback in a position to fail.

Video Highlights:

Favre the Ol’ Gunslinger: “Favre is as addicted to risk and chance as a poker player is to chasing the big score. Until now, that addiction was harnessed. Then it returned at the most inopportune moment like a filthy beast.”

Espn’s haunting view of Favre: Tilting At Windmills–Favre’s journey to the Super Bowl was an impossible dream after all, thanks to another inevitable interception by the mad, idealistic knight. Still, ’twas a beautiful finale. The Inevitable Truth–Favre’s late INT was maddening for Vikings fans, but not shocking. The more Favre plays, the more he seems destined for such endings. 

Espn’s mythic view of Favre: And It Came To Pass-Favre felled by his fatal flaw-As foretold in the prophecies, Favre was undone by a fatal flaw. In two of the past three seasons, Favre has lost in the NFC Championship Game. Each time, his team seemed poised to win at the end; each time, Favre’s final play was a disastrous interception. And each of those title losses eventually came in overtime — to punish Favre for his hamartia, twice the football gods allowed him to come so close, then denied him.

Espn’s balanced view of Favre: Lasting & Painful Memory for Favre–Favre’s second interception was a killer. It deprived the Vikings of a 55-yard field goal attempt.  Blame Favre, if you want, but remember there aren’t enough fingers to point at all the Vikings who screwed up Sunday. If this was the end for Favre, he has zilch to apologize for. The Vikings wouldn’t have reached the NFC Championship Game without him.  He was the best player on a really good team at 40.  Later, he left the makeshift stage and walked very slowly down a stadium corridor to meet his family. You got the feeling that it might be the last walk down one of these corridors he ever makes.”

Future: Now, the Favre Watch begins into the coming 2010 NFL Season. Farewell for now. Now What? Favre was forthright with ESPN’s Ed Werder saying it was highly unlikely that he would play football again. FOX’s Jay Glazer reported that Favre’s teammates expect him to retire.

Hall-of-fame Future: How best to sum up a Hall of Fame career. Decisions–the good has outweighed the bad. He has placed his name in the conversation for Greatest Quarterbacks Of All Time. Where does he rank? I’d definitely have Favre in the Top 10, maybe Top 5. What’s left for Brett Favre? He stuck it to Thompson and McCarthy twice. And he proved beyond a doubt that he was still the Ol’ Gunslinger. Favre has not enjoyed a better year statistically exceeding nearly everyone’s expectations for a 40-year-old. Yes, he is going out on top with his Hall of Fame legacy intact minus many disgruntled Cheeseheads.

Commentary: If this was the last game Brett Favre will play, though, he goes out as he came in. That howitzer arm powered a team to dizzying heights and imploded at the least opportune moment. That legendary fortitude passed one last visceral challenge. And the joie de vivre (joy of life) was evident in the effort up until the moment the other side could yell “Laissez les bons temps rouler (let the good times roll)!” And if it wasn’t? Wouldn’t that be quintessential Favre getting up no matter what knocks him down?

Jclombardi’s commentary about Packers fans & Favre.

Packers fans claimed their say about Sunday’s NFC Championship game between the Vikings and Saint.  In an amusing Packers news article, the vast majority of Packers fans want to see Favre, Vikings go down in flames. “True estimates that of the fans calling in, the percentage breakdown is 90% want Favre to lose and 10% of them want Favre to go and win his second Super Bowl, cementing his status as one of the greatest players ever in the National Football League.”

CBS Video Preview

Commentary: We are an enormous country and we use sports teams to re-channel our feeling of loyalty and to express conflict. You are a Brett fan, a Packers fan, or both. The rivalry between fans of the Packers and Vikings is real. For Favre haters, it didn’t help that Deanna Favre, Favre’s wife, told Sports Illustrated in a cover story this week that the couple feel right at home in the Twin Cities. While the Vikings had the upper hand this year defeating the Packers twice, Packers fans can say that the Vikings have never won a Super Bowl (they’re 0-4). 

Commentary: Views from Packers nation–Can The Old Gunslinger Do It? Enjoy QB Favre’s Magical Story–40-year-old Favre has produced the best season of his remarkable career. The fact he has guided the Vikings within one victory of the Super Bowl at such an advanced age is the best NFL story of the year, if not the past decade. Old man Favre is worth rooting for–Is it morally wrong to want to root for Brett Favre and the Minnesota Vikings until the Green Bay Packers get back to the Super Bowl? Working His Game Plan, Favre’s Big Goal Within Reach–So far, so good. Favre’s brilliant season has included a most satisfying sweep of the Packers, the division title and a smashing divisional-playoff victory over the Dallas Cowboys one week ago.

Jclombardi reviews NFL All-Rookie Team.

LB Clay Matthews and DL B.J. Raji were named to the National Football League all-rookie team.  The team is selected by Pro Football Weekly and the Professional Football Writers of America. Matthews joined Hawk (2006), Barnett (2003), Diggs (2000) and Simmons (1993) as Packers’ all-rookie linebackers. Raji joined Holliday (1998), Carreker (1984) and Mike Butler (1977) as Packers’ only all-rookie defensive linemen.

OFFENSE

WR: Percy Harvin, Minnesota; Austin Collie, Indianapolis.

TE: Brandon Pettigrew, Detroit.

T: Michael Oher, Baltimore; Phil Loadholt, Minnesota.

G: Andy Levitre, Buffalo; Louis Vasquez, San Diego.

C: Alex Mack, Cleveland.

QB: Mark Sanchez, NY Jets.

RB: Knowshon Moreno, Denver; Beanie Wells, Arizona.

DEFENSE

DL: Tyson Jackson, Kansas City; Terrance Knighton, Jacksonville; B.J. Raji, Green Bay; Matt Shaughnessy, Oakland.

LB: Brian Cushing, Houston; Clay Matthews, Green Bay; Brian Orakpo, Washington.

CB: Vontae Davis, Miami; Jacob Lacey, Indianapolis.

S: Jairus Byrd, Buffalo; Louis Delmas, Detroit.

SPECIALISTS

K: Ryan Succop, Kansas City.

P: Pat McAfee, Indianapolis.

PR: Quan Cosby, Cincinnati.

KR: Percy Harvin, Minnesota.

ST: LaRod Stephens-Howling, Arizona.

Jclombardi grades the 2009 Season Packers.

OFFENSIVE PLAYER GRADES

QB: Rodgers: Rodgers had solid statistical numbers with some bad spotty early game performances. He has become a top quarterback, but he must improve in critical game situations to with games. GRADE: A-. Flynn: He has had little playing time. GRADE: Inc.

RB: Grant: After a slow start, he finished strong. GRADE: B. Jackson: He has become an all-around back. GRADE: B. Green: He passed Taylor to become Packers’ leading rusher. GRADE: B. Wynn: put on I.R. Grade: D.

WR: Jennings: After a slow start, he had a great year. GRADE: B+. Driver: He is a solid veteran gamer, but he faded at the end. GRADE: B. Jones: He has improved to be a solid 3^rd receiver. GRADE: C+. Nelson: He is a solid 4^th receiver. GRADE: C.

FB: Kuhn: He is a solid pass catcher and average blocker. GRADE: C. Hall: Although injured throughout the year, he is a good blocker. GRADE: C. Johnson: The rookie bruiser progressed and must learn to catch the ball. GRADE: C.

OL: Clifton: He has not been able to stay healthy, can pass protect well, and is liability in run schemes. GRADE: C+. Colledge: He looked inconsistent with up & down games. GRADE: C-. Wells: He had good and bad games. GRADE: C+. Evan Dietrich-Smith: He did adequate sub work at center and guard. GRADE: C. Sitton: He has a solid future at right guard. GRADE: B+. Barbre: He cannot pass protect on the edge but adequate in run schemes GRADE: D. Spitz: After a disappointing early start, he got injured onto IR. GRADE: B-. Tauscher: In his midseason return, he saved the offensive line. GRADE: B. Lang: The rookie has struggled, needs to get stronger, and has a solid future. GRADE: C+.

TE: Finley: He has a stellar future as a go-to-player. GRADE: B+. Lee: His slipped blocking, dropped big passes, and faded at the end. GRADE: C-. Havner: He developed into a solid receiver and special teams player. GRADE: B-.

DEFENSIVE PLAYER GRADES

DL: Jenkins: He excelled against average competition, disappeared against good competition, and provides a pass rush. GRADE: B-. Jolly: He had an outstanding season. GRADE: B+. Pickett: He is the best interior lineman. GRADE: A-. Montgomery: He is simply an average player with no impact GRADE: D-. Raji: After a slow start, the rookie progressed and must improve to potential. GRADE: C+. Wynn: The rookie had a disappointing year. GRADE: C-.

LB: Matthews: The rookie is a solid future star. GRADE: A-. Barnett: He had a solid year coming back from knee injury. GRADE: B. Hawk: He had an inconsistent up and down season. GRADE: C. Kampman: His transition to the 3-4 defense was a shocking misfit and was injured onto IR. GRADE: C. Chillar: He had an early solid start but injury slowed performance. Grade: C+. Bishop: He is solid backup not-yet-ready for prime time but must avoid costly game mistakes. GRADE: C. Jones: The rookie has shown great potential after replacing injured Kampman. GRADE: C+. Thompson: He is just an average backup defensive player. GRADE: D. Poppinga: He faded to proper backup status. GRADE: D. 

DB: Woodson: The all-pro defensive player had a great leader-of-the-defense year. GRADE: A. Harris: The slowing veteran had a decent year until his injury onto IR. GRADE: B-. Williams: He is a good future starter. GRADE: B. Underwood: The rookie is improving to be a future dime back. GRADE: D. Bush: He is just an awful coverage player lacking skills and instincts. GRADE: F. Bigby: He had a very average year. GRADE: C-. Collins: The all-pro defensive player had a solid year. GRADE: B+. Giordano: He was mainly inactive after his midseason pickup. GRADE: D. Martin: He looked awful in coverage but a solid special teams player. GRADE: C-.

Specialists: Crosby: For his good talent, he had an inconsistent year with a kicking problem making field goals from the right hash mark. GRADE: C. Kapinos: He is an awful punter. GRADE: D-. Goode: He is a solid long snapper. GRADE: B.

Jclombardi’s NFL All-Pro Team.

OFFENSE:

Quarterback: Peyton Manning, Indianapolis; Drew Brees, New Orleans.

Running Backs: Chris Johnson, Tennessee; Adrian Peterson, Minnesota; Ray Rice, Baltimore; Steven Jackson, St. Louis.

Fullback: Leonard Weaver, Philadelphia; Le’Ron McClain, Baltimore.

Tight End: Dallas Clark, Indianapolis; Vernon Davis, San Francisco, San Diego; Jason Witten, Dallas.

Wide Receivers: Andre Johnson, Houston; Wes Welker, New England; Reggie Wayne, Indianapolis; Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona.

Tackles: Ryan Clady, Denver; Joe Thomas, Cleveland.

Guards: Steve Hutchinson, Minnesota; Kris Dielman, San Diego.

Center: Nick Mangold, NY Jets; Andre Gurode, Dallas.

Placekicker: Nate Kaeding, San Diego.

Kick Returner: Joshua Cribbs, Cleveland.

Punt Returner: DeSean Jackson, Eagles.

DEFENSE

Ends: Jared Allen, Minnesota; Dwight Freeney, Indianapolis; Trent Cole, Philadelphia; Julius Peppers, Carolina.

Tackles: Kevin Williams, Minnesota; Darnell Dockett, Arizona; Jay Ratliff, Dallas; Haloti Ngata, Baltimore.

Outside Linebackers: Elvis Dumervil, Denver; DaMarcus Ware, Dallas.

Inside Linebacker: Patrick Willis, San Francisco; David Harris, NY Jets; DeMeco Ryans, Houston.

Cornerbacks: Charles Woodson, Green Bay; Darelle Revis, NY Jets.

Safeties: Darren Sharper, New Orleans; S Brian Dawkins, Broncos.

Punter: Shane Lechler, Oakland.

Jclombardi reviews & grades Packers loss to Cardinals

Summary: In the fourth quarter, QB Rodgers rallied the Packers to score 21 points sending the NFC wild-card game into overtime. Yet, the Cardinals scored on a sack and fumble recovery resulting in a 51-45 defeat in the highest-scoring NFL playoff game.

Game Video Highlights:  

Game Balls: 1. QB Rodgers 2. RB Grant 3. TE Finley 4. WR Jennings.

Report Card–Good, Bad, & Ugly: LA vs SE

Pass Offense—C+ vs C. Starting erratic with playoff chiders, QB Rodger reverted to bad habits overthrowing receivers in the clutch and holding the ball too long.  While Rodgers’ passer rating looked statistically good, he could not match Warner making too many of these mistakes.  After the 1^st quarter, he got hot completing 28 of 42 passes for 422 yards, 4 touchdown, 1 early big interception, 1 fumble, and 121.1 passer rating. Yet, in OT, Rodgers missed the game-winning throw to wide-open Jennings and then gave the game away on a fumble to LB Dansby when he did not see blitzing CB Adams. TE Finley had 6 receptions for 159 yards. WR Jennings had 8 receptions for 130 yards and 1 touchdown. WR Jones had 3 receptions for 50 yards and 1 touchdown. WR Driver had only 4 receptions for 43 yards and 1 huge turnover.

Rush Offense—C vs C-. The Packers had 20 carries for 90 yards averaging 4.5 yards. RB Grant had a strong playoff game with 11 carries for 65 yards averaging 5.9 yards

Pass Defense—F vs D-. The Packers defense performed like an awful comedy of errors seemingly outclassed and outmatched in the game getting no pressure, failing to provide adequate coverage, and forgetting how to tackle, i.e. pedestrian performance. The Packers need to get a rush DT. The pressure was underwhelming, the Packers struggled to sort out the Cardinals’ route combinations in the early going, and star receiver Fitzgerald eventually got the better of his matchup with Packers cornerback Woodson by scoring two second-half touchdowns.  QB Warner shredded the soft middle zone coverage in the 3-4 defense outflanking Capers’ schemes. QB Warner passed for 379 yards, 5 touchdowns, and 155.4 passer rating. The Cardinals had 531 total offensive yards. The Packers are going to have to do a lot of work in the off-season finding out a way to stop veteran quarterbacks that get rid of the ball quickly.  In three of the Packers’ six losses, these veterans QBs beat the Packers’ defense by getting the ball quickly on three-step drops. The Packers have to figure out a way to play more press coverage and less zone. Teams found a big soft spot in the Packers’ secondary down the middle of the field in the 12 to 25 yard zone. The adjustment solution: Cardinals were doing the same thing that the Steelers did when they tore up the Packers’ secondary. Rub routes, combination routes out of the bunch and stack alignments…routes that break inside, back to the quarterback, away from the defenders’ leverage. Capers should play some Cover 1 Robber where the defense drops a linebacker to a depth of 10 yards between the hashes. What this does is allow defenders to run those underneath crossers that the Cardinals were producing on to a rover who can force the ball to go elsewhere. It looked too easy against a man-to man scheme with a deep middle of the field safety as the only help.

Rush defense—D+ vs D. The short-yardage defense lost its stoutness giving up a season-high 156 yards averaging 6.8 yards. The problem was specifically the horrible play of the linebackers in coverage and run support, but the interior linemen were no better with pedestrian performances.

Special teams—B vs C-. The coverage team had a good day. The return team had 125 yards. K Crosby kickoffs were good enough. He missed a 54 yard field goal. P Kapinos had 1 punt averaging 47 gross yards.

Coaching—C- vs C-. DC Capers backed off throwing the kitchen sink at the immobile Warner, never mind his penchant for getting the ball away quick and Capers was outcoached in the process. Capers’ insistence on hiding the coverage deficiencies of some young defensive backs by working in a lot of zone looks played to Warner’s strengths.  Fundamentals were supposed to be the talking points of the practice week leading into the game, but untimely turnovers, penalties, missed assignments and missed tackles suggested otherwise.

Overall Game—C.  In OT, the offense choked with the game on-the-line giving it away.

CBS Overall Game—B-. It’s hard to believe that was the same unit that finished second in total defense during the regular season. They couldn’t stop Warner. He did what he wanted to do. The good thing to come out of this game is how great Aaron Rodgers played. He put it on the line, throwing for over 400 yards and four touchdown passes.

Oates’ Grades: Offense—B. Defense—D-. Special Teams—C+. Overall Game—C. Green Bay and Arizona put on a terrific show and the Packers showed true grit in rebounding from a 21-point, third-quarter deficit, but their season ended because their defense collapsed and their offense turned the ball over at the worst possible times 

CHTV Good, Bad & Ugly: Good—Rodgers, Finley, & Jennings; Bad—Bush, Collins, & Driver; Ugly—Capers.

Rodgers vs Favre series: “Silver Fox” Vikings 12-4 vs “Rodgers” Packers 11-6.

Commentary: No surprise, as the Packers choked in a playoff mettle test. Great year. Season is over.

Bonus: AP named CB Woodson as 2009 NFL defensive player-of-the-year.