Favre's grit and perspective

th87 · Post #1 » by **th87** » Tue Dec 25, 2007 12:21 am

In short, I wonder if Favre is willing to fight through extreme immediate discomfort and grittily WILL his way to a win anymore.

If you put it in perspective, he's done it all. He has the accolades, the championship, a nice family to go home to, and other priorities more important than football. He's older, wiser, and more balanced as an individual.

The result is that he's a better person now, but I wonder if it has negatively affected his on-field grit? It seems like now, if Favre gets knocked around a few times, he gets that look in his eye, like "Eh, who cares," and starts pressing. Today's weather took him out of the game - he made hasty decisions, worried about the wind, and locked in to his receivers. He looked like he didn't want to be there going through all that discomfort. After all, there are more important things in life, right?

Remember the mid 90s? When hitting Favre in the mouth meant that he's becoming even more focused and willing the Packers to a victory? Remember when the Steelers made him cough up blood, and then he proceeded to put the Packers on his back and lead them to the win? That was because he had that hunger. He had to prove himself; he had to win an MVP, and he had to win a Super Bowl. By whatever means necessary.

I don't think this is there anymore. Favre has the physical tools to play into his mid-40s, but now requires "perfect conditions" for him to be effective. That includes weather that's not terrible, good protection, and an adequate supporting cast. Otherwise, he'll be tempted to mail it in, because he subconsciously thinks, "I've proven everything already - why push myself past my limits? It's just not worth it." Note, it's subconscious. He wants to have fun out there, but it's not fun at all when you're getting knocked around in 0 degree weather, for example. And the result is the games that we'd seen in recent history: Today against Chicago, Dallas, the playoffs against Minnesota, the Philly game, etc.

From a human standpoint, this is a good thing. He seems a lot happier and at peace now. He's said that he's fine walking away from the game, and he says he's realized that there are bigger things than it. True - he's right. But that doesn't translate as well onto the field if you are not willing to forget everything and be willing to die out there.

For us to do well in the playoffs, we have to make sure Favre's mind stays focused and hungry. That's all it really boils down to.

th87 · Post #2 » by **th87** » Tue Dec 25, 2007 12:22 am

The Cliffs Notes version:

1995 Favre's priorities in my opinion:

1. Winning
2. Fun

2007 Favre's priorities in my opinion:

1a. Fun
1b. Winning
___

Perspective in life and realizing that there's more to life than football has made him want to enjoy the journey, and less getting caught up in wins. It happens when we get older and wiser.

El Duderino · Post #3 » by **El Duderino** » Tue Dec 25, 2007 3:48 am

I actually think winning is a higher priority to Favre now than having fun, McCarthy and Brett both mentioned how much more time he spends watching film now compared to in the past.

He's 38 though, not a 26 year old young vibrant athlete. I don't know how old you are, but i'm only one year younger than Brett. In my teens and 20's, the Wisconsin cold never fazed me. I had a job for awhile back in my early 20's where i often was working outside regardless of how hot or cold outside it was. It could be 8 degrees outside and i didn't care, handling the freezing cold barely fazed me even though i was outside in it for hours.

Once i hit 30-32ish the cold started to bug me more and i'm 37 now and i despise the cold weather. The cold that once never bugged me now makes me feel miserable, i'm counting the days till my kid is 18 and i starting looking to move somewhere warm. If i get sick, i don't shake colds as easy. Things hurt the body easier than in my 20's. When i was in my 20's i'd play football with friends in the snow, now there is no way i would. Hell, i go to a Packer game or two each year, but now i only attend the early games, i want no part of sitting in 14 degree weather for three hours watching a game in the stands, i'd rather watch it on TV.

When i saw Favre yesterday on the sidelines looking like he was in agony because of the weather, i honestly thought, damn that's how i'd look now if i was him out there. I don't think Brett did anything to lose some of his grit or will to overcome freezing cold or big hits, i just think he's now much older and his body simply reacts differently/worse to it and that's out of his control. For the most part, the worst thing a great athlete can have is a birthday.

BrewersGM · Post #4 » by **BrewersGM** » Tue Dec 25, 2007 6:53 pm

th87 wrote:In short, I wonder if Favre is willing to fight through extreme immediate discomfort and grittily WILL his way to a win anymore.

If you put it in perspective, he's done it all. He has the accolades, the championship, a nice family to go home to, and other priorities more important than football. He's older, wiser, and more balanced as an individual.

The result is that he's a better person now, but I wonder if it has negatively affected his on-field grit? It seems like now, if Favre gets knocked around a few times, he gets that look in his eye, like "Eh, who cares," and starts pressing. Today's weather took him out of the game - he made hasty decisions, worried about the wind, and locked in to his receivers. He looked like he didn't want to be there going through all that discomfort. After all, there are more important things in life, right?

Remember the mid 90s? When hitting Favre in the mouth meant that he's becoming even more focused and willing the Packers to a victory? Remember when the Steelers made him cough up blood, and then he proceeded to put the Packers on his back and lead them to the win? That was because he had that hunger. He had to prove himself; he had to win an MVP, and he had to win a Super Bowl. By whatever means necessary.

I don't think this is there anymore. Favre has the physical tools to play into his mid-40s, but now requires "perfect conditions" for him to be effective. That includes weather that's not terrible, good protection, and an adequate supporting cast. Otherwise, he'll be tempted to mail it in, because he subconsciously thinks, "I've proven everything already - why push myself past my limits? It's just not worth it." Note, it's subconscious. He wants to have fun out there, but it's not fun at all when you're getting knocked around in 0 degree weather, for example. And the result is the games that we'd seen in recent history: Today against Chicago, Dallas, the playoffs against Minnesota, the Philly game, etc.

From a human standpoint, this is a good thing. He seems a lot happier and at peace now. He's said that he's fine walking away from the game, and he says he's realized that there are bigger things than it. True - he's right. But that doesn't translate as well onto the field if you are not willing to forget everything and be willing to die out there.

For us to do well in the playoffs, we have to make sure Favre's mind stays focused and hungry. That's all it really boils down to.

It was one game! Come on people, we havent had a game like that in a long time! One game people! One game! He will prove this wrong in the playoffs!

Favre plays his heart out every game, to question that is crazy! He cares otherwise he wouldnt question himself every year about coming back. Im not gonna waste time typing the rest. Favre wants to do everything at the highest level, no question! One of the best ever and STILL one of the best today!

eagle13 · Post #5 » by **eagle13** » Wed Dec 26, 2007 3:08 am

BrewersGM wrote:-= original quote snipped =-

It was one game! Come on people, we havent had a game like that in a long time! One game people! One game! He will prove this wrong in the playoffs!

Favre plays his heart out every game, to question that is crazy! He cares otherwise he wouldnt question himself every year about coming back. Im not gonna waste time typing the rest. Favre wants to do everything at the highest level, no question! One of the best ever and STILL one of the best today!

Total agreement with 2nd paragraph.
With 1st paragraph? Let's say Brett has games like that. Let's hope they don't come in bunches. but not just Brett - the entire team needs to stay on the positive side of momentum.

Dude's comments are also true!

BrewersGM · Post #6 » by **BrewersGM** » Wed Dec 26, 2007 8:32 pm

eagle13 wrote:-= original quote snipped =-

Total agreement with 2nd paragraph.
With 1st paragraph? Let's say Brett has games like that. Let's hope they don't come in bunches. but not just Brett - the entire team needs to stay on the positive side of momentum.

Dude's comments are also true!

true... but i think people are getting a little too worried!

Fandom · Post #7 » by **Fandom** » Wed Dec 26, 2007 10:51 pm

Of course they are. This always seems to happen after a bad game; hell, I've been guilty of it myself in years past including this season.

But then I sober up and realize that it is just ONE game.

But questioning his grit or heart? C'mon...

BrewersGM · Post #8 » by **BrewersGM** » Thu Dec 27, 2007 2:35 am

Fandom wrote:Of course they are. This always seems to happen after a bad game; hell, I've been guilty of it myself in years past including this season.

But then I sober up and realize that it is just ONE game.

But questioning his grit or heart? C'mon...

Thats what I mean... no way... Favre never would sell out on his teammates...