So this is what it's like...

I never understood the mentality.  Last summer, some Vikings fans were completely apopleptic at the idea of Brett Favre in purple.  Even though I didn't agree, I did understand some of the concerns - he is too old, too slow, he'll break down at the end of the year (still a concern, by the way), yada, yada.  I did NOT understand the he is "too Packer" or "he won't make us better" school of thought.  Really, you liked what you saw from T-Jack last year?  Don't get me wrong, I was as annoyed as anybody with the hero worship and "kid gloves" treatment of the guy.  Frankly, many in the media enjoyed his strong performances a little too much (*cough*, John Madden), and conveniently ignored, or made excuses for his mostly dismal playoff performances in the past decade.  As a Vikings fan, there was nobody I liked to see fail more than Favre and the Packers.  But deep down, I knew the reason why: I was jealous.  In my years as a Vikings fan, I had seen isolated years of QB greatness (I am too young to remember Tarkenton), like Cunningham in '98 or Culpepper in '04.  But for the most part, watching Vikings QB play has been like reaching into a varietal pack of Sam Adams; you never know what you're going to get (and chances are, it would never be as delicious.  Mmmm, Sam Adams varietal pack).  Meanwhile, the Packers had "the Gunslinger", the guy who "loves the game", the guy who "makes out with his Mississippi cousins" (OK - I made that last quote up.  Sorry, old habits die hard).  He would make some unbelievably stupid throws, but then in the same game, would pull something out of his backside and lead his team to a 'no way did that just happen' victory.  He never missed a game.  It was so incredibly frustrating to know our beloved (?) neighbors to the east would never have to suffer through a Spurgeon Wynn game.  And I hated Favre for it. 

I now see what we've been missing.  He has been just as good as, and maybe better than, he's ever been.  Sure, he can't move around like he used to.  And everytime he throws the ball, I'm secretly hoping his arm doesn't fly off with it.  But we've now gone through 8 games and he is on pace for about 4,000 yards.  He has thrown for 16 TDs and 3 INTs.  Think about that - Brett Favre has 3 INT in 8 games.  That used to be a bad QUARTER for him.  So far, we've gotten the good without the bad.  Are there legitimate concerns going forward?  Sure.  He started off very strong last year, too.  Can his body hold up?  When we get to the playoffs (I think that is a pretty safe assumption), will he still be the same guy?  Now that he's swept his "revenge" games, will it be more difficult for him to stay as motivated week in and week out?  I think those are all valid questions.  But here's what I do know: there is no way this year would have been as fun - and no way this team would be a Super Bowl contender - without Brett Favre.  No matter what happens the rest of the way, these first 8 games have been as exciting and memorable as any I have ever seen.  It's just too bad it took him so long to get here.

Favorite Favre-related conversation of the year:  I was talking to my buddy Kadlec - a diehard Packers fan - after the Monday night Vikings-Packers game.  He said something to the effect of "it's ridiculous how much the announcers gush over Favre".  Really?  I hadn't ever noticed that before...