Breaking News: Brett Favre to meet with Vikings coach

[YoungJRNY]

(WARNING TO ANGIE: CLOSE YOUR EYES)

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=4142857

Minnesota Vikings head coach Brad Childress and quarterback Brett Favre plan to meet at an undisclosed location later this week to discuss the possibility of the former Packers and Jets quarterback renouncing his retirement from the NFL to play the 2009 season with the Vikings, according to a source with direct knowledge of discussions between the two parties.


There is a mutual understanding that sometime soon thereafter Favre will decide whether to sign with the Vikings. The team would expect him to participate fully in offseason minicamps and training camps, which he missed last year with the Jets.

Favre has not been working out and declined to have surgery to repair the torn biceps tendon that plagued him the final month of last season.

Favre may believe the injury can heal on its own as did a similar problem with his left shoulder while he played in Green Bay. A source close to Favre told ESPN's Chris Mortensen that how the injury heals will play a role in the quarterback's decision.

The source also said that the quarterback's agent, Bus Cook, is researching unemployed NFL quarterback coaches to see if one can be hired to work with Favre in Mississippi while he ponders a possible return.

Favre wanted to play for the Vikings last season, but the Packers specifically eliminated their NFC North rivals as a potential destination for the Green Bay icon.

Childress on Harvin and Favre

NFL.com Video

Vikings head coach Brad Childress discusses Brett Favre and the health of rookie Percy Harvin.

While Favre had been emphatic about not returning next season, he never anticipated the Jets would release him after drafting Mark Sanchez in the first round and could see the Vikings as the opportunity to fulfill the goal he was deprived of last season -- winning a Super Bowl.

Favre admitted to ESPN that he was motivated to play in 2008 largely because of his resentment toward Packers general manager Ted Thompson.

The Vikings had planned to have Tarvaris Jackson and Sage Rosenfels compete for the starting quarterback position in training camp. With Jackson battling injuries last season, journeyman Gus Frerotte started 11 games and led the Vikes in passing.

Minnesota finished 10-6 to capture the NFC North but lost to the Eagles in the first round of the playoffs in a game started by Jackson.

Ed Werder covers the NFL for ESPN. Chris Mortensen is a senior NFL analyst for ESPN.
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I can't believe this!!!!!!!!... wait, yes I can. Let the flaming begin.

[RedWingFan]

Big shocker. Dude is nothing but a liar. He should go into politics. He can have an office right next to Heath Shuler.

[Gin and Tonic Sky]

Oh please no, the guy will do the Vikings no good whatsoever.

[Deacon]

Jesus H. Criminy.

The man needs to retire already. I lost respect for him last year, but this is just ridiculous.

[Don]

It's time for a bounty to be put on this guy's head. Defensive coordinators, start your engines.

[YoungJRNY]

Jesus H. Criminy.

The man needs to retire already. I lost respect for him last year, but this is just ridiculous.

Last year I could see, he took Green Bay to the NFC Championship the year earlier, and would of ended his career on an interception in that game. He also had an outstanding year statisticly and he seemed to be reborn, so last year, ok .. he gets a pass.

BUT..

This is beyond WORDS! How can he do this, after what ALL went down last year? Press conferences were used for this last year OUT the ass, and he is now just tripling and stepping on the term that is known as deja voo. His arm fell apart apart at the end of last season, and he ran completley out of gas and took N.Y JETS with him. (If he signs, he'd have more time this year to get in football shape, though.) Everyone acts like he's coming out of retirement, but that's the thing. He never retired for years like Jordan, or Lemiuex...... he never went anywhere! How can you come out of retirement when he never took a year off to enjoy his retirement? The whole thing is ridiculous and the man should have his jaws wired shut for life.

But, can you imagine? Favre VS Green Bay? TWICE A YEAR? Say what you want, but the ratings will be GINORMOUS.

[Since 78]

Waiting for AK to chime in on this! Shes not gonna be happy!

[Gibby]

I have lost all respect that I had for this guy.

[Ehwmatt]

It's time for a bounty to be put on this guy's head. Defensive coordinators, start your engines.

I envision a scene like those cheesy sports-action movies. A sharpshooter posted high on top of a sports dome, zeroing in on Brett's dome and icing him for putting us through the monotony and pomp of another "mainstream sports media follows Brett Favre around." Fuck this shit, now it's gonna be all ESPN will talk about for months.

[madsplash]

Favre has earned the right to do whatever the fuck he wants. If you don't like what he does, turn your television or radio off.

It's his choice. He's the greatest QB to ever play. The last 2 seasons he's 22-10 and has thrown 50 touchdowns. That's better than 3/4 of the average-ass QB's playing today.

[Rhiannon]

But, can you imagine? Favre VS Green Bay? TWICE A YEAR? Say what you want, but the ratings will be GINORMOUS.

Yeah, but how Judas Favre can play in Green Bay for a billion years and then even have the rocks to dare *think* about playing for Minnesota shows he has no sense of team spirit, loyalty, or pride. Maybe it's just me, but I couldn't do that. I never thought I'd see the day where I just wished he'd go away.

[madsplash]

But, can you imagine? Favre VS Green Bay? TWICE A YEAR? Say what you want, but the ratings will be GINORMOUS.

Yeah, but how Judas Favre can play in Green Bay for a billion years and then even have the rocks to dare *think* about playing for Minnesota shows he has no sense of team spirit, loyalty, or pride. Maybe it's just me, but I couldn't do that. I never thought I'd see the day where I just wished he'd go away.

Who can blame him? They fucked him over. He brought that franchise back to mattering and because he wasn't sure what he wanted to do in MARCH, they "moved on" And they moved on from 13-3 to 7-9. Nice move.

Fuck Green Bay. I hope Minnesota beats them by 40 points and Brett goes off! Assholes.

[MrsPerry]

i think i am going to be sick .

[Rockindeano]

Favre has earned the right to do whatever the fuck he wants. If you don't like what he does, turn your television or radio off.

It's his choice. He's the greatest QB to ever play. The last 2 seasons he's 22-10 and has thrown 50 touchdowns. That's better than 3/4 of the average-ass QB's playing today.

Are you channeling me or what? That's exactly what I feel, except he isn't the greatest QB to ever play. Top 5, maybe, but dude, greatest? Umm, no. Marino, Montana, Bradshaw, Elway, Namath, Unitas...come on dude, back away from the crackpipe.

However, I do agree he has earned the right to do whatever he likes. I love the guy.

[mikemarrs]

if favre joins minnesota those vikings/packers games are going to be some of the highest rated games of the year.i think minnesota might have the edge but it will be a real treat to see them schedule the last game of the year between these two teams in freezing fifteen below zero green bay maybe even with the division title and playoffs on the line.

[madsplash]

Favre has earned the right to do whatever the fuck he wants. If you don't like what he does, turn your television or radio off.

It's his choice. He's the greatest QB to ever play. The last 2 seasons he's 22-10 and has thrown 50 touchdowns. That's better than 3/4 of the average-ass QB's playing today.

Are you channeling me or what? That's exactly what I feel, except he isn't the greatest QB to ever play. Top 5, maybe, but dude, greatest? Umm, no. Marino, Montana, Bradshaw, Elway, Namath, Unitas...come on dude, back away from the crackpipe.

However, I do agree he has earned the right to do whatever he likes. I love the guy.

Yes, I'm channeling you oh great Deano! You're right, he may not be THE best ever, although he IS statistically, but in the top 5 for sure. He's better then Bradshaw ever was. Give Favre that defense and he'd have 4 rings or more, although It's dumb to only judge QB's by rings. If that's the case, Trent Dilfer, Brad Johnson and Mark Rypien are better than Marino. That's stupid. They can't play defense and they can't help it if they have no running game. That would actually make Marino the best ever, and that's probably correct. Everyone knew he HAD to throw it and they still couldn't stop it. Same with Dan Fouts. Those 2 would have as many rings as Bradshaw and Montana if they had played with that talent around them and those defenses.

And get Namath the hell out. the guy threw more int's than TD's. He's legendary for his swagger and his prediction, but isn't in the top 20 QB's ever. Elway, hell yes, top 5. Unitas, eh..., played in an era when defenses weren't NEARLY as sophisticated, as fast, or as strong.

My top 3 would be Marino, Favre and Elway in any order that you want to put them.
But yes, Brett has every right to do what the hell he wants. The Packers embarrased him and insulted him. He owes them nothing now. I hope he KILLS them this year.

The most overated QB in the NFL right now is Ben Roethlisberger. Makes monumental fuck-ups and is bailed out by his defense over and over. He's got 2 rings One of them his team won in SPITE of him. He can't carry Favre's or Marino's jock strap.

[YoungJRNY]

Lets not jump the gun, he may not even come back. I love Favre, and would watch him play anywhere he went.. he's a legend and anyway you write the script, that's what he is.

I, for one, LOVE the fact that he is inches away from signing with the (used to be) hated rival in the Minnesota Vikings. To me, this is what it's all about to be a fan of the NFL. The drama of the story is somethin' written out of a fairy tail, and the NFL knows this and can't beat the money and ratings that this will now sell.

I don't have a problem with the dude playing, I admire his passion, love, determination, and will for this game, how can't you respect that? I'll jump at the sound of the gun any time he tries to get on the field, it's not every day you get to see one last season watching a legend just one more time. I give the guy even bigger props, esp. how he jacks around the media and football fans a like. The dude is a headache, but like madsplash said, he earned the right to do whatever the hell he wants.

I must say though, before he makes a decision, he better look at the game on 10/25. Pittsburgh's comin to town. Does he REALLY want to take a beating that early into the season? We'll see.

Long live Favre.

[madsplash]

Lets not jump the gun, he may not even come back. I love Favre, and would watch him play anywhere he went.. he's a legend and anyway you write the script, that's what he is.

I, for one, LOVE the fact that he is inches away from signing with the (used to be) hated rival in the Minnesota Vikings. To me, this is what it's all about to be a fan of the NFL. The drama of the story is somethin' written out of a fairy tail, and the NFL knows this and can't beat the money and ratings that this will now sell.

I don't have a problem with the dude playing, I admire his passion, love, determination, and will for this game, how can't you respect that? I'll jump at the sound of the gun any time he tries to get on the field, it's not every day you get to see one last season watching a legend just one more time. I give the guy even bigger props, esp. how he jacks around the media and football fans a like. The dude is a headache, but like madsplash said, he earned the right to do whatever the hell he wants.

I must say though, before he makes a decision, he better look at the game on 10/25. Pittsburgh's comin to town. Does he REALLY want to take a beating that early into the season? We'll see.

Long live Favre.

Favre isn't scared of the zone blitz. He can pick it apart, just like Warner did in the Super Bowl. Brett reads blitz.

[YoungJRNY]

Favre has earned the right to do whatever the fuck he wants. If you don't like what he does, turn your television or radio off.

It's his choice. He's the greatest QB to ever play. The last 2 seasons he's 22-10 and has thrown 50 touchdowns. That's better than 3/4 of the average-ass QB's playing today.

Are you channeling me or what? That's exactly what I feel, except he isn't the greatest QB to ever play. Top 5, maybe, but dude, greatest? Umm, no. Marino, Montana, Bradshaw, Elway, Namath, Unitas...come on dude, back away from the crackpipe.

However, I do agree he has earned the right to do whatever he likes. I love the guy.

Yes, I'm channeling you oh great Deano! You're right, he may not be THE best ever, although he IS statistically, but in the top 5 for sure. He's better then Bradshaw ever was. Give Favre that defense and he'd have 4 rings or more, although It's dumb to only judge QB's by rings. If that's the case, Trent Dilfer, Brad Johnson and Mark Rypien are better than Marino. That's stupid. They can't play defense and they can't help it if they have no running game. That would actually make Marino the best ever, and that's probably correct. Everyone knew he HAD to throw it and they still couldn't stop it. Same with Dan Fouts. Those 2 would have as many rings as Bradshaw and Montana if they had played with that talent around them and those defenses.

And get Namath the hell out. the guy threw more int's than TD's. He's legendary for his swagger and his prediction, but isn't in the top 20 QB's ever. Elway, hell yes, top 5. Unitas, eh..., played in an era when defenses weren't NEARLY as sophisticated, as fast, or as strong.

My top 3 would be Marino, Favre and Elway in any order that you want to put them.
But yes, Brett has every right to do what the hell he wants. The Packers embarrased him and insulted him. He owes them nothing now. I hope he KILLS them this year.

The most overated QB in the NFL right now is Ben Roethlisberger. Makes monumental fuck-ups and is bailed out by his defense over and over. He's got 2 rings One of them his team won in SPITE of him. He can't carry Favre's or Marino's jock strap.

OBVIOUSLY you don't watch too many Steelers games to know how important Ben Roethlisberger is to his team. HE was the reason we made a run at the Superbowl in '05 (let alone MAKING THE GAME SAVING TACKLE AFTER BETTIS FUMBLED ON THE ONE.) If you paid attention, the running game was basically non existent, and it was Ben who took the team on his shoulders and delivered with big pass after big pass, in crucial situations. Yeah, he didn't have a good game against Seattle, big deal, he played well enough to win the game, and DID make some key plays that iced the football game.

Monumental fuck-ups.. are you talking about yourself again? Jesus Christ, without the plays he makes single handily the last 5 seasons, Pittsburgh's nowhere near the caliber team they are today. He gets out of trouble better than what David Blaine ever can do. He's a wayyyy better FOOTBALL player than Manning or Brady, and when it's time to grind it out, Bens the quarerback you take in ANY SITUATION.

How does the defense bail him out? This statement can't be more false. As GOOD as the Steelers defense was this season, THEY were the burden late in most football games this season, and it was BEN that led his unit down field, 80 yards consistently each game in those situations against TOUGH as nails defense. These games included:

Baltimore: Monday Night game at home against the Ravens, he brought the Steelers down from 10 to lead his team into overtime, eventually making a nice march to put his kicker in the situation to win the game.

The victory, which came after the Steelers scored 17 unanswered points and squandered a late lead, wasn't sealed until Jeff Reed snuck a 46-yard field goal attempt just inside the left goal post at 8:55 of overtime.

It gave the Steelers a 3-1 record as well as first place in the AFC North. It may also have represented another stage in the maturation of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.

Roethlisberger threw for 191 yards and the touchdown that jump-started the Steelers' offense in the third quarter. In truth, he may have provided the jolt his team needed earlier.

So frustrated by the Steelers play through the first two quarters Roethlisberger said he "screamed" at his teammates at halftime.

"Very unusual," wide receiver Santonio Holmes said of Roethlisberger's outburst, "but being a captain, that's what we expect from him." He came in and stated his claim."

"I was tired of being booed," Roethlisberger said, "I was tired of being embarrassed on offense. I told the guys that. I said, 'There's no need for it.'

The Very next week in Jacksonville:

Roethlisberger engineered an 11-play, 80-yard scoring drive in the fourth quarter, and that proved to be the difference in another classic Jaguars-Steelers game. Roethlisberger may have turned in the play of the game when he completed a third-down pass to Hines Ward right before he was slammed to the turf.

The 11-10 win against San Diego:

"I would say it was frustrating," quarterback Ben Roethlisberger said of the Steelers' inability to score a touchdown, "but we felt good out there on offense."

Roethlisberger redeemed himself for his three-interception performance last week against the Indianapolis Colts. He completed 31 of 41 passes for 308 yards and did not throw an interception. He was a perfect 6 for 6 on the Steelers' final drive, which resulted in Jeff Reed's game-winning 32-yard field goal with 11 seconds remaining.

Dallas:

A 47-yard completion from Roethlisberger to Holmes jump-started the offense, and the Steelers overcame the Cowboys' goal-line stand to score 10 points and tie the game with 2:10 left in the fourth quarter.

That set the stage for the biggest play of Townsend's season.

Very next week @ Baltimore for the division title, and a first round bye:

Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger marched the Steelers 92 yards and capped a 12-play drive with a 4-yard touchdown pass to Santonio Holmes with less than a minute left in the fourth quarter. After producing the only touchdown of the game and then weathering a late push by the Ravens' offense, the Steelers wrapped up the AFC North and assured themselves of no worse than the No. 2 seed in the playoffs

And we all know what he did against Arizona in the Superbowl:

Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger rallied the Steelers after they squandered a 13-point lead, and his late-game heroics produced a 27-23 win and one of the most memorable finishes in Super Bowl history.

Roethlisberger led the Steelers on one of his patented fourth-quarter comebacks, and he capped a 78-yard drive with a 6-yard touchdown pass to Santonio Holmes with 35 seconds left in the game.

Count them, that's 6 nail biting games... games in which the #1 defense FALTERED to put teams away, and it was actually BEN and his offense picking the defense up, and securing a win. Ben Roethlisberger is captain comeback, and he did it on the biggest stage of all.

When will be the GOD DAMN DAY that Ben Roethlisberger gets the respect he deserves? He's clearly, far and beyond an elite quarterback in the NFL. I guess he has to just keep winning Superbowls to be lumped in "just an average Quarterback" company. Fuck that. He's the type of quarterback ANY team envys, and they let it show by making dumbass comments as madsplash just did. My advice: watch a Steelers football game rather than looking at stats, then come back and tell me if the man's overrated. Oh, and by the way, He has more Superbowl rings than Marino, and Favre COMBINED. Stick that up your blow hole.

Have a nice day.

[YoungJRNY]

Lets not jump the gun, he may not even come back. I love Favre, and would watch him play anywhere he went.. he's a legend and anyway you write the script, that's what he is.

I, for one, LOVE the fact that he is inches away from signing with the (used to be) hated rival in the Minnesota Vikings. To me, this is what it's all about to be a fan of the NFL. The drama of the story is somethin' written out of a fairy tail, and the NFL knows this and can't beat the money and ratings that this will now sell.

I don't have a problem with the dude playing, I admire his passion, love, determination, and will for this game, how can't you respect that? I'll jump at the sound of the gun any time he tries to get on the field, it's not every day you get to see one last season watching a legend just one more time. I give the guy even bigger props, esp. how he jacks around the media and football fans a like. The dude is a headache, but like madsplash said, he earned the right to do whatever the hell he wants.

I must say though, before he makes a decision, he better look at the game on 10/25. Pittsburgh's comin to town. Does he REALLY want to take a beating that early into the season? We'll see.

Long live Favre.

Favre isn't scared of the zone blitz. He can pick it apart, just like Warner did in the Super Bowl. Brett reads blitz.

He sure picked it apart. The other way that is. Esp. This one...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEIyUBf0X8E

Nice read, Kurt.

[RPM]

Good . Bring him back. Dec 28 against da bears, I cant wait to see him get knocked on his
ass again when its 10 below. And throw a couple of picks. He is without question one of the
toughest quaterbacks ever, made some incredible plays, but he always takes to many chances,
when he was younger he beat up on us pretty good, that ended a few years ago, now
we watch him limp out of soldier field with that old look on his face. See in you in Chicago Brett...

Ray

[journey361]

With AP running at will, BF would be a sleeper QB pick for my Fantasy Football Team. Please keep this hush hush, don't tell any1. LOL.

[Peartree12249]

Disappointing but not unexpected. I'm a lifelong Packer fan. Cut me I bleed Velveeta. I agree that Brett was not treated properly by Ted Thompson. I know that Brett hates Ted Thompson & I think his ego is now doing the thinking for him.

It hurt the GB fans to see him playing for the Jets last year. I couldn't watch him play. I support the team. I know it may sound silly, but after 16 years, Brett was one of ours. I never in my wildest dreams though he would play for another team. I expected last year that he would only play for the Jets one year, because he really wants to get back into the Central Division and rub Thompsons nose in it. As great a player as Brett is, I do feel these actions diminish him and it's really sad to see it happen.

If he chooses to keep playing again do wish him luck but never against my Packers.

[Angiekay]

It's time for a bounty to be put on this guy's head. Defensive coordinators, start your engines.

I'm thinking a bullet TO the head. He needs to follow Madden out the door. Oh wait, that's Madden attached to Favre's appendage anyway.

Fuck Favre. GO AWAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Since 78]

It's time for a bounty to be put on this guy's head. Defensive coordinators, start your engines.

I'm thinking a bullet TO the head. He needs to follow Madden out the door. Oh wait, that's Madden attached to Favre's appendage anyway.

Fuck Favre. GO AWAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Took you long enough! Where you been AK?

[Angiekay]

It's time for a bounty to be put on this guy's head. Defensive coordinators, start your engines.

I'm thinking a bullet TO the head. He needs to follow Madden out the door. Oh wait, that's Madden attached to Favre's appendage anyway.

Fuck Favre. GO AWAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Took you long enough! Where you been AK?

Hiring a hitman.

[lights1961]

break a leg Brett... go into TV... be a broadcaster...

Wow funny thing is that Metrodome kicked his ass almost every year except maybe 2-3 times. he was lousy in that dome. IT will be a huge mistake for the Vikings in long term.
Short term lots of jersey sales like the Jets... by November he will be tired washed up and throwing more interceptions that touchdowns...



Rck

[madsplash]

Lets not jump the gun, he may not even come back. I love Favre, and would watch him play anywhere he went.. he's a legend and anyway you write the script, that's what he is.

I, for one, LOVE the fact that he is inches away from signing with the (used to be) hated rival in the Minnesota Vikings. To me, this is what it's all about to be a fan of the NFL. The drama of the story is somethin' written out of a fairy tail, and the NFL knows this and can't beat the money and ratings that this will now sell.

I don't have a problem with the dude playing, I admire his passion, love, determination, and will for this game, how can't you respect that? I'll jump at the sound of the gun any time he tries to get on the field, it's not every day you get to see one last season watching a legend just one more time. I give the guy even bigger props, esp. how he jacks around the media and football fans a like. The dude is a headache, but like madsplash said, he earned the right to do whatever the hell he wants.

I must say though, before he makes a decision, he better look at the game on 10/25. Pittsburgh's comin to town. Does he REALLY want to take a beating that early into the season? We'll see.

Long live Favre.

Favre isn't scared of the zone blitz. He can pick it apart, just like Warner did in the Super Bowl. Brett reads blitz.

He sure picked it apart. The other way that is. Esp. This one...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEIyUBf0X8E

Nice read, Kurt.

How many yards did he have?(377) How many touchdowns did he throw?(3). What was his completeion percentage?(72%) Hmmm....... Yea that great Steeler defense realy confused him

Not his fault the sucky Arizona defense couldn't stop the AVERAGE Pittsburgh offense. Little Ben can't carry Kurt's cleats.

[madsplash]

Favre has earned the right to do whatever the fuck he wants. If you don't like what he does, turn your television or radio off.

It's his choice. He's the greatest QB to ever play. The last 2 seasons he's 22-10 and has thrown 50 touchdowns. That's better than 3/4 of the average-ass QB's playing today.

Are you channeling me or what? That's exactly what I feel, except he isn't the greatest QB to ever play. Top 5, maybe, but dude, greatest? Umm, no. Marino, Montana, Bradshaw, Elway, Namath, Unitas...come on dude, back away from the crackpipe.

However, I do agree he has earned the right to do whatever he likes. I love the guy.

Yes, I'm channeling you oh great Deano! You're right, he may not be THE best ever, although he IS statistically, but in the top 5 for sure. He's better then Bradshaw ever was. Give Favre that defense and he'd have 4 rings or more, although It's dumb to only judge QB's by rings. If that's the case, Trent Dilfer, Brad Johnson and Mark Rypien are better than Marino. That's stupid. They can't play defense and they can't help it if they have no running game. That would actually make Marino the best ever, and that's probably correct. Everyone knew he HAD to throw it and they still couldn't stop it. Same with Dan Fouts. Those 2 would have as many rings as Bradshaw and Montana if they had played with that talent around them and those defenses.

And get Namath the hell out. the guy threw more int's than TD's. He's legendary for his swagger and his prediction, but isn't in the top 20 QB's ever. Elway, hell yes, top 5. Unitas, eh..., played in an era when defenses weren't NEARLY as sophisticated, as fast, or as strong.

My top 3 would be Marino, Favre and Elway in any order that you want to put them.
But yes, Brett has every right to do what the hell he wants. The Packers embarrased him and insulted him. He owes them nothing now. I hope he KILLS them this year.

The most overated QB in the NFL right now is Ben Roethlisberger. Makes monumental fuck-ups and is bailed out by his defense over and over. He's got 2 rings One of them his team won in SPITE of him. He can't carry Favre's or Marino's jock strap.

OBVIOUSLY you don't watch too many Steelers games to know how important Ben Roethlisberger is to his team. HE was the reason we made a run at the Superbowl in '05 (let alone MAKING THE GAME SAVING TACKLE AFTER BETTIS FUMBLED ON THE ONE.) If you paid attention, the running game was basically non existent, and it was Ben who took the team on his shoulders and delivered with big pass after big pass, in crucial situations. Yeah, he didn't have a good game against Seattle, big deal, he played well enough to win the game, and DID make some key plays that iced the football game.

Monumental fuck-ups.. are you talking about yourself again? Jesus Christ, without the plays he makes single handily the last 5 seasons, Pittsburgh's nowhere near the caliber team they are today. He gets out of trouble better than what David Blaine ever can do. He's a wayyyy better FOOTBALL player than Manning or Brady, and when it's time to grind it out, Bens the quarerback you take in ANY SITUATION.

How does the defense bail him out? This statement can't be more false. As GOOD as the Steelers defense was this season, THEY were the burden late in most football games this season, and it was BEN that led his unit down field, 80 yards consistently each game in those situations against TOUGH as nails defense. These games included:

Baltimore: Monday Night game at home against the Ravens, he brought the Steelers down from 10 to lead his team into overtime, eventually making a nice march to put his kicker in the situation to win the game.

The victory, which came after the Steelers scored 17 unanswered points and squandered a late lead, wasn't sealed until Jeff Reed snuck a 46-yard field goal attempt just inside the left goal post at 8:55 of overtime.

It gave the Steelers a 3-1 record as well as first place in the AFC North. It may also have represented another stage in the maturation of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.

Roethlisberger threw for 191 yards and the touchdown that jump-started the Steelers' offense in the third quarter. In truth, he may have provided the jolt his team needed earlier.

So frustrated by the Steelers play through the first two quarters Roethlisberger said he "screamed" at his teammates at halftime.

"Very unusual," wide receiver Santonio Holmes said of Roethlisberger's outburst, "but being a captain, that's what we expect from him." He came in and stated his claim."

"I was tired of being booed," Roethlisberger said, "I was tired of being embarrassed on offense. I told the guys that. I said, 'There's no need for it.'

The Very next week in Jacksonville:

Roethlisberger engineered an 11-play, 80-yard scoring drive in the fourth quarter, and that proved to be the difference in another classic Jaguars-Steelers game. Roethlisberger may have turned in the play of the game when he completed a third-down pass to Hines Ward right before he was slammed to the turf.

The 11-10 win against San Diego:

"I would say it was frustrating," quarterback Ben Roethlisberger said of the Steelers' inability to score a touchdown, "but we felt good out there on offense."

Roethlisberger redeemed himself for his three-interception performance last week against the Indianapolis Colts. He completed 31 of 41 passes for 308 yards and did not throw an interception. He was a perfect 6 for 6 on the Steelers' final drive, which resulted in Jeff Reed's game-winning 32-yard field goal with 11 seconds remaining.

Dallas:

A 47-yard completion from Roethlisberger to Holmes jump-started the offense, and the Steelers overcame the Cowboys' goal-line stand to score 10 points and tie the game with 2:10 left in the fourth quarter.

That set the stage for the biggest play of Townsend's season.

Very next week @ Baltimore for the division title, and a first round bye:

Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger marched the Steelers 92 yards and capped a 12-play drive with a 4-yard touchdown pass to Santonio Holmes with less than a minute left in the fourth quarter. After producing the only touchdown of the game and then weathering a late push by the Ravens' offense, the Steelers wrapped up the AFC North and assured themselves of no worse than the No. 2 seed in the playoffs

And we all know what he did against Arizona in the Superbowl:

Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger rallied the Steelers after they squandered a 13-point lead, and his late-game heroics produced a 27-23 win and one of the most memorable finishes in Super Bowl history.

Roethlisberger led the Steelers on one of his patented fourth-quarter comebacks, and he capped a 78-yard drive with a 6-yard touchdown pass to Santonio Holmes with 35 seconds left in the game.

Count them, that's 6 nail biting games... games in which the #1 defense FALTERED to put teams away, and it was actually BEN and his offense picking the defense up, and securing a win. Ben Roethlisberger is captain comeback, and he did it on the biggest stage of all.

When will be the GOD DAMN DAY that Ben Roethlisberger gets the respect he deserves? He's clearly, far and beyond an elite quarterback in the NFL. I guess he has to just keep winning Superbowls to be lumped in "just an average Quarterback" company. Fuck that. He's the type of quarterback ANY team envys, and they let it show by making dumbass comments as madsplash just did. My advice: watch a Steelers football game rather than looking at stats, then come back and tell me if the man's overrated. Oh, and by the way, He has more Superbowl rings than Marino, and Favre COMBINED. Stick that up your blow hole.

Have a nice day.

That's the dumbest thing I've ever heard. If Manning had that defense, he'd have 5 or 6 rings by now. Roethlisberger is an average QB. Takes a brilliant person to ride a crotch rocket without a helmet. What a dumbass.

And I watch Pittsburgh play almost every week, unfortunately, because I'm too cheap to buy a dish. If Pittsburgh hadn't been so stupid and not drafted Marino, they would have won rings in the 80's instead of being a joke in that decade.

P.S Are you gonna go to Santonio Holmes' arraignment? I'm sure there'll be lots of Steeler fans there, watching their Super Bowl MVP, getting his ass slapped for being a drug thug. Classy stuff. What a loser.

Put that in YOUR blowhole.

[RedWingFan]

Favre has earned the right to do whatever the fuck he wants. If you don't like what he does, turn your television or radio off.

It's his choice. He's the greatest QB to ever play. The last 2 seasons he's 22-10 and has thrown 50 touchdowns. That's better than 3/4 of the average-ass QB's playing today.

except he isn't the greatest QB to ever play. Top 5, maybe, but dude, greatest? Umm, no. Marino, Montana, Bradshaw, Elway, Namath, Unitas...come on dude, back away from the crackpipe.

Agreed. Has he won alot of games? Sure, keep in mind he spen all but last year playing in the NFC Central division!