The question has been lingering for more than a year now. Will Brett Favre make the Vikings better? If so, is it worth the risk? The former Green Bay Packer has torched the Vikings many times throughout his career and some fans on both sides just can't see him doing the Lambeau Leap in a purple uniform. There are certainly questions that need to be answered after Favre's recent interview with Joe Buck. But, it is clear the questions won't stop until he signs with the Vikings. This could be a Viking fan's dream, or it could be a nightmare. Here's a list of the pros and cons of the possibility of Favre going purple.
Pros
The last time Minnesota Vikings were in the news for something positive was - well, that's a good question. Vikings owner Zygi Wilf is trying to turn this team into a proven winner and that's where Favre comes in. Whether the Vikings want the media frenzy to happen or not, it's going to happen if Favre becomes a Viking. The move will make tons of money for the Vikings with Favre jerseys being sold left and right. Viking fans won't have to wait until Sunday morning to see if FOX has bought out the remaining seats just so fans can watch the team on cable. Another plus for Vikings fans is that ESPN analyst Erin Andrews could make an appearance at training camp in Mankato. If you watch ESPN, you know exactly what that means.
Bringing a future Hall of Fame quarterback on the team who holds the all-time record for career touchdowns (464) should improve the team. Favre knows the Vikings offense like the back of his hand. He said in the Joe Buck interview that he could "teach the offense." Favre did only have 22 touchdowns last season, but it was a completely new offense and he was playing out of his element in New York. Favre will have the tools in Minnesota to succeed with Adrian Peterson, Percy Harvin, and Bernard Berrian. Not to mention the defense has been lights-out over the last few seasons. This could be the one player that the Vikings need to bring them over the top. Head coach Brad Childress is in the final year of his contract, and it's very likely if he doesn't get out of the first round of the playoffs, he will be fired. He is looking for the best possible chance of winning and he believes that chance is Favre.
But the question in this argument has often been, does Favre just want to come back because he wants to get revenge on the Packers? Who cares? That's a better reason than fans have heard in a long time for a player to come back. If Favre wants to shove a Super Bowl ring down the Packers face for letting him go, then so be it. Vikings fans should be happy that he picked us to get revenge on the Pack. It gives the Vikings the chance they haven't had in quite some time - to win a Super Bowl. The Vikings haven't won a championship since… Oh, that's right, they never have. If Vikings fans can handle not winning a championship, then fine. But if they are real fans and would like a championship, they shouldn't be complaining after Favre throws 30 touchdowns in a purple uniform.
Cons
The Vikings have a lot of leaders on the team, but there are still players that have shown signs of immaturity such as tackle Bryant McKinnie and rookie wide receiver Harvin. Attention might not be something that Vikings necessarily want for their young players. The pressure media puts on teams and players is often overlooked, and it could make or break the careers of some young players. With such a young foundation, that could be the last thing the Vikings need. On the bright side, Childress has done a very good job keeping everything under control and there doesn't seem to be any problems yet from players.
Favre is an aging quarterback with multiple lingering injuries (shoulder, elbow, neck). What makes the Vikings think that this 39-year-old quarterback can start to play like the old Favre? Favre was the easy target to blame during the Jets meltdown last year, as he threw 22 interceptions last season. As much as people may dislike Tavaris Jackson, he played well when the Vikings needed him to during the end of the regular season. The Vikings also just gave a fourth-round draft pick to Houston for Sage Rosenfels. If the Vikings were to sign Favre, it could mean a wasted draft pick. Childress has made some questionable calls in his coaching career and this could be a desperation pick up for the old ball coach. Vikings fans know that Childress hasn't been the brightest coach over the last few years. This could make or break him, too.
If Favre does want to play for the Vikings to get back at the Packers, the Vikings could be in trouble. Minnesota only plays twice against the Packers, so if this is true what would Favre do during the other 14 weeks? If Favre really wants to play for the Vikings to win games, then most fans would like him to utter the words, " I want to win." He needs to do this not only for himself, but also for the team. It doesn't look as if it's going both ways right now. Favre is teasing a state that is hungry for a championship and the timing seems to be right as they already have the league's best running back. Favre could be setting the Vikings up for another disappointing season. And imagine this: the Vikings lose the NFC North to the Packers. That could ruffle some feathers and likely tarnish Favre's legacy even more. But Favre has said that he doesn't care about his legacy, so what does he have to lose? While the Vikings on the other hand, have everything to lose.
Kyle Ratke is the Reporter sports editor
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