2 Things That Will Determine Brett Favre's Success Or Failure

Now that Brett Favre has signed with the Vikings, what will determine his success or failure? Sure his offensive line, how Adrian Peterson does, how the defense plays, etc. All of these are the obvious observations that you could state about almost any NFL quarterback. Let me give you 2 underlying factors to watch "As The World of Favre Turns In '09".

First, Brett said at his press conference that a tear in his rotator cuff was found by Dr. James Andrews during surgery to repair his torn biceps tendon. According to Brett, Dr. Andrews indicated he could play with the tear. He never said Dr. Andrews, the best in the business, indicated he could play well for the entire season with the tear. Reports from Viking camp show that Viking players are in awe of how strong Favre's arm is and with what zip he has on the ball. However, online information from interviews with other Doctors shows that it is very possible that the tear in the rotator cuff could worsen as the season continues, especially at Favre's age. If the tear does worsen, expect Favre to lose arm strength and velocity. A gunslinger mind plus a pop gun arm would mean the interceptions would come in bunches, like bananas. Favre's shoulder and arm must stay strong for him to succeed. If he fails expect him to blame the rotator cuff tear somewhere down the road. If I am the Vikes, I limit Favre's passing as much as possible.

Second is a very tiny but very important need for Brett Favre that you hardly ever hear mentioned. Brett Favre needs a coach that will hold him accountable to his face and in the media. The stats prove that when Favre has a coach like Mike Holgrem or Mike McCarthy he succeeds. Both of these coaches would chew Favre out for mistakes and criticize his poor decisions in the media. However, while playing for a coach like Mike Sherman, Favre has not played as well. Sherman worshipped Favre and had no control over him. Favre would force passes thinking he had to make a play and the interceptions came more often. Watch Brad Childress closely. If he gets in Favre's face or calls him out in the media, Favre should play with more discipline. But if Chilly, as Favre calls him, is the new president of Favre's fan club expect the Viking ship to find rough waters, eventually.