to Packer Backer1967,
You sir, are a man that gets it. Welcome to the forum. Nice to have someone else with a little objectivity here. You are absolutely right on all your points. I would like to add a few notes as well.
To take them in chronological order, The Super Bowl loss to Denver had everything to do with not being able to stop Terell Davis. And if you all remember he sat out nearly the entire 2nd Quarter with migraines. Although when you can't get off the field on third down it is typically your own fault, the defense was gassed. The PACKERS were lucky enough to have a chance to tie the game in the end. And mostly is was because of Levens good running in the first half, and Favre who brought them back with a lead going into the 4th Quarter. And on that last drive, where granted he threw a pass into danger as Brooks was nearly decapitated by Atwater, he also hit Freeman in stride that he flat out dropped. In Denver territory, though of course we needed a TD just to tie.
The game vs SF should have been won when Jerry Rice fumbled and they gave the ball back to the 49'ers. That was it. Game over, Packers could have run out the clock, instead Young gets one last no pressure prevent defense, stumbles and throws the ball between three defenders to TO.
I believe it was San Fransisco again, that oh, by the way we won 25-15. Then it was congratulations, you get to play the Rams.
Even in the Rams game before what is known as Favre's follies, we were driving to take the lead at half when Freeman coughs it up down the sideline and turns into a 14 point swing. 7 we didn't get and 7 they did. Favre then played poorly and gave the Rams many short fields to score.
What was next, Atlanta I think. A game that was the perfect storm for the Falcons. A combination of Favre not playing his best, a decimated roster of injuries and the x-factor. Not having a game plan to stop Michael Vick. He didn't even have to throw the ball and gain over 100 yards on the ground extending drives.
For whatever reason, Favre always seems to get the blame for the Philly game in Philadelphia, though it was probably one of his finest performances in the post season. The game was won. Favre made great throws to Ferguson for 2 early scores. Up 17-14 and with only a minute to go driving for what could have become a Sherman highlight. Green thrashing the defense for over 4 yards a carry and picking up every short yardage first down, is not given the chance to WIN the game with 1:51 on the clock at the Eagles 40 yard line. 4th and 1. A chance to quiet the critics, TAKE the victory and earn a game vs Carolina back at Lambeau Field. Sherman decided to punt! And by doing so give the Eagles a chance that they didn't deserve. Remember the look of Andy Reid's face, when he knew one more yard and GAME OVER. Even if it was the "right" thing to do, it was gutless. You play like a champion, you line up and get that yard, and if you don't. You send out your defense to stop the other team. What did they gain 20 yards of field position? People that put that game on Favre, don't understand football.
The final heave as it were, was mis communication between Favre and Walker, Walker broke to the inside instead of the outside making it an easy play for Dawkins sitting back in center field.
The Minnesota game just made no sense. After beating them twice during the year. I think they were all a little too overconfident. The four interceptions were all very bad whether there was communication loss of not. Favre played a horrible game, worst one ever in my opinion.
The Seattle games were great. Although our defense played poorly in the first one in 2004, and they dropped as many passes as they caught. The seahawks really should have won that game. But, the in the game, our offensive side of the ball was great, and Harris pick gave the defense a little validation making a big time play when we needed one.
last year's game vs Seattle was vintage Favre. Down early 14-0, no panic. Just 5 straight drives of scoring TD's. Favre was in tune with his receivers and Grant played fanastic after his early miscues. Defense also were relentless. With all cylinders clicking, they thought the Giants game was a mere formality.
For anyone to say that Favre cost us that game again is fullfilling their own prophecies. The team played like crap. After playing their best a week earlier, they looked like a bottom feeder team rather than a Super Bowl contender. From the coaches inabiltiy to call a good game, to let Manning get comfortable in the pocket and not have to deal with any kind of pressure, to the defensive coordinator's stubborness to not react to the situations (Burress torching Harris) and make adjustments, to no push off the line, to mental mistakes by quarteback and receivers, to poor play of special teams, and to guys making it worse by committing stupid penalties. and yet, we have the lead with half the 4th quarter to go. Up 20-17, all we need is the defense to step up and make a stop and let Grant run out the clock.