Anger. Joy. Sloppiness. Heroics. All interchangeable words that emcompassed last night into early Sunday morning for Wisconsin sports fans. Lucky for us, in the prime-time California twinbill for the Brewers and Packers, the game that actually meant something was a success. While the Packers stumbled around in Candlestick Park, the Brewers held off the resilient Dodgers, backed by 53,000 fans, in dramatic fashion 380 miles southeast at old Chavez Ravine. Here are some positive and negative observations from both teams’ performances:

Positives:
1) Defensive clinic. What else can you say? Mike Cameron has shown that he is deserving of his fourth Gold-Glove every night. He was so convincing to Matt Kemp after his first two great catches that Kemp froze at first on a booming shot by Andre Ethier in the tenth, and was only able to advance to second; a game changing play. The catch by Gabe Kapler is without a doubt the greatest catch I’ve ever seen on live television. Simply amazing-another game changing boost for the Crew.

2) Braunny’s back. In his return from intercostal muscle spasms, Ryan hit a pinch-hit bloop single in the eighth and had the good sense to keep on chugging to second with a hustle double. He later struck-out on a 97 MPH heater in his second at-bat against fireballer Jonathan Broxton in the tenth. Overall a great sign to see Braun back healthy.

3) Snappin’ out of it. If you thought you were going to have a heart-attack in the later innings of the game, just think what J.J. Hardy must be feeling. He snapped out of a 2-23 drought at the plate dating back to August 10th with a 3-5 effort including a go-ahead, two-run homer in the eighth, followed by another go-ahead base hit to score Ray Durham in the tenth to seal the win. Unfortunately, they were sandwiched by an ugly error in the Brewers’ rough ninth, which he completely misplayed. J.J. came through though. Whew!

4) Gagne sharp; Riske not so risky. In his return to Dodgers Stadium, Eric Gagne had a efficient 12-pitch 1-2-3 inning with some help from his outfielders. Gagne reached a season-high in velocity, lighting up the gun at 95 MPH. Good to see. David Riske, who entered the tenth in relief of Salomon Torres, also had good command, striking out Manny Ramirez to end the wild 5-4 contest.

Negative:
1) Managing. A couple more horrible decisions by Ned Yost tonight. First of all relying on Ray Durham to hit Braun over to third base. Ned, lay a bunt down please. Braun saved Yost from that embarrassment with his speed. But as always, bad managing eventually hurt the Brewers in the ninth inning. Clutching his precious match-up cards, Ned elected to start the inning with Brian Shouse against the lefty Ethier. Of course, Shouse walks him, and the weight of the world is put on the real closer Torres with no outs and a man on first. It was a miracle he only gave up one run.

This was by far the best win of the season for the Brewers. A huge momentum shift into tomorrow’s game with a chance for a 4-2 West Coast road trip heading back home (how big would that be?). If I had to pick a defining game for this season this would be it. Hopefully they can string together some wins and slowly reel in the Cubs.

Positive:
1) Return game revitalized? It has been 12 years since the Packers had the likes of Desmond Howard returning kicks, but could the next great one at last be here? Jordy Nelson was the only statistical bright spot for the Packers against the 49ers, returning two kicks for 57 and 58 yards, respectively. He has all but solidified his spot as a returner for Mike Stock, the team’s special teams coordinator, and Mike McCarthy.

Negative:
1) Incohesive offense. The offense didn’t click all night long. Completely out of sync. The team gained an abysmal 182 total yards to the 49ers’ 355, an astounding differential to the team who ranked dead last in the NFL in total yards per game last season. The offensive-line looked particularly vulnerable, allowing six sacks.

Look for Mike McCarthy to whip his team into serious shape at practice Monday after the pathetic 34-6 showing against his old team. The Packers are now 0-2 this preseason.

And how can I forget about American Michael Phelps, who is now the greatest Olympian of all-time obtaining his eighth gold medal in the Beijing games, surpassing fellow U.S. swimmer Mark Spitz’s mark of seven golds in the 1972 Munich games. Congratulations to Mr. Phelps.   

For the first time since the Packers drafted him in 2005, Aaron Rodgers will finally get his first start on a national stage, albeit the preseason, against the Cincinnati Bengals. And yes, in all likelihood Brett Favre will be tuning in to ESPN from his new dwelling in the Big Apple. Here are five areas to keep an eye on during tonight’s game:

1. QB Aaron Rodgers. How can you not focus on him? This is his chance to finally prove to his doubters that he can take the reigns and lead the Packers back to the playoffs. It will be interesting how his chemistry with the first-string wideouts has progressed, although he may be playing without one of them as Greg Jennings is questionable to play with a knee injury.

2. LB Abdul Hodge. What a great story this has been. He didn’t play all of last year with chronic tendinitis in both knees, and was on the verge of getting cut. But after surgery and training this off-season in Arizona, he’s back. More on his battle back here. He should be getting a lot of reps tonight, especially with teammate Desmond Bishop questionable with an Achilles’ injury. If he can prove to coaches he is back to his former-ball hawk self when at Iowa, he may land one of the final spots on the team. The linebacker competition should be fierce.

3. Nickelback spot. Charles Woodson and Al Harris have their starting spots locked up again this year, but after that, the third spot is really up for grabs. Tramon Williams and Will Blackmon both showed flashes of brilliance last year, mainly returning kicks. After those two, Patrick Lee, one of three second round rookies from Auburn, should make a strong case for candidacy as well. And don’t rule out Jarrett Bush in that mix, although many green and gold fans probably would like to.

4. [Backup QBs] Brian Brohm and Matt Flynn. Rodger’s will probably get a quarter of work, give or take a few minutes, but other than that it will be up to draftees Brohm and Flynn to take the rest of the snaps. Brohm was a surprising pick in the second round by Ted Thompson after he had taken an unexpected fall down the draft board. Flynn was taken in the 7th round. They will be working with the second and third teamers, meaning Jordy Nelson and Jermichael Finley, also high picks, could be likely targets.

5. Young O-Lineman. All I keep hearing out of Packer’s camp is how much coaches all in love with Allen Barbre, Josh Sitton and Brent Giacomini. Scott Wells, Junius Coston and Orrin Thompson are all questionable, leaving extra time for these three to impress. Barring serious injuries, Chad Clifton and Mark Tauscher will secure the tackle spots, Wells center and Daryn Colledge/Junius Coston left guard. Of all five spots, Jason Spitz could be the one fighting for his starting job.

After just returning from a long vacation, over a month to be exact, the one thing that has failed to end is the Brett Favre, and I know it is clique, “saga.” I’m going to express my feelings once and for all on this as this issue has mercilessly dragged on without resolution. So let’s rewind. March 4th. Brett Favre tearfully retires in front of a shocked Cheesehead nation. It’s quite obvious he could have returned; everyone saw him display the same if not more fiery passion he’s played with since ‘92. Of course, fans continue to undermine Ted Thompson. Brett and Ted do not see eye to eye. Even the casual fan can see Ted has been desperately trying to push Favre out of town for the past three years. But for fans to point the finger at Thompson is ignorant. The fact is, Brett, you retired. Nobody forced you to do so, no, not even Ted. The Packers gave you’re your shining chance to come back. You declined. Any devil’s advocate would say well he didn’t come back because he felt pressured. Well if he really loved Green Bay enough, if he was loyal enough, he would have come back.

Brett has been trying to run the franchise ever since Mike Sherman was head coach/GM. And that just can not happen. You can’t have a player be above the franchise. Ted Thompson recognizes that. Mike McCarthy recognizes that. That shows great leadership on their part; to be able to put their foot down to arguably the greatest player ever to set foot on the gridiron.

Now I understand there is another side to this argument, and that is Ted Thompson’s bias toward Aaron Rodgers, and there’s definitely substance behind that point. Thompson wants Aaron to do well because he had the guts to draft him when nobody else would. He wants to give him his chance, before he bolts. Since 2005, Favre has known Aaron was the future. And now he’s come back playing the victim card. It’s sickening. Brett you knew this was coming. Don’t waltz back to 1265 expecting your job right back, despite cool aid guzzling green and gold fans’ chants and website making. Packer fans: you need to put Brett Favre in the past. He’s gone. Don’t pull this “Fire Ted Thompson” crap. Just look objectively at what he’s done for this franchise before jumping the gun. He pulled them out of the NFC North cellar, drafted extremely well and put them in a position to go to the Super Bowl in just three years. How many GMs would have gone after Ryan Grant off the Giants practice squad? Or drafted Greg Jennings in the 2nd round? This guy has a rare eye for talent. Don’t place the extent of the blame on him. Sure he could have handled it better, the whole Packers’ PR department could have.

Who was the guy that cost the team the NFC Championship, like so many other guy in his career? In a, “What have you done for me lately?” society, many will remember that last fateful pass. Whatever happens, when this saga is resolved, myself and I’m sure many other Packer fans will be relieved, because the way Favre has handled this, many have began losing respect he took 15 years to earn. He has become nothing more than a crying baby who for once did not get his way. His distraction has put this team behind and denied them precious time to prepare for 2008. At this point, getting rid of the headache to the Bucs, Jets, wherever, is paramount. Getting a player or pick in return of would merely be a bonus.

Before I get to all my Day 2 analysis, I figured I should provide a link to this excellent chart outlining all the Packers moves over the course of this weekend (it’s on the very bottom of the page). Whew, now that’s a lot of movement. Here’s my quick analysis of the second day picks, six in all, as well as my predictions on these players’ chances of making the team:

Jermichael Finley, TE, Texas- It’s ironic he ends up with the same team he was raving about at the NFL Combine. I love this pick. Finley finally gives the Packers an athletic tight end (Bubba was not athletic) that can stretch the field. He’ll provide Aaron Rodgers with a valuable check-down. He needs to improve his blocking, but he’s got plenty of time. Finley’s chances of making the team: Extremely good.

Jeremy Thompson, DE, Wake Forest- Ted Thompson fools all with a trade up, marking the first time he’s ever done so as the Packers’ GM. And I think it was the perfect time to do it. Thompson was a projected 2nd-3rd round pick, dropping because of injury concerns. As long as he can stay healthy, he’s got a great shot to make fans forgot Corey Williams quickly–great pick. Thompson’s chances of making the team: Very good.

Josh Sitton, OL, Central Florida- A little surprised they chose this guy with higher rated offensive-lineman on the board, but it’s a typical TT move. Underrated guy who was a major reason Kevin Smith rushed for 4,800 yards last year. The reason I think he’ll make the team is because he’s versatile (TT mentioned his ability to play both guard and tackle spots). Sitton’s chances of making the team: Good.

Breno Giaconimi, OT, Louisville- I had done a lot of research before this year’s draft, and this guy’s name was connected to the Pack in numerous draft circles. He’s a monster, (6′7+, 300 lbs.) that gets bonus points for having the most commonly mispronounced name on Wisconsin TV stations tonight. Giacomini’s chances of making the team: Good.

Matt Flynn, QB, LSU- Another quarterback? I can’t imagine Packer nation’s reaction to this pick after it flashed on the screen, but please remember everyone, this is in the 7th round. Flynn is the perfect #3 (as long as no veteran is signed) guy behind Rodgers and now Brohm. He doesn’t have a great arm, but it won’t hurt him because the West Coast Offense predominantly consists of slants and shorter routes. Solid pick given the circumstances. Flynn’s chances of making the team: Average if veteran QB is signed, good if not.

Brett Swain, WR, San Diego State- Ted said in his post-draft press conference that Swain caught his eye while scouting SDSU’s quarterback Kevin O’Connell. There’s absolutely no way this guy makes the active roster, but worst case scenario he creates good camp competition and makes the practice squad. Swain’s chances of making the team: Little to none (may make practice squad).

My final thoughts on the draft: Ted did a great job, although I’m not big on grades, so I won’t give one. But I feel eight of these nine have a good chance of making the final 53 man roster. The competition should be fierce in camp, and I’ll be especially interested to see how the quarterback’s perform in the preseason. Even after Mr. Irrelevant was chosen, the madness didn’t stop. Undrafted free agents began to sign, and the Packers have already inked multiple names. Here’s that list thus far:

TE Michael Peterson (Northwest Missouri State)
LB Danny Lansanah (UConn)
RB Kregg Lumpkin (Georgia)
WR Taj Smith (Syracuse)
LS J.J. Jansen (Notre Dame)
P Ken Debauche (Wisconsin)

Some intriguing names here. Of those, I think Jansen and Lansanah (left) have legitimate shots to make the team. Peterson, Smith, Lumpkin, and Debauche should all create healthy competition, with Lumpkin and Smith good practice squad candidates (along with Swain). Remember everyone, in Thompson’s blueprint, this is the year where depth isn’t just added, it’s significantly improved. They did a great job accomplishing that this weekend.

For all those fans who were surprised the Packers dealt their first rounder, it’s time you do a little more research. The Packers’ head man didn’t waste any time accumulating picks on Day 1, dealing the 30th overall pick to the Jets for their second and fourth rounders (#36 and #113, respectively). I was thinking and hoping this would be the case, especially after watching Mike Jenkins, Antoine Cason, and Kentwan Balmer evaporate quickly off the board before 30. Dustin Keller, Brandon Flowers, and Limas Sweed were all there, but honestly, they weren’t alot better talent-wise than who they could have got trading down, and I’m glad Thompson recognized that. Now on to the picks:

With the #36 pick, the Packers select WR Jordy Nelson from Kansas State. Rip this pick as much as you want, but after watching this guy’s game film, he looks special. I especially loved the clip of him torching Kansas’ Aqib Talib (who went 20th to Tampa Bay) for a TD. Nelson possesses great size (6′3, 217 lbs), great hands, and tremendous route running skills. One aspect of Nelson’s game scouts question is his timed speed (he ran a 4.50 40), but for those same “experts,” please remember this kid was a track star in the 100 and 400. Nelson was incredibly productive during his senior year, racking up over 1,600 yards and 11 TDs. So productive, in fact, that his worst statistical game was 82 yards against San Jose State. There are definite concerns, however. He only had that one standout year; his first two years at receiver he had 84 grabs, while during his senior year he racked up 122. Packer fans can also question his role in 2008, as I did originally. At the moment, he appears to be at best #4 on the depth chart, with Donald Driver, Greg Jennings, James Jones ahead of him. He has return experience, which looks to be the most likely route for him to break onto the scene next year, but in the long run, Nelson should replace Driver and find his niche as the perfect slot guy for the Packers. 

With the #56 pick, the Packers select QB Brian Brohm from Louisville. Another pick that’s controversial at this point (what Thompson pick isn’t), Brohm provides one thing as  Nelson does: competition. Thompson has stressed that so often throughout his tenure and it hasn’t changed; it’s just amazing how many people are still surprised by these kind of choices. Regardless of position, Brohm was the best player available. The Packers were rumored to be interested in Brian at 30 and also trading up for him before 56, but to the team’s surprise, he fell to them. Had he declared last year, Brohm might have been a top 10 pick. He is a perfect fit for the West Coast Offense, as he is extremely accurate and has good timing on his throws. The knocks on him are his arm strength as well as his durability, both attributes Aaron Rodgers’ lacked out of Cal. It’s Rodger’s job to lose, and hopefully having Brohm behind him will push him to perform up to his full potential. I didn’t expect the Pack to take a QB this early, but he is too talented to pass up.

With the 60th pick, the Packers select CB Patrick Lee from Auburn. This was probably, for the majority of fans, the most sensible pick of the night. Lee is a big, physical corner that fits the mold the Packers look for in their press scheme. Working at AM 1570 the Score in Appleton, WI, I was able to listen to an interview conducted by host Justin Hull last week with the same Patrick Lee. Justin asked Patrick how he’d feel coming into Green Bay with Woodson and Harris to learn from, and Lee welcomed the opportunity. I expect Lee to have the best shot to make an immediate impact of the first three picks, possibly at nickel-back, but also on special teams. He needs to become more polished (he didn’t start at Auburn until his senior year), but he has all the makings of a solid future starter in Green Bay.

Overall, I thought the Packers did a great job on Day 1, setting themselves up for the future. As far as positions I think will need to be addressed tomorrow, a tight-end and change of pace running back would be nice. Guys like Jermichael Finley (TE, Texas) and Steve Slaton (RB, West Virginia) could be possibilities. Plenty more analysis to come tomorrow, as the team holds at least six more selections (one 3rd, three 4ths, one 5th, and one 7th). Draft coverage starts at 9:00 AM, so get up early, because players will be flying off the board real fast. Some of the best of the rest: LB Dan Connor (Penn State), CB Charles Godfrey (Iowa), QB Josh Johnson (San Diego), OG Jeremy Zuttah (Rutgers), and CB Antwaun Molden (Eastern Kentucky).

Via Rotoworld:
*Free agent LB Brandon Chillar has a Tuesday visit scheduled in Green Bay. Chillar arrived in Arizona last night to meet with the Cardinals, who’d use him inside in their 3-4. He’d push to start on the strong side for the Pack.

*The Packers have expressed a “strong interest” in free agent FB/TE Kris Wilson, according to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. Wilson is an H-back with pass catching ability, but doesn’t do much else well. He’d likely help back up TE Donald Lee and FB Korey Hall in Green Bay.
 
——————————-
Also wanted to pass along that Al Davis and the crazy ship he’s running in Oakland continued their free-agent binge, signing Ex-Packer Javon Walker to a 6-year, $55 million deal. Have fun with that one, Mr. Davis. 

I understand it’s obviously a bit of a sad day for Packer Nation. Favre has been the only quarterback I’ve ever known. It will be sad to see him go, but to be honest, I’m also very excited to monitor Aaron Rodgers’ progression. Judging off the Dallas game, in a pressure-packed environment, he performed at a very high level that ought to be intriguing. It should also be interesting to see where Ted goes as far as the market goes for a backup.

Four days in and NFL Free-Agency is hotter than ever. But Ted Thompson’s plan hasn’t changed since the moment he got here. And fans should have no complaints about what they are seeing so far this year. The fact of the matter is 1) this team was 13-3 last year, 2) was one game away from playing in a Super Bowl, and 3) is returning every core player for 2008.  So why the whining? What reason justifies Ted delving into free-agency to make headlines just because he can? It seems unfortunate I have to give this same speech every year, but the attitudes of the green and gold faithful haven’t changed I guess. It’s good that they’re passionate.  But look, we all know that after the initial wave of supposedly “superior” crop is plucked off the heap, solid talent remains to be had, and for a fortune less. And really when you look at it, the numbers between a elite first tier guy and middle second tier guy aren’t all that drastic. To be honest, I have no idea what some teams are thinking. The Raiders. Re-signing DE Tommy Kelly to a seven-year, close to $51 million deal- all for a guy who played a mere seven games last year. Wow. After that deal, Teddy looks like a genius once again for getting Kampman at four for $21 million. Guess what? Ex-Cardinal LB Calvin Pace just got 6 years, $42 million from the Jets. Now anyone care to tell me who that is? When it comes down to it, is Pace really going to outperform Niko Koutouvides, who signed a three-year deal for probably $30 million less? Probably. But are those extra 20, 30, 40 extra tackles worth all that money? Is it worth investing money into a player who has only churned out one good statistical season? I say no. Ted Thompson can and will wait for his chance, believe me. He might not make a big splash, but please, don’t judge prematurely. Wait until after the guy has played out his deal. That’s all I ask.

Rumor Mill: The Packers have apparently contacted former Lions’ LB Boss Bailey’s agent. Exciting stuff (sigh). At 28 years old, Bailey has been a boom or bust guy with injury-problems in his career, hardly the kind of guy I would want to sign in this outrageous market. I’d much rather prefer, LB Brandon Chillar, who was supposed to meet with Arizona either today or tomorrow. The Cardinals have been said to be hot on this guy’s heels, so I’d be shocked if he got to visit Green Bay. The Packers are set to meet with LB/DE tweener Corey Smith tomorrow, and may offer him a contract to be a special teams guy. One guy I still like out there is Colts’ OG Jake Scott. He surprisingly hasn’t drawn much interest up to this point, and would certainly look good in a Green Bay uniform.

As you may or may not know, the 2008 NFL Draft is deep in the very areas the Packers are looking to improve. With the Packers holding their first pick at #30, I think it’s very possible they will trade down, as secondary, offensive and defensive line, running back, and tight-ends are all strong suit in this draft.  The reason is this: Ted Thompson has always made a living off of accumulating picks, and this year, one shouldn’t expect anything different.  In a very low position in the opening round, I think it would be particularly beneficial to the team to trade #30 to a team who has a high pick in the second, perhaps for their second and third.  This would give the Thompson six picks to work with on Day 1, plenty to improve the need areas.  Trade aside, here’s my early estimate of what one could see on the draft weekend:

1st round- Gosder Cherilus- OT- Boston College. Huge 6′7 tackle in Jeff Jagodzinski’s zone-blocking offensive to replace the aging Tauscher/Clifton, and protect Aaron Rodgers for years to come.

2nd round (from CLE)- Tracy Porter- CB- Indiana. A solid corner who racked up 16 INTs in his 4-year career, Porter reminds me of a poor-man’s Charles Woodson with his returning skills. He’s needs to bulk up however.

2nd round- Tavares Gooden- OLB- Miami (Fla). Perfect fit to give Brady Poppinga some competition. He goes here because he is the best player available.

3rd round- Josh Johnson- QB- San Diego. A high riser with great upside. I feel Ted will bring in one QB here and one via free-agency.

4th round- Jermichael Finley- TE- Texas. Gives A-Rodge a big target at 6′5. He was enamored with the Packers at the Combine, so he gets his wish.

5th round- Adarius Bowman- WR- Oklahoma St. Doesn’t have the great speed, but does have decent size.

5th round (proj. comp)-  Chad Rinehart- OG- Northern Iowa. Small school prospect who has some versatility.

7th round- Xavier Omon- RB- NW Missouri St. Another small school guy, but has great size (228 lbs) and could project as a change of pace back for Ryan Grant.

Comments on my first Mock Draft of 2008 are appreciated!

When the Packers’ front-office designated defensive tackle Corey Williams as their “franchise player” back on the 20th, they no doubt intended to buy themselves time to negotiate a long-term deal with the big man. If the two sides choose not to barter (I would be shocked if they didn’t) Williams would be guaranteed at least a one-year deal, in which he will earn $6.4 million with his non-exclusive tag. However, that doesn’t mean other teams won’t have the opportunity to pursue him. Starting this Friday, if a team feels Corey is a rightfully deserving of his status as a franchise player, they can make their pitch. The catch is the Packers would have the option of matching any contract thrown at him. But if I was in Ted Thompson’s shoes, and a team decided Williams was their guy, I wouldn’t touch him. OK, you may think I’m crazy, but think about it. First of all, the Packers are in excess of 20 million dollars under the cap; that’s enough green bills to sign ample backup for Johnny Jolly, Ryan Pickett, and Justin Harrell if need be. Secondly, the free agent and draft crop is strong enough to do just that. Orpheus Roye, Brian Young, and Tommy Kelly highlight the group of DTs which the Packers should be able to get for cheaper than Williams, and the D-Line crop in this year’s draft is the strongest it has been in recent memory. Thirdly, if the Packers walked on Williams, they would receive compensation: two first rounders. And you know how much TT loves his picks. My gut tells me if Thompson can bargain a reasonable price, he will offer Corey an extension. But with the inflation of the present-day market, nothing would surprise me.  

*UPDATE: Just saw this on my side widget that the team will seek a 2nd rounder.  It’s no first, but even a second rounder would be valuable with the depth the 2008 Draft
holds, especially at corner, running back, and offensive and defensive line- all areas the Packers need to bolster.
——–
2/28- 11:02 PM: Reports coming from NFL Network Corey will be dealt to Cleveland for their 2nd round draft (#56 overall).  This shows TT’s brilliance. By tagging Williams, who the team would no doubt have lost, they get a second rounder. Just to put this in prospective, Williams was a 5th rounder.  The extra pick allows Thompson to trade up in the first round he if so chooses, or hang on to third picks in the top 60. 

As Aaron Rodgers embarks on his third off-season as a pro, leading up to his fourth full-year, I can visualize the Cal-product questioning whether he will ever a get a chance to take the reign’s as a starting quarterback. Under normal circumstances, on almost any other team, Rodgers would have been taking first-team reps by now. No way he ever expected those first six hours in the draft room to feel as short as the four years he’s had to endure holding the clipboard, huh? So one begs the question, has he matured enough? After Carson Palmer was drafted by the Bengals, fans and the media alike predicted a short leash for the once incompetent Jon Kitna. And they guessed right. And though the state of Wisconsin will never succumb to slurping their Brett Favre kool-aid, I feel it’s time for the legend to hang up the cleats once and for all. He’s got all the records, his Super Bowl, and he didn’t walk off with another trophy, but nonetheless, he’s considered a first-ballot Hall of Famer, and would be elected in 2013. Aaron deserves his shot, and if Brett calls for that press-conference launching him to immortality, I will be the happiest Packer fan on the planet. Not that I don’t like Brett, I love the guy, but after living 17 years watching your favorite team have only one gunslinger behind center, you begin a chronic habit of highlighting the negatives, instead of treasuring his rocket balls or shovel passes. Let the youth movement begin!