Darrell Thompson grew up in Rochester, was a school record-setting running back for the Gophers and played for the Green Bay Packers where his teammates included Brett Favre. Thompson is a sharp football analyst so his opinion was sought about Favre, his teammate from 1992-94.
Favre and the Vikings defeated Detroit yesterday at the dome, 27-10, and Minnesota’s record is now 8-1. Since Favre came here in August the Vikings have all but clinched the NFC North championship and moved into fast company among the NFL’s elite teams
At age 40, Favre has led the Vikings offense with remarkable intelligence and efficiency. He and offensive Darrell Bevell are almost kindred spirits and the two are in agreement about the team’s offensive plan and execution. Favre has thrown 17 touchdown passes and only three interceptions. Last year after nine games with the Jets he had 16 touchdown passes and 12 interceptions.
With Favre on the filed it’s like having a combination player and coach. It’s another version of the 12th man, only this time it’s a legend in uniform, not spectators in the seats.
Thompson said it’s not unlike years ago when hall of fame quarterback Joe Montana was still playing in his late 30’s. “Probably similar to any time you have a quarterback that plays that long, they get to be a little bit of a coach on the field,” Thompson said. “Probably every 10 or 15 years someone comes along like that, but it’s not common.”
Thompson disagrees with those who think Favre is no longer a “gunslinger,” a long time Favre label because of his strong arm and willingness to thread passes into spaces where they aren’t supposed to fit. At times that style resulted in a rainfall of interceptions as well as touchdowns. During three of the previous four seasons Favre has either had as many or more interceptions than touchdown passes.
In the last second comeback over the 49ers Favre threw a miraculous touchdown pass to Greg Lewis in the end zone for a 27-24 Vikings win. The pass and the drive leading up to the score was archive video of a younger Favre.
Mostly with the Vikings, according to Thompson, Favre finds himself in an “environment” that allows him to put his “gun” on the bench. Favre manages a system he’s comfortable with, surrounded by talented defensive and offensive teammates including the world’s best running back in Adrian Peterson.
“You know what? I don’t think the ‘gunslinger’ mentality is gone, but I don’t think it’s needed,” Thompson said. “I know from the time we were together he’s a real common sense person. He’s going to listen to you but then when it comes down to game time he knows that players play and coaches coach.
“And when it comes to game time, I (Favre) am going to do the best I can to try to win. If I feel like I gotta fit the ball in tight spots, I am gonna fit it. If I don’t have to, and I got a big fabulous tailback behind me, and I got some receivers and I got a good defense, then I can survive. Then I will get the ball again and I’ll get to make more decisions.”
Last week both Favre and Vikings coach Brad Childress were asked about the quarterback’s minimal interceptions. Favre credited Bevell, his teammates, and being in manageable down and distance situations that don’t demand extreme responses. “I don’t feel like my approach has really been any different than it has in the past,” Favre said.
Childress pointed out that two of Favre’s three interceptions were tipped balls. He also said that Favre isn’t trying to “stick a round peg in a square hole.”
Usually Favre doesn’t try impossible physics exercises but we know he might complete such an assignment.