Just when I thought I was out...they pulled me back in. The New York Jets had me wavering between semi-interest to apathy entering this season, after suffering two terrible seasons in a row and fielding a big-play deficient offense in the meantime. They lost me even more when they decided that Vernon Gholston would be a bigger impact player than trading up to grab the sexier Darren McFadden. Their biggest moves this offseason had been building up a veteran offensive line to replace the anemic one that plagued the team last season. While it seems they have their priorities straight, no one is going to look forward to the first game only bragging about an upgraded O-Line.
And then, late last night, the improbable happened. When the ticker on ESPN read that Bret Favre had been traded to the New York Jets for a conditional draft pick, I was stunned. The Jets are actually going to try and compete with Brady & Co. While me and every other Jets fan will undoubtedly put unrealistic expectations on the good ole boy, at least there is something to cheer about in the Meadowlands now. No longer are the Giants the only attraction in East Rutherford. This kind of acquisition is just what the Jets needed to satisfy their fan base. While I am not sold that the Jets are a lock for a Wild Card this year, I can at least look forward to Brady versus Favre twice this season. Favre gives the Jets an arm that can make that hail mary throw. That can win a game with the clock ticking away. The last guy that had anything near the poise and experience that Favre brings to the table was Vinny Testeverde.
And you know what happened when Vinny stepped in? AFC championship game with Parcells at the helm. Favre is light years beyond Vinny's talent. Who knows what could happen? The key thing here is that for the first time in a few years, there is hope for a Jets team entering the season. And for this franchise, that's more than they could say the past two years.
Mangini, leave it to Favre.
