Who Will Be the Vikings Quarterback?: Without Favre the Vikings are down to Tarvaris Jackson, Sage Rosenfels, and rookie Joe Webb as their quarterbacks. In two years as the Vikings starter Jackson has thrown 21 touchdowns and 18 interceptions. And who can forget Jackson getting destroyed by Chris Clemons against the Eagles in the playoffs? Jackson isn't a terrible quarterback, but he isn't elite.
Sage Rosenfels isn't much better than Jackson. Rosenfels has thrown 30 touchdowns and 29 interceptions in his career. And who can forget his little brainfart against the Indianapolis Colts a couple of years ago? The Vikings take a huge step back in the quarterback department but are still loaded on offense.
How Will This Affect The Vikings Offense?: Even without Favre the Vikings are still loaded on offense. The Vikings made the playoffs a couple of years ago with Jackson as their quarterback based solely on their offensive line and Adrian Peterson. Peterson is still in the backfield with that great offensive line in front of him. The Vikings also drafted Stanford running back Toby Gerhart to add some depth in the backfield. Visanthe Shiancoe and his unit is a solid tight end. The Vikings also have depth at receiver with Percy Harvin, Sidney Rice, and Bernard Berrian. So while Favre may have retired and Jackson may not be competent, but that offensive line and depth at running back and receiver still makes the Vikings a solid team.
How Will Favre's Retirment Affect the NFC North?: Vegas odds-makers were picking the Vikings to win the NFC North at the beginning of training camp. With Favre retiring, the odds-makers are already changing their picks. While the Vikings are still a loaded team on offense and defense, they're no longer my pick to win the NFC North. I'm going with Green Bay simply because I trust Aaron Rodgers to make right decisions on the field instead of Jay Cutler.
Will the Vikings Still Make the Playoffs?: I'm still going to pick the Vikings to make the playoffs as a Wild Card. Their defense is too loaded to fall off a cliff. A great defense can still take a team far. Also the Vikings probably have the best offensive line in the NFL, they'll protect Jackson. The Vikings also have depth at running back and receivers. If Jackson can limit his mistakes, Minnesota is still a playoff team.
How Will This Affect The Rest of the NFL?: The NFL loses one of the greatest quarterbacks of all-time. We forget now, but Favre won three MVP trophy's in row, played in two Super Bowls and won one. He's the Cal Ripken of football playing in 285 straight games an amazing feat when you think about it because Peyton Manning is second and is almost 100 games behind Favre. Favre also broke several passing records including the most yards, touchdowns, and interceptions thrown. Forget about his drama surrounding his retirement decisions, Favre was an all-time best quarterback. I surely won't miss him though playing against the 49ers because he always killed them.
Jackson getting owned by Clemons still makes me smile.
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