The NFC Championship game ended in overtime, 31 to 28, with the New Orleans Saints’ kicker Garrett Hartley making, essentially, a perfect 40-yard field goal.
It was a game of large mistakes on both sides of the ball. It was a game of fumbles and interceptions. It was a game of yellow flags. And it was a game where Brett Favre got hit simultaneously by two NO defensive players and twisted like a pretzel, injuring his left ankle yet stepping right back into the fray.
At 40, Brett Favre is the elder statesman in the NFL. And I really don’t want him to go out like this. Yes, fine, say what you will about “he’s retired, no he’s not, yes he is, no he’s not;” he came back one year with the Jets, an interim shot where the fit wasn’t good for both sides.
With the Vikings, I think the fit is just fine.
And here’s what it came down to: Minnesota made more mistakes. Simple as that.
Another point of irony: in his last game with the Green Bay Packers, again for the NFC title, Favre’s last play as a Packer was an interception. Favre’s last play in this NFC title game was likewise an interception.
Favre’s played some of his best ball, this year with the Vikes.
I’d like to see him back.
Finally: congratulations to the Saints: their first shot, ever, at the Super Bowl. They made fewer mistakes. They deserved to win.
BZ
Well, at least one of two Oklahoma University alums (Peterson and Hartley) did something amazing. That field goal was something.
I think Favre might be out of the game for good this time, but who knows.
Maggie, I fear you might be correct. If he does, I’m wondering if he’ll use the injury as impetus.
I hope he stays for one more season. My Ultimate Sports Dream? To see Favre QB the Vikings into the Super Bowl next year.
End of football season. I can’t wait for September.
BZ
I was in the air tonight when the game was playing…
However, ATC was giving us regular updates that we passed on to our pasengers. Upset that I had to miss the game, but glad to see the Saints make it…like you said, they deserve it…
Clint
http://the-outer-marker.us
Favre has built a legacy already. If he comes back, he will only add to it. Happy for the Saints and their fans. There was some hard nose smash mouth football in that game.
Clint and WSF: it was a game of many mistakes. The opposite team would try to take advantage and then made other mistakes. Interceptions, fumbles, penalties. In the end, New Orleans made fewer mistakes and capitalized on things best, allowing their kicker to make the three points.
BZ
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Both Indy and NO will need to bring their “A” games in two weeks. If they don’t, then the other team will chew them up.
I really want to see a close game, and not a blowout.
Favre would probably be just FINE if he’d quit that ass smakin’. It’s wearing on his throwing arm.
And I hope Indy crushes those Taint’s. I meant Saint’s.
Ya know, MB, I gotta go along with ya; I’m not a Brees fan; kinda like Manning.
BZ
I was CHRUSHED that the Vikings lost. A nail biter of a game.
I like Brett. A lot. I’m really bummed he didnt make it to the big show.
I think it woulda been a much better game with the Vikes in it vs the Colts.
Hopefully there is a next year for him.
Look for me…I’ll be at the Pro-Bowl. =)
BZ,
My wife and her family are from Minnesota. Needless to say, the house was a little loud, what with her, and her family texting each other. I’m an Ohio guy. I like Favre and wanted him to win. NO is getting old with the Katrina thing. Good luck to Peyton.
Was a hell of a game though, Hope the SB matches it.
Favre gained a lot of respect from me yesterday, he got POUNDED, he was escorted off the field by trainers, he was hit and hit again yet he finished the game. It’s up for discussion if he should have, but he did. Says a lot about his character and his heart. Something the most of the younger QB’s do not have.. Manning? Hell no not proven that he has the heart, and Romo? No way he’ll ever have it…Brees has it and so does Rivers… Good luck in your retirement Brett, Gets ome hunting in and enjoy it.
I watched the entire game (at the shagrin of my wife) and saw Favre throw the golden goose to NO with Longwell in range for the game winning field goal. Idiot.
But during overtime, I saw so many lopsided calls, I thought I was watching a Raiders game. There were at least three that favored NO which should have gone the other way (including a catch by Meachem that was clearly a trap), putting them in field goal range.
I don’t have a dog in the fight other than to say I want to watch a fair and hard fought competition won on the merits of the players. But once again, the officials affected the outcome of the game.
I’m a college ball fan and seldom watch pro ball, but living not to far north of the Big Easy, I’ve followed the Saints and usually pull for them. That said, I finished at USM and watched Brett play some of his college games there. Players come and go, but Favre has certainly earned his spot in the game and will be remembered should he leave the game. The ole southern boy did good!
Wanted the Vikes to do it soooooooo bad, but it wasn’t to be. I like Indy, & hope they win. I also wanted the Cards to go, & afraid Warner may be through as well. To both Kurt & Brett, well-done gentlemen!