On Sunday, Minnesota Vikings’ Brett Favre threw a career-high 446 passing yards, leading the team to a season-salvaging overtime win against the Arizona Cardinals. Many of Favre’s teammates say they see a difference in their 41-year-old quarterback.
“This week I’ve seen in Brett what I haven’t seen since last year, when it comes to energy that comes across from him,” said tight end Visanthe Shiancoe. “It definitely showed.”
Favre acknowledged that his taking last Wednesday off from practice may have helped him to feel a little fresher and given him a much-needed break.
“That was the hope. I felt like going in, the few days that I did practice, my arm felt a little more alive. I had a little more pep in my step,” said Favre. “I don’t know. I kind of felt that same I did the previous week.”
In addition to feeling fatigued during the comeback game against the Cardinals, Favre’s left foot still has two small fractures in it.
“It’s ok. Of course, after a game it always feels worse,” said Favre. “Its still swollen, but at least I’m able to function enough on it that Monday and Tuesday and maybe Wednesday I try to stay off of it as much as possible. Get it back to where it feels tolerable. I’m surprised with a broken foot that it doesn’t feel as bad as it probably should.”
Favre’s occasional clashes with Vikings coach Brad Childress have become national news and food for casual sports banter; however, Childress said he was pleased with Favre’s approach and effort.
“I just thought he was very alive with his arm and what he was doing with the football last week, how he was stroking it all around and really banging the receivers with the football,” Childress said. “That’s all of them, all of the guys that practiced.”
