Reasons for Hope

Brandon of Acme Packing Company, SB Nation's Packers site left a comment in the game recap that should allow Jets fans to breathe easier about Brett Favre's early struggles with the team.

Unfortunately Favre does not have a history of getting on the same page quickly with his receivers. It was the single biggest problem with Favre over the past several seasons, until 2007. From 2002-2006, the only receiver he really trusted was Donald Driver, and Driver was on the team for three seasons (1999-2001) before he was finally named a starter. With Javon Walker, midway through his 2nd season (2003), him and Favre started working well together and then Walker (and Favre) had a monster 2004 season. Ron Jaworski was said that it takes years for quarterbacks and receivers to get comfortable in a system.

That said, it won’t take Favre all of 2008 to warm up, but it will take a few more weeks. When the Packers were working in new players and a new offensive system in 2005 and 2006, they did go to a lot more slant routes and quick passes. That’s not such a bad offense, as the Jets showed in the 2nd half at San Diego. The game would have been within one score if Mangini had just kicked extra points and that field goal in the 2nd half (unfortunately the Jets defense then gave up the huge play to Jackson that sealed it). No matter how many slants Favre throws, the defense will always keep their safeties back because of his love to throw the deep sidelines pass, so you don’t have to worry about teams overcommitting on the short routes. Plus he seems to work well with Keller in the middle of the field which gives the passing game another dimension.

Favre and his receivers are still feeling each other out. The Jets may have stumbled onto something in the second half, going to a passing game suited for Chad Pennington. This was one built on simple reads and short passes to get the team into a rhythm. Of course, this requires the offensive coordinator to pick up on trends. Brian Schottenheimer threw from the shotgun on a two point conversion from the one-quarter yard line. This success could well go over his head when putting together the playbook for the Cardinals.