You can always count on Brett Favre to throw one stupid pass when the game is on the line, and Monday night against the New York Jets was no exception.
Just as he did against the New Orleans Saints in the NFC Championship, Favre threw a late interception that was returned 26 yards for a touchdown to seal the Jets’ 29-20 win over the Minnesota Vikings on Monday Night Football.
On a night when the media was spending more time discussing the photos and voice mails he allegedly sent former Jets hostess Jenn Sterger, Favre was said to be more determined to help his team win than ever before.
Despite Favre surpassing 70,000 passing yards and throwing for his 500th touchdown in his career, there was never any doubt he would attempt an ill-advised throw late in the game.
And before anyone suggests the Sterger allegations had anything to do with Favre throwing the late pick, forget it. He’s made the same mistake time and time again throughout his career.
Even the presence of newly acquired receiver Randy Moss couldn’t save Favre, although the two did connect on a 37-yard touchdown to put the Vikings on the board late in the third quarter.
Favre was responsible for all three of Minnesota’s turnovers Monday night, mostly as a result of the Jets’ pass rush that put constant pressure on him throughout the game.
But with 1:48 left and the Vikings trailing 22-20, Minnesota took over on their 16 with an opportunity to win the game.
After failing to complete passes on first and second down, Favre threw a short pass intended for tight end Visanthe Shiancoe, but the Jets’ Dwight Lowery stepped in front of the errant throw and raced to the end zone, ending the Vikings’ hopes.
As Favre walked off the field with his head down you could sense the weight of the loss was only part of the pain he was experiencing.
The real pain may come later this week when the NFL completes its investigation into the Sterger allegations. Depending upon the results, Favre could be suspended for violating the league’s personal conduct policy.
Perhaps the Prima dona act he’s orchestrated over the past several years is coming back to haunt him. Maybe it’s bad karma, fate or simply having to pay the piper.
Regardless of the reasons, this is Brett Favre’s season of discontent and he brought it all on himself.
It might be best for everyone involved if Favre rode off into the sunset, allow his records to speak for itself, enjoy retirement and await the call from the NFL Hall of Fame.
Favre would be doing us all a favor, except his poor wife who’s had to endure the embarrassment of the Sterger matter.
Throwing ill-advised passes on the field when the game is on the line or making passes at women he isn’t married to almost amounts to the poetic justice that is his propensity to choke.
Hopefully this will be one of the last times we have to watch him choke on the field or in life, because no one can bear to watch it anymore.
