Brett Favre sees extensive playing time in Vikings
Vikings head Coach Brad Childress wasn’t ready to send out Brett Favre in his pre-season debut last week for more than one offensive series. It didn’t feel right. But with the regular season just two weeks away, Childress didn’t have a choice to allow his 40-year-old quarterback to get his feet wet and see first-hand how Favre would fare after off-season ankle surgery, and against a young Seattle secondary that has been steadily improving since the start of camp.
The Seahawks made it difficult on Favre, who tossed two interceptions, but the Vikings held on for the victory edging out Seattle 24-13 on Saturday night.
It was questionable if Favre would play the entire first half, as he eases his way back into football shape, but the veteran’s extensive playing time against the Seahawks went into the third quarter.
After the game, Favre admitted he "felt like a guy that's about to turn 41 years old", but appreciate the extra playing. "As tired as I was, I really felt like I needed some more work and will lobby for that this week.”
Favre completed 16-of-26 passes for 187 yards with two interceptions and zero touchdowns in his second pre-season start.
Seattle’s’ lone touchdown came on Earl Thomas’ 86-yard interception return that bounced off receiver Bernard Berrian’s hands, which Favre did not appreciate.
"We've got to find out in a short period of time who can make some plays in the passing game," Favre said.
But Minnesota’s passing game wasn’t all bad and they unveiled their revamped receiving corps after signing Javon Walker, who played with Favre in Green Bay, and former Miami Dolphins’ wideout Greg Camarillo. Both played well in their Vikings’ debut and made quite a first impression.
Camarillo had four catches for 47 yards and Walker hauled in a 25-yard TD pass from Sage Rosenfels in the fourth quarter.
"I don't even know how many people know my name, but it doesn't hurt to grab a couple balls and get a couple first downs," Camarillo said. "That's how you get trust from your teammates. Hopefully they'll start believing in me."
While the passing game put points on the board, the running game was mediocre with Adrian Peterson carrying the ball 11 times for 37 yards.
The Seahawks, who are 1-2 this pre-season, took a lot of positives and are happy about the outcome despite the loss. Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck completed 9-of-17 passes for 126 yards and barely took any hits during the game. And defensively, the Seahawks got a huge lift as Lofa Tatupu returned to the field and played his first game since a torn pectoral muscle ended his 2009 season.
Seattle is less concerned about wins and losses at this point and are just looking to be ready and healthy at the start of the regular season.
Tags: