If Favre's in, is Garcia out?

Hopefully the Brett Favre saga will resolve itself in the near future, because it's about time we moved on to something else already.

But with the specter of Favre in a Bucs uniform hanging over the head of current starting quarterback Jeff Garcia, we can't ignore the 800-pound gorilla: What happens to Garcia if Favre joins the Bucs?

Perhaps we're getting ahead of ourselves, and I for one remain unconvinced Favre to Tampa Bay is a sure thing for a number of reasons. But it is certainly a legitimate possibility, particularly given Chris Simms revelation to the St. Petersburg Times that general manager Bruce Allen asked his opinion of how Favre might adapt to the Bucs' playbook with limited preseason preparation.

So, if the deal went down, what to do with Garcia? The Bucs could keep him, cut him or trade him. It would seem his current level of disenchantment with the Bucs (stemming from his dead-end contract negotiations) would worsen if he had to give way to Brett Favre and remain on the roster to boot. Would the Bucs be willing to stomach the ill feelings he understandbly would air? Would that affect team chemistry? These are questions the Bucs have to consider -- as much as Favre's salary and ability to learn the playbook even -- when they take stock of any opportunity to land Favre.

As for the concept of trading Garcia in the wake of Favre's potential arrival, he certainly would have value on the market when and if another team's starting quarterback suffered an injury. Being the veteran he is, he likely could step into a team's offense and function with little turnaround time. If the price was right, the Bucs might be willing to part with a guy they once billed as one of the missing pieces to their offensive puzzle.

The final option would be to release Garcia, but that would seem a last-resort decision. The Bucs would rather recover something for last year's starting quarterback if he became expendable. But we know this much: the Bucs currently have five quarterbacks (Garcia, Simms, Brian Griese, Luke McCown and Josh Johnson).

They can't all stick around, especially if Favre comes aboard.

[Favre photo: Getty Images, Garcia photo: Carrie Pratt, Times files]

Comments

[Steve L]

Kurt, put down the bong for a moment, forget about the calculator, take your Ritalin and try to sensibly think about what you’re writing. What you’re saying basically is that anyone with better stats is a better player by virtue of that fact alone. I say this because you present no supporting evidence other than the fact that another QB threw for more yards and TD’s. I guess you think it’s trivial that he did so against another group of teams, with a completely different set of teammates under entirely different circumstance, etc- I mean, that’s such a tired, uninspired and ridiculous argument that I no longer feel the need to point it out; it’s self evident.

And I have to tell you, we could have had Tom Brady at QB last year (I hate the Pats, but Brady is better than Favre has ever been) and there’s no way on earth we would have gone 13-3. You need to start taking some gingko.

[DR]

Steve, sorry you got into with these idiots. Favre had better stats last year because he had a better line for one and his WRs were far better than the Bucs. The Bucs should try to swap WRs instead of QBs. If Garcia had WRs that ran crisp routes and can catch the ball, his stats would have blew up last year. He created extra time and his WRs couldn't get open and couldn't make plays when they did. It was classic watching Galloway give up and make no effort on a pass he should have easily prevented from being intercepted. That type of play and his demeanor defines Galloways career. An overrated crybaby quitter who has never helped any QB get better. Thats what great WRs do, help QBs look good. Oh wait, he's so fast so lets forget about all the other skills he lacks.

[Steve L]

Well said DR- and not just because we’re in agreement, but rather because there’s substance to what you say, whether one wants to agree with you or not. Is it just me or do most of these “fans” sound like they need their diaper changed? Every time I post something reasonable and offer supporting evidence, or in the absence of supporting evidence (infrequently), a mere opinion, these poseurs start puffing their chests out like the geeks in the Sprint (I think) commercial. I keep waiting for someone to say “Wwwwwwizzzard!!!”

[Kurt]

Tweetle Dee and Tweetle Dum are on the same page now. Don't worry Kurt, we all know you've made DR cry before by the healthy b!tchslapping you give him on a regular basis. As for you Steve, the insults are petty and your argument is as weak as the drugs you so Freudianly refer too (no punn intended.) I guess the fact that Kurt used facts (what else are you supposed to use anyway?) to support his argument makes him stupid. And let's face it, just because those facts don't support their very meager argument that Garcia is better than Favre is why they dispute it. What dumb@sses! I didn't realize Jennings, Driver and Franks were so much greater than our corps. Must not have gotten your memo.

[Skylar]

Stats are such a bad way to make a point about how good an athlete is. You guys are nomads.

[Kurt]

Is there somebody else out there with my name? DR, don't make me b!tchslap you again this year. You know better than anyone else here that I know what the fu@k I am talking about. To belittle Favre's accomplishments is both naive and disgraceful. Regardless of his receivers, he throws for 3500+ yards every year of his career! How many times has Garcia done that? He is hands down a better QB than Garcia. Let's move on before I have to bust out Graham on your ignorant and uninsightful @ss! As for you Steve, I don't really need to address your obvious stupidity.

[Steve L]

Wow Kurt- you’re outdoing yourself with the “I’m dumb as a stump, really I am!” comments today. The following quote is clearly evidence of a past lobotomy:

“I didn't realize Jennings, Driver and Franks were so much greater than our corps.”-

To echo John McEnroe, you cannot be serious! Anyway, like I said earlier some things, like that eye rolling comment are just self evident in their idiocy.

And what’s with the silly self referencing, Coolio? You may want to add some valium to the aforementioned supplement suggestion to deal with your passive/aggressiveness (also evidenced by your constant use of character placements to get your prescious expletives in). And finally, I’ve never heard of the following words:

- Freudianly
- Punn

[floridajim murphy]

"We here in Florida, would love to have your Cast-Off from Green Bay named Favre. He would be welcome at any of our (3) Florida teams, but I look forward to him coming to Tampa Bay ! " This fall I sent my NFL Packer Flag north ........ I guess I will have to get a new Tampa Bay Flag !

The Packers will be lucky to go 7-9 this season, and Rogers will be hurt within the first 6 games. This year the Vikings should take that conference. I highly doubt that Teddy (GM) and Mikey (Coach) will be around in a few of years.

Jorden was welcomed back (3) times, while Favre was shown the bench, behind Rogers. A lot of thanks for (16 ) Wonderful Years.............A Real Class Act by Green Bay ! ...... All of the Packer Executive Committee, Management and Organization Suck ! Green Bay finally deserves the name " Hicktown U.S.A."

[roy j]

Favre would like to be his own GM. All Packer fans love him and appreciate his enormous contributions to putting the Packers back on a winning track. But, Father Time doesn't stop ticking for anyone. He forced the Packers to draft Rodgers over 3 years ago by "hinting" at retirement. And then he finally did retire. The Packers will miss him but this is a team game, something even Favre forgot at the ESPYs.

[Steve L]

Thanks you, Roy J. Succinct and accurate (take some notes, ladies). Yes, Favre was outclassed by Mr. Rodgers at the ESPY's. It's a wonderful day in the neighborhood...

[Saint Martin]

I think Brett Looks good in pewter!

http://www2.worldpub.net/images/SD/145-BF-football-card.jpg

[Yogi]

One thing that everyone is forgetting is that Favre and Garcia arent getting younger. Jeff was a great signing for the club but we have to be looking at getting a young QB for a few seasons down the track as our first draft pick. Ronde Barber, Galloway, the legend himself Derrek Brookes are also getting older as we need to prepare now for the future if we want a second world championship.

In Australia, our game doesnt get much coverage but we all love it downunder!!

[Kurt]

You're petty Steve as referenced before and you have no insight if you think we shouldn't jump on the opportunity to retain the services of Favre over Garcia. You apparently think you are an eloquent writer, with your thesaurus in hand. Unfortunately, you have no football insight whatsoever; only using those facts which support your assumptions while trivializing the obvious reasons to negate them. Nonetheless, you have your opinion, and if it makes you feel better to call people names and pick on their blog grammer (and not even notice the an@l retentive nature of said gestures,) then I guess we all know that is your own deficiency. Your dispensing of drugs and medical conditions oozes of Freudian projection and allows everyone on this blog to peer into your neglected and pitiful soul. But since this is a football blog, I'll just say that the rest of us real fans (i.e. season ticket holder) will hold out hope that our team will be upgraded with the likes of the games greatest QB. I will no longer go to a battle of witts with someone so utterly unarmed as yourself Steve.

[Bo]

So Steve, what you're saying is that stats don't mean anything? How are we supposed to figure these things out then? I have to say, if Favre had our receiving corps, he still would have thrown for 4000+ yards because he always throws for that and guess what; Garcia never does. What stats do you want to go by? W/L? Favre wins that one too. How about pro-bowls..you guessed it. Superbowl appearances...yep. I don't think there is a stat that Garcia is better in than Favre, yet you want to overlook everything for you circumstantial BS. Wait, Garcia has held the clipboard more times than Favre...you got me there! You are ignorant. Garcia had a direct hand in the Lions, Jax and Giants losses last year not to mention the games he missed (which Favre has NEVER done.) You are dead wrong Steve L and a bit of an @sshole by the way think you are writing down to others. You're just not that smart. Spot on Kurt!

[JAM]

Ha!

How long did it take Kurt to right that response to Steve?

Nice try...not.

Another season ticket holder that's sold his soul because he's invested too much money in a team who's management is filled with scumbags with no moral compass, and lead by spoiled children with too much money to spend.

Sorry for your loss Kurt.

Screw Farve and pay Garcia.

[James]

Kurt, there's a saying that I believe you can use here...

Never get into a battle of wits with a rookie because they'll beat you with thier experience.

Steve L is a clown.

[Steve L]

That’s funny JAM, that’s exactly what I was thinking! My work day was done so I actually got away from the PC for a while; clearly Kurt was stewing and doing his best work, proofing and re-reading for, oh, what looks to be around 3hours or so, give or take a few. Unfortunately the result is the same: tired, ham handed, regurgitated crapola. Shocking! As I noted before, his arguments are so eye rollingly ludicrous that it’s self evident for anyone with half a brain, which, oh, seems to be about half of the posters.

Bo- stats, stats, stats- who gives a crap? Dilfer had crap stats when the Raven’s won the SB. Should it have been summarily awarded to the team whose QB had better stats? Brady’s stats made Manning look like a high school QB this past season. So? Again, such a silly, misplaced conjecture it’s not even worth dignifying. Here’s where you’re right: Favre’s most significant claim to greatness is his consecutive start record, bar none.

And for the record, I’m not trying to condescend to anyone. I started coming out with the rebuttals only in response to the childish missives from James, Kurt and his alias (check the paper trail above).

And thanks for the compliment Kurt! Imitation (however clumsy) is the greatest form of flattery.

Cheers,

Steve.

Season ticket holder since 1990.

[DR]

Holy crap!? Brett Favre, the greatest QB ever??? You got to be kidding me! He may make the top 10. He is the biggest choke artist, perhaps, of all time. Well, I guess you got to put him behind Jim Kelly.
You Favre lovers forget to point out the fact that Garcia has a better career QB rating than Favre. A measure of efficiency. You guys forget the fact that Garcia took over for a perennial pro bowler, who left his team with a losing record, and put that team on his back and lead them to the second round of the playoffs. He took the talentless bucs to the playoffs last year. He did this with little time in a new playbook. He failed in Cleveland and Detroit but who hasn't failed in the last 10 years in those cities? Garcia makes adjustments and gets the job done.
I don't blame you for having high expectations for Favre, he is a great QB, but with those expectations, you also have high expectations from the WRs. These WRs couldn't catch Garcia's throws and now all the sudden they're going to catch balls from Favre. Tampa's WRs are terrible. Galloway can only run 2 patterns, Hilliard is a #3Wr playing a #2, and Clayton with the most potential has been put in the dog house for an overrated WR with speed who may have worse hands.
Worse case out of this is favre doesn't come to Tampa after Gruden alienated his MVP from last year. Good luck Bucs, you'll definitely need it. Oh yeah, the experts are predicting Tampa to finish 3rd in the South this year.

[Gaston]

Everyone is overlooking the real problem. It doesn't matter who the QB is when Jon Gruden is the one calling the plays. He's too conservative; and as a result, the Bucs play not to lose as opposed to playing to win.

The Bucs are continually going to exit the playoffs early if they continue to run the ball up the middle on first and second down and then throw for 6 yards on third-and-eight.

[jon]

steve & dr need to take a chill pill and start using facts like kurt does. your arguments are completely based on opinion. btw stupid steve: dilfer is the only sb winning qb to be cut from the roster before the following season. although stats only tell part of the story, its still probably 90% of the story. steve & dr; you're bringing down the collective iq around here!

[Yoshi]

DAMN!! I got to say something because if not this is going to keep going for like, three more days. All of you sound like a bunch of little girls goin back and forth, back and forth. SHUT THE HELL UP!!!!!! You talk about football as if you gotta have a degree from harvard. All of yall are just having a stupid competition of who can use the biggest and most unused words in the english dictionary like thats suppose to impress somebody or make you look smarter wneh it doesnt. 95% if all the comments on this article are Steve, James and Kurt arguing like little hoes. How about you guys do everyone a favor and SHUT THE HELL UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OR shoot yourselves in the face, either one is good!

[DR]

ha ha! jon, you're funny. Kurt brought statistics and steve and i don't? Saying Favre will throw for 4,000 yards on every team is bringing stats? i said Garcia has a better QB rating career wise, thats not stats? Favre threw 29 picks and had a 70 QB rating not too long ago, doesn't sound like a stud season to me. Who's to say he won't put that up this season? How many HOF QBs have thrown for 25 plus INTs? How many just average QBs have done that? What has Favre done in the playoffs in the last 10 years? Nada damn thing. But you guys lovbe him because he was a druggy and his pops died. If the same thing happened to Keyshawn, you all wouldn't care. I still can't believe the love Favre gets. His ego is worst than Key's. He's not wanting to come back to win a championship, he wants to come back to pad his meaningless stats. If he wanted to come back to win a championship, he wouldn't have retired. The Pack were 1 play away from going to the SB last year. Why would you retire with all the players coming back from one of your better seasons? Favre is a crybaby who quit on his team.

[Skylar]

I've just read this blog also and i have to agree with Kurt. Grabbing Favre, if at all possible, is a no-brainer...which apparently Steve & DR (who we already knew,) are lacking thereof.

[Ronny Jacewitz]

The FACT is that Favre is a first ballot HOFer and Garcia will not be in consideration! It seems to me Kurt is just stating the obvious (while still giving Garcia kudos for his career - which seems to be overlooked here,) and although DR has at least used some stats, Steve is a condescending moron with no apparent insight.

[Bo]

Ding, ding, ding. DR just took the lead from Steve with the dumbest statement on this blog (and possibly all-time!)

"Favre is a crybaby who quit on his team."

Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't this the same guy who's played 16 years without missing a start for Green Bay? I don't think that defines a crybaby quitter Einstein!

[Skylar]

Bo, get used to stupid statements from DR (although Steve is doing a fine job bringing up the rear.) He's a Cowgirls fan hell-bent on getting back at Kurt for all the b!tchslapping he's deserv3edly taken from him.

[DR]

You guys are funny. If anybody took a b!tchslapping, it's you guys who actually believed the Bucs would beat the Giants. The same guys who predicted big things from Galloway, who couldn't get open and praised the O-line, calling them great who didn't longer than a half second, and then to top it all off, make excuses. Oh there were injuries and thats why the Bucs lost. Every team had injuries, heck the Giants lost a lot the last game of the season. You guys are crybabies who are so biased that you can't see the slop in front of your face on Sundays dressed in pewter.
Brett Favre didn't quit? What does a streak have to do with it?
Here are the facts:
Favre has his best season in a long time, playing with perhaps the best WR core he has ever played with. The Pack go to the NFC Championship game in Green Bay and favre chokes away another playoff game with a terrible pick. After this great season for Green Bay, they ask him to make a quick decision rather than hog up ESPN all summer with whether or not he is going to retire. To any competitor, it would be a no brainer, which I would assume the Packers were thinking, that Favre would want to come back. Instead, Favre quits. But it doesn't end there. Favre uses the Packers phone to talk to the coach of the enemy Vikings and then wants to come back and asks to be released. That to me, my friend, is what I call quitting on your team. And backstabbing your team.
Remember this, this isn't a comparison of talent or careers, by any means Favre and Rypien won Super Bowls, Rypien was MVP, Favre was not. That went to the kick returner, Desmond Howard. 3 of the last 4 playoff losses for Green Bay ended with horrible passes by favre. You can have him, drink the poison.

[Steve L]

Spend time away and the children will play [chuckle]. DR, the masses clearly dislike you for some reason, but I find it instructive that no one commented after your most recent post, lambasting the “logic” of this latest excruciatingly obvious selfish move from Brett “itsallaboutme” Favre. Perhaps the reinforcement finally crept into some skulls. You have more patience than I to suffer fools.

And dudes (you know who you are), I’m not going to dumb down my posts for you alphabet challenged bumpkins (only so characterized because you seem to be offended by any word that’s outside of your 80 word vocabulary). Seriously, have I really used a word you’ve never heard before? Are people really complaining about this? Ok, dumb question.