Brett Favre, Meet Tony Soprano
Woke up this morning, got myself a gun
by: Gregory Gethard
Brett Favre is being forced to go against his risk-taking nature to keep the Jets in ballgames, according to the DailyNews.
With his interception total growing, Favre, probably following orders from the coaching staff, played with extreme caution in the Jets' 26-17 victory over the Bills. He attempted only one long ball (incomplete), throwing mostly underneath. His stats weren't gaudy (only 201 yards and no touchdown passes), but he made only one big mistake – an interception returned for a touchdown.
And, so far, Favre doesn't seem to have taken to what's been asked of him:
"I don't manage. But I managed the game the other day, as bad as I hate to say that," he said.
This reminds me of one of my favorite storylines on The Sopranos. Ralph Cifaretto, played by Joe Pantoliano, was incredibly talented at being a mobster. However, his self-centered (and obnoxious) personality made it hard for him to fit in with Tony Soprano's crew. Despite his skill in managing the underworld, he couldn't assimilate into the greater group dynamic, and, more importantly, he po'd his boss.
And in the end, Tony whacked him.
Favre's better at football than Ralphie Cifaretto was at crime. But he now finds himself in the same place – asked to change his spots to please both his team and head coach.
But if Favre doesn't do what's required, does Eric Mangini have it in him to channel his inner James Gandolfini?
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