Packers: Aaron Rodgers vs. Brett Favre Comparison
By Tim Muma
The bread and butter of a quarterback’s output is getting the ball in the end zone. For the Packers and these MVPs, that has never been a problem.
Once again, raw statistics and era-driven adjustments play a big factor in comparing the two QBs.
Most know that Favre ranks 2nd all time in touchdown passes. He was the first QB to throw for 500 touchdowns as he set the record at 508 in his career.
Peyton Manning passed him in 2014, and established the new NFL record with 539.
Favre tossed 31.25 touchdowns per season from 1994-2001. The league average at the time was only 21.1 passing touchdowns per year, putting Favre more than 10 touchdowns better.
Meanwhile, Rodgers owns the Packers’ record for most touchdown passes in a season. He tossed 45 in 2011, and is also tied with Favre for the second-best season with 39 touchdown passes.
Yet, looking at how the NFL compared during the time involved, things aren’t so simple to evaluate.
Favre led the NFL in passing touchdowns on four different occasions, but only three times during this time period: 1995, 1996 and 1997.
In case you weren’t sure, those were also the three years he won three consecutive MVP awards – the only player ever to do that.
Favre tossed 31.25 touchdowns per season from 1994-2001. The league average at the time was only 21.1 passing touchdowns per year, putting Favre more than 10 touchdowns better.
Rodgers actually averaged slightly more per year than Favre at an even 32 each season. However, that number was just 8.31 touchdowns better than the NFL average (23.69).
Overall, Favre gets the edge when adjusting for the times. Additionally, once more, Rodgers never led the league in this category.
Another boost for Favre’s greatness that may have been forgotten.