Packers: Aaron Rodgers vs. Brett Favre Comparison

7 of 7

Packers quarterback Brett Favre brought glory back to Titletown on his way to a Hall of Fame career. Photo Credit: Rick Wood/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel via USA TODAY Network /

Recency bias is a real thing. Because of the latter of part of Favre’s career with the Packers – much of which was still excellent – many have quickly put Rodgers ahead of the Hall of Fame QB in their all-time ranking.

Of course, Rodgers’ career story hasn’t been finished yet. Although, the last year-and-a-half hasn’t been a positive for the soon-to-be 33-year-old.

But this comparison was of two of the best QBs at the same ages, while accounting for the state of the NFL at each time.

Based on just the adjusted data, Favre still owns the overall advantage over Rodgers.

Another factor to think about is that Rodgers has had the benefit of playing in the same system with the same head coach his entire career. That is certainly a big plus.

Mike McCarthy has done a tremendous job with QBs in his time, and many experts see him as a great offensive mind.

Favre didn’t have as much luck. Most people acknowledge these three things:

1) Mike Holmgren was the ideal coach for Favre.

2) Ray Rhodes was a horrible coach, period.

3) Mike Sherman gave Favre far too much freedom that cost him some quality years.

Who’s to say what Favre would have done with Holmgren still in his ear, making adjustments and finding the right buttons to push with the QB he groomed?

I don’t know the exact impact, but I can unequivocally say it would have been enormous. Unsure? Take a look at some of the throws he makes in these videos below.

The more of these series of videos you watch (Brett F@vre Touchdowns), the more you’ll appreciate what he did.

Furthermore, simply comparing the stats of each era probably still undervalues the way the NFL has completely accommodated quarterbacks during Rodgers’ tenure. It would not be a stretch to believe Favre’s production would’ve been incredibly greater had he started in 2007 or later.

Consider that at age 40 with the Minnesota Vikings, having already played in 291 consecutive games (including playoffs), Favre had one of his best seasons ever: 4,402 yards, 33 touchdowns and just 7 interceptions.

Now imagine him playing in this modern era of the passing game while playing throughout his prime. Fresh legs, young arm, and abundant potential.

Just think about that 3-time MVP who was putting up phenomenal numbers before things completely turned in the QBs favor.