At one time Brett Favre was regarded as the best quarterback in the NFL. His knack for making incredible throws that no other quarterback would ever even risk, let alone complete, made a name for Favre.

But over the past few seasons fans have questioned his overall abilities and how much he has deteriorated. More than that, however, questions are being raised as to whether or not he is playing with the same passion he did in the past. It was, after all, his tenacity and fiery approach to the game that made him the quarterback he was.

And now fantasy owners have been pondering, too, where do I draft Favre? How does he stack up to other NFL quarterbacks? What’s his expected performance in 2007?

Answering these questions becomes more of a chore every year. While Favre’s abilities wane, the Packers’ front office seemingly ignores his wishes that the team be competitive. Making no effort to sign or trade for wide receivers who could make an immediate impact on the team (see: Randy Moss), the Packers are essentially telling Favre in not so many words, “You’re on your own, you’re the odd man out in this equation.”

In pure business terms it makes a certain degree of sense The front office wants the team to get younger by saying “out with the old and in with the new.” Ted Thompson has made it a point since his arrival that he is setting the team up for the future. The problem? Favre isn’t a part of that future.

With all that said, Brett has not slipped into oblivion. He still has the ability to make all the throws necessary for a quarterback. It’s his mental attitude that needs a checkup.

He doesn’t have the same zip he had five years ago when he could thread the eye of a needle. He has neither the receiving talent he had then nor a formidable rushing attack. Instead, he is left alone, fending for himself.

In 2007 that will mean another year of watching Favre get smacked to the turf after releasing the football. Another year of watching Green Bay’s young receiver struggle and Donald Driver again being called upon to be Favre’s only option in a jam. Another year of watching his teammates make mental mistakes — not because it is their fault, but because they are young — while Favre cringes in frustration.

Make no mistake, Favre will conform in 2007. He will avoid the mistakes that plagued him in 20005 and 2006 when he threw 29 and 18 interceptions, respectively.

He might not wow fantasy owners, but he won’t frustrate them either. Instead, the likely scenario is a 3800+ yard season with 20+ touchdowns and 14-15 interceptions.

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