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NFL: 30 of the biggest what-ifs in NFL history

By Hans Themistode

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - AUGUST 24: Andrew Luck #12 of the Indianapolis Colts on the sidelines during the preseason game against the Chicago Bears at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 24, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - AUGUST 24: Andrew Luck #12 of the Indianapolis Colts on the sidelines during the preseason game against the Chicago Bears at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 24, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /
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Brett Favre
Brett Favre (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

NFL: 30 of the biggest what-ifs in NFL history: 22. The New Orleans Saints play a clean game

There’s no denying how great quarterback Brett Favre was. Time and time again, the Hall of Famer has torched NFL teams and single-handedly won games. During the 2009 NFL season, there wasn’t a single team that had an answer for Favre and his Minnesota Vikings. He threw for 4,202 yards and 33 touchdowns. Even Favre’s tendency for throwing interceptions was kept at a minimum as he only threw seven, the second-lowest of his career. At the age of 40, Favre was setting his own personal records, completing a career-best 68.4%.

With a chance to make it to the Super Bowl, the Vikings fell just short against the New Orleans Saints by a score of 31-28. For the vast majority of Favre’s career, he was lauded as being as tough as they come. With that said, the beating he took in that game was like no other. Favre would routinely find himself hitting the ground long after he got rid of the ball. In several instances, he was forced to miss a play due to the volume of hits he was taking.

After filing a report with the league, it was later discovered that the former Saints Defensive Coordinator Gregg Williams was primarily responsible for the actions of his players. The Saints organization essentially placed bounties on the heads of opposing quarterbacks, paying players who in turn, knocked out opposing signal-callers. The suspensions were heavy and widespread, including general manager Mickey Loomis who was forced to sit out eight games the following season and head coach Sean Payton who was sidelined for the entire year.

Though he’s an all-time great, Favre is always knocked down a peg or two due to him winning only one Super Bowl. If “Bountygate” never existed, there’s a good chance Favre, at the age of 40 would have hoisted the Lombardi. His placement amongst his quarterback peers would be highly elevated. It’s a bitter pill to swallow for Favre as he’ll never know how high up the quarterback hierarchy he could’ve been.

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