Eric Mangini, the New York Jets' head coach last season, had nothing but positive things to say today about his experience coaching Brett Favre in 2008.
Mangini (now head coach of the Cleveland Browns) said he never thought about pulling Favre (now with the Minnesota Vikings) late last season when the veteran quarterback was hampered by a torn biceps muscle. Mangini said his decisions were based on "playing guys that give us the best chance to win that week."
He also said he never considered Favre's starting streak (now at 269), and he insisted that Favre was not to blame for the team's travails, despite the unimpressive numbers.
After an 8-3 start, the Jets finished 1-4, with Favre throwing nine touchdowns against nine interceptions during that stretch.
For the season, Favre led the league with 22 interceptions, and his passer rating of 81.0 was 21st in the NFL.
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"With that stretch there, there were things that we all could have done better," Mangini said. "I could have done a better job as a head coach. There are things that the players could have done in all three phases. I believe that winning and losing is something that's shared in a team game.
"You can always find an area where you can improve in. I don't think it ever falls on one person."
Mangini said Favre quickly developed a rhythm with Jets receivers.
"And the great thing about Brett, he is equal opportunity," Mangini said. "If you're open, he's going to throw you the
ball."
Mangini also dismissed reports after the season that Favre was not an ideal teammate and isolated himself.
"I can tell you, without a doubt or unequivocally, that I never saw those things," Mangini said. "I saw a very good teammate that was very focused on winning."
-- Copyright (c) 2009, St. Paul Pioneer Press/Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.
