ESPN is taking some time out from their salivation over the Dallas Cowboys to pay tribute to Brett Favre as he stands on the precipice of history (again).  Len Pasquarelli has a terrific piece on Favre and Dan Marino, whom he calls two of the game's last great gunslingers.

Meanwhile, Antonio Freeman, Jeff Garcia, and Merton Hanks all recall what makes Favre so special, and Jeffri Chadiha gives him a nice backhanded compliment. 

Here's the pull quote:

"Though the Packers can't be considered playoff contenders yet, what's apparent is that Favre believes he can lead this team to respectability if it can maintain some perspective about its start."

I'm sorry, Jeffri; why exactly can't the Packers be considered playoff contenders yet?  Are they not one of just five unbeaten teams?  Have they not beaten three straight 2006 playoff teams?  Was San Diego not picked by many to win the Super Bowl?  Was Philadelphia not picked by some to win the NFC?

What exactly does one have to do to be considered a "serious" playoff contender?  Oh wait, I know....be the Dallas Cowboys.