Jul 10th 2008 10:00AM by Josh Alper
While we wait for phase one of Brett Favre’s return, his letter requesting removal from the retired list, some have already moved onto phase two. That would be rampant speculation about what team might like to hand their offense over to him if the Packers stick with Aaron Rodgers. Any team without a decent quarterback is bound to get mentioned in such discussions.

Naturally, that brings us to the Baltimore Ravens. Joe Flacco is the future but the present may be Kyle Boller or Troy Smith, options that haven’t got many people brimming with confidence for the 2008 season. With a successor in place, wouldn’t Favre make a tasty short-term acquisition? Peter Schmuck of the says no.
The Ravens have legitimate concerns about the viability of Kyle Boller and Troy Smith, but they have installed a new coach and a new offensive coordinator and appear to be in the midst of a dynamic transition that could be sidetracked if the team gave into the temptation to go for a quick fix behind center.
I think Schmuck is absolutely right. The Ravens would probably win more games in 2008 with Favre but come this time next year they’d be in the same boat the Packers are in now. The last thing they need as they embark on a new era in the franchise history is an annual soap opera around Favre and Flacco. Long-term growth sometimes means short-term pain, that’s something the Ravens need to deal with to move forward.