Majik: Can you explain why it seems Brett Favre always calls the same color and number at the line of scrimmage? He always seems to call "Blue 58." And if that doesn't go right, he seems to call "Green 18." How does the color/number scheme work? Thanks. I really enjoyed watching you play QB. - Dave, Scottsdale, Ariz.
Dave: Thanks for the great question! A quarterback has the autonomy to call any color with any number he pleases during his cadence. If the play that is called in the huddle is the play the quarterback ends up running, then there is no significant meaning to what color and numbers he chooses.
When I played, my favorite cadence was "Blue 60" and "Red 88." However, if a quarterback wants to change the called play in the huddle at the line, he must audible to a 'live color and number." The team will have certain live colors i.e.: white and black. That color alerts the offense that the play is being changed. After the live color is commanded, it will be followed by certain terms that indicate a specific play. Here's an example: Set, Black 200 Jet Dragon, Black 200 Jet Dragon, hut, hut. 200 Jet notifies the line what pass protection is being called, and the "Dragon" tells the receivers what routes to run.
Do you think the firing of Mike Sherman will affect Brett Favre's decision to retire or not retire? What if they brought in a coach that he was familiar with and knew the type of offense they would run? - Diane, Lake Havasu City, Ariz.
Diane: I don't know if the firing of Head Coach Mike Sherman will have any affect on Favre's decision to retire or not. f there is an outside chance of Favre's return, I would think the team would have to hire a coach who runs the same offensive system. It would be an awful lot to ask a 16-year veteran QB to learn a new offense if you only plan on playing one more year.
Don "Majik" Majkowski was inducted into the Green Bay Packer Hall of Fame earlier this year. His career for the Packers spanned six seasons (1987-92), including being named to the Pro Bowl in 1989 when he led the NFL in passing yards. In addition to his duties with Packers.com, Majik provides football analysis for WSSP-AM, SportsRadio 1250 in Milwaukee, WDUZ SportsRadio 107.5 & 1400 The Fan in Green Bay, WTSO - ESPN 1070 in Madison, WDEZ in Wausau, and WIZD in Stevens Point. Visit Majik's Web site, www.majiknetwork.net, for more information.
