First. Unless I missed something isn't Derrick Brooks still out there. Older yes but we need a guy familiar and experienced in the middle. He has played the 2 coverage and the last I heard he was keeping in shape for such a scenario rather than risk what is left of his carreer on a cheap contract. Playing Jasper at Mike isn't a good idea unless it is all we have. Brooks would bring in the mental experience needed. Much like BF does, management experience.

2nd- I had posted how the D seemed to let down against a couple teams (Balt. for one) and seemed to put the accelorator on coast. Then we have two overwhelming wins against weak Seattle and Chicago teams. I just don't think there was a sense of intensity. Not only the D line but everywhere. Seconadary looked weak. Once again we didn't seem to have a strategy or alternative plan (coaching)until we hit Percy deep, and a little too late, we really didn't test their deep coverage. That could lso be cause the route running looked horrible. No one seemed intent on putting on the burners or decoying away from the play. This left Favre with no check down options.

Third- I agree with Gonzo and his "Panic button" article. Do you remember out record last year at this time? Like teams like Pittsburg who didn't look Super Bowl material, late season lessons made them tough when it counted. We must use this and realize talent alone just doesn't do it. Maybe this is what we needed to get realistic. Every game from here on must be won with more heart and urgency. Maybe this is what it took to get us to realize that no one will bow down and quit. Washington, Oakland and even Tenn. showed us that this past weekend.

It is time to start playing playoff mentality ball if we want to have that carry into the playoffs. I don't know what the coaches are saying but I would have a big time "Come to Jesus" meeting with these guys and lay it on the line. Sorry to say but my favorites need to be taken to the woodshed. Adrian, hold that damn ball right and hit that line and create holes. You looked like you wanted their D to just let you pass. Jared looked like he was playing with a hangover and Edwards had a chance to take advantage and didn't. Where was kevin? Phat Pat was the only guy who looked hungary. Secondary, you better study a lot of film cause this is what Brees will bring to the table. Sid and Bernard, you have to make the corners think the ball is coming to you even when it isn't and for heavens sake, make evey route deceptive. You may be the 2nd or 3rd option. Going thru the motions won't break a big opening.

Time to take this to the classroom. Teams that win will learn from their errors. Players look inside themselves and say "what did I do wrong" No the other way around.

We are not sunk, but unless we take this to school, it can easily be one and out in the playoffs. We know we are better than that.

Prayers go up for EJ. What a discouraging feeling he must have right now. Guys. You can send letters to players via Viking front office. They do get them.. A stack of get well cards from his fans would help some