Brian Murphy, who covers the Vikings for the Pioneer Press, took some time to discuss Brett Favre, Randy Moss and a handful of other marquee topics.
NESN: From a pure football perspective, which quarterback gives the Vikings a better chance to beat the Patriots?
Brian Murphy: Despite his obvious hobbling and penchant for turnovers this season (14 through six games), a more experienced Brett Favre still gives Minnesota a better chance to win its first road game of the season than a more mobile yet rusty Tarvaris Jackson, who has not started since January 2009.
NESN: Has Randy Moss helped improve the Vikings’ offense?
B.M.: Although Moss only is averaging four catches and 55 yards in his first three games back in Minnesota, he has caught two touchdowns and consistently draws double coverage that allowed Percy Harvin to have a breakout game last week against Green Bay. Compared to the offensive rut the Vikings were in before his arrival, Moss has helped both directly and indirectly.
NESN: Sacks can be a fluky stat. Is that the case with Jared Allen, or is he really having a bad season?
B.M.: All the talk about opposing quarterbacks utilizing three-step drops and screen passes to evade Allen and the Vikings’ once-vaunted rush goes out the window considering the Packers felt safe enough to have Chad Clifton block him one-on-one most of last week. The Vikings are paying Allen more than $7.7 million for one thing, and Allen knows this. That is why he spent his normal off-day Tuesday studying film to search for ways to break out of his slump.
NESN: What is your take on Brad Childress‘ decision to call out the Patriots for stealing signs, and how has that trash talk been received in the Minnesota market?
B.M.: The Favre drama is sucking all the oxygen out of the room so Childress’ curious reference to the Patriots allegedly stealing his signs in a 31-7 loss four years ago mostly fell on deaf ears.
NESN: How long is Childress’ leash? Is a midseason firing a real possibility?
B.M.: The Vikings extended Childress’ contract last season through 2013, and barring a complete meltdown in the next 3-4 weeks, or a locker room mutiny — neither of which are mutually exclusive — Childress should survive the season.
