Vikings get break at ideal time

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (AP) — The first half of Brett Favre’s unfathomable season in Minnesota has been an unquestionable success.

Before the most important part begins, Favre and the Vikings can enjoy a welcome intermission. The later-than-usual break in the schedule comes at an ideal time, providing this veteran team the annual chance to recuperate as close to the stretch run as possible.

“Hopefully everybody will come back full and ready to go,” defensive end Ray Edwards said.

This is the latest bye Minnesota has had in 10 years. Sometimes a week off can squelch momentum, but the opportunity to return from the rest period refreshed mentally and physically is probably more critical for a 7-1 team.

“Fresh bodies. Fresh minds. Fresh brains, as you go forward,” coach Brad Childress said.

Plus, after the intensity of Sunday’s 38-26 victory over the Packers in Favre’s emotional return to Green Bay, a few days away from football seems appropriate.

“I think we’ve handled distractions pretty well. I think we should continue having distractions,” Favre said with a smirk after Sunday’s game. “I think we’ll find out how good we are. We’ve had some tough tests. For the most part, we’ve responded very well.”

In case the news didn’t get out yet, Favre passed for 244 yards and four touchdowns against his old team to help the Vikings take a firm hold on the NFC North race by winning one of the most hyped games in sports history.

Favre told Sports Illustrated’s Web site after the game he hurt his groin in practice last Wednesday and then aggravated the injury in pregame warmups, making him unable to move around in the pocket very well. Favre said about four hours after the game the muscle was “throbbing,” but Childress said Monday he wasn’t concerned.

“I was standing right behind him, watching him while he was warming up and saw him kind of reach for his groin and hold it and whatever you do with a groin,” Childress said, adding: “It twinged a little bit on him.”

During the week, Favre was listed as probable for the game because of his hip.

“All that stuff is lower chain. It kind of all fits together,” Childress said, assessing the groin and hip issues. “He was obviously able to practice through everything.”

XMonday’s Saints-Falcons game was not completed in time for this edition.