Author: David Shama

Zygi Wilf created controversy among fans when the Vikings owner approved a contract extension for coach Brad Childress during the past season.  But after a 12-4 regular season, a second consecutive NFC North championship, a playoff win over Dallas and a near miss victory against New Orleans that would have sent the Vikings to the Super Bowl, the decision is justified.

It’s been reported that Childress was given an extension through 2013 and his annual compensation will be $4-$5 million.  The new terms were announced on November 19 when the Vikings had an 8-1 record.  The contract was both recognition of what Childress had achieved since taking over in 2006 and also apparently a management move to create stability in the organization.

Wilf and his ownership partners could have waited until season’s end to evaluate the contract situation.  That was a less risky move and one advocated by those who thought that despite annual improved records of 6-10, 8-8 and 10-6, Childress might not deserve to have his original five year contract upgraded (annual compensation reportedly at $2 million or less).

Childress hasn’t been a fan favorite from day one on the job.  He hasn’t always made the right decisions but then who does?  In Sunday night’s game against New Orleans the Vikings screwed up their field position for a potential game winning field goal by having 12 players on the field and being penalized five yards.

But coaching is much more difficult than most fans realize.  Childress hadn’t been a college or pro head coach prior to coming here, but he’s gained experience and improved since 2006.  His contract situation now reflects ownership’s faith in him and provides stability for the organization.

“As you look towards the off season, it’s definitely a nice comforting fact that you don’t have any questions regarding the leadership of this organization,” said linebacker Ben Leber.  “As a player you hate going through coaching changes.  You got extra mini camps (with a new coach) and…tough training camps.  I think the older guys appreciate that he’s going to be here.”

Leber, placekicker Ryan Longwell, offensive tackle Steve Hutchinson, and running back Chester Taylor were free agents that Childress brought to the roster for his first season. “Every year he’s added pieces to the puzzle,” Longwell said. “You can tell the personalities of the guys in the locker room are very much in the image that he sold to us…first class, (and) about wanting good guys who are good football players.”

Leber said Childress has “improved” as a head coach.  “He came in as a good coach and now he’s one of the better coaches in the league.”

Leber appreciates that Childress has made good on his vision for the franchise.  “He’s done great from the time that we came in together, until now,” he said.  “He’s built this organization and this locker room into a consistent winner, and that’s all you can ask for a coach.”

Vikings running back Adrian Peterson fumbled two times in the Saints game on Sunday night and probably contributed to a third fumble that was charged to quarterback Brett Favre.  Peterson, who has run for more than 1,300 yards in each of his three NFL seasons, had seven fumbles during the 2009 regular season.

Is his fumbling a serious problem?  “I don’t think you can say it’s a serious problem,” said teammate Ian Johnson.  “I don’t think there’s another human out there that can do most of the stuff he does.  We all have our flaws and I think that’s something that Adrian is going to work on. …The man is ridiculous and he’s just going to keep getting better, and I don’t think this will be any type of problem.”

Johnson, who was a rookie running back on the practice squad this season, said he’s signed a new contract that will have him back with the team when practice starts up again in March.  Johnson also said the possible departure of free agent running back Chester Taylor and the roster spot that could create was a factor in his decision to return here.

The NFL’s sudden death overtime rule is poor policy.  For a league that is a business model for professional sports, it’s difficult to understand why the overtime rule, particularly in the playoffs, doesn’t allow both teams to have possession of the football and the opportunity to score.

It’s amateurish to have a sudden death situation like Sunday night’s overtime game between the Saints and Vikings.  Those teams played 17 games each prior to Sunday night to qualify for the NFC championship game.  Then both teams made big plays to force an overtime that began with a coin flip to determine who receives the ball.  That’s way too much investment to allow a coin flip to play such a major role in determining the outcome of a championship game.

Vikings kicker Ryan Longwell talking about quarterback Brett Favre’s possible retirement: “My best evaluation is that he made up his mind a month ago and he’ll get a little healthier here over the next few weeks and make a decision. … I think it (the decision) will be sooner than later, but I think he will definitely give his body time to heal and recover.”

Vikings defensive tackle Pat Williams might also retire.  Kevin Williams, the Vikings other starting defensive tackle, said that Pat is his best friend on the team and he will try to persuade him to play another season.  “I’ll probably slip a few calls in there along the way,” Kevin said.  “He’s pretty smart about those things. …He knows his body and his self.  If he feels he can do it, he’ll be back.”

Kevin Williams talking about coming so close to making the Super Bowl, a once in a lifetime experience for most NFL players: “I don’t know if words can explain how terrible you feel afterwards.”

Many fans and media believe the Vikings are a better team than the Saints but Vikings linebacker Chad Greenway didn’t take that position.  “Clearly not,” he said.  “They won the game and that’s how you have to look at it.  You have to give them the credit.”

The January 18 issue of Sports Illustrated included the magazine’s 2010 preseason college football top 10.  Among the teams are three from the Big Ten Conference, No. 3 Ohio State, No. 5 Iowa and No. 10 Wisconsin.  The Gophers will play Ohio State and Iowa at home, with the Wisconsin game in Madison.  The top 10 rankings included No. 1 Alabama and (gulp) No. 2 Boise State.

“Sports Final,” with hosts Dean Dalton and Rod Simons, is now on Sundays from 10 to 10:30 p.m. on Ch. 23.  Dalton, the former Vikings assistant coach, will be in Miami for the Pro Bowl and Super Bowl working for NFL Radio on Sirius Satellite Radio.

Glenda Taylor-Huston, former wife of Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor, passed away earlier this week in Egypt.  She was a limited partner in the Timberwolves.  Condolences to family and friends.

Timberwolves No. 1 draft pick Ricky Rubio and his Regal FC Barcelona team begin the playoffs for the Euroleague Championship against Maroussi BC (Greece) on Saturday.  The game will be on NBA TV beginning at noon Minneapolis time.  Barcelona finished the regular season undefeated and is among the favorites to win the title after being a Final Four team in 2009.

A 1,000 pound Brahma bull, in town to promote the “World’s Toughest Rodeo,” will be at the Xcel Energy Center’s gate 1 tonight from 5 to 7 p.m. prior to the Wild’s game against the Red Wings.  The rodeo will be Friday-Saturday at Xcel Energy Center.