ShareThisAnyone who expects Brett Favre to be gloating because Brad Childress is no longer his head coach doesn't know Favre very well. The Minnesota Vikings quarterback wasn't a Childress supporter, but he is too cool a customer to tip his hand.
What Favre also has is a new lease on life, at least for the next six games. Leslie Frazier's promotion from defensive coordinator to interim coach means Favre will see his head coach as an ally instead of a potential adversary when it comes to running the offense. And, if Favre has his way, it will be a simplified system.
"We have six games left; I hope to finish them all," said Favre, who has an NFL-high 17 interceptions. "To make that clear, I want to finish on a high note if my body will allow me and I can play up to my expectations, my standards. I want to do it. After the (Packers) game, I wasn't implying that I wouldn't do it. I want to get this team back on track."
How much different will the Vikings' West Coast offense look at Washington on Sunday with Frazier, Favre and offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell running things? That remains to be seen.
Favre joked that the Vikings (3-7) would come out running the wishbone before turning serious.
"It's not like you're going to see a whole new offense," he said.
While his expertise is on the other side of the ball, it's clear Frazier will be involved in the offense. Play-calling responsibilities remain with Bevell.
One of the criticisms of Childress from veteran quarterbacks was that he didn't welcome their attempts to provide input in the game plan. Frazier made it clear he will welcome Favre's ideas "wholeheartedly."
"I witnessed it with Peyton Manning and the effect that it had on our offense in Indianapolis when he'd come in on Tuesday and give suggestions," said Frazier, a Colts assistant in 2005-06. "Brett's no different. He's a Hall of Fame quarterback. He's seen just about every defensive front and coverage that you can see. His input will be invaluable. At the same time, there are going to be some ideas and some thoughts that may not necessarily be a part of what we do."
Favre's biggest contribution might have been the suggestion to condense the playbook and return to basics.
"Every playbook across this league is way too thick," he said. "You never practice it all. How can you become consistent if you're running a different play every week out of different formations with a different motion with different guys? (That) has been the case for us this year.
"I always say if I were a coach, which will never happen, I would be very simple and be more, 'They have to stop what you do.' You think those guys crack that book, go through all 500 pages? C'mon. You could hide a couple hundred dollar bills in there."
Favre said he did not see Childress as he left after being dismissed but sent him a text message that, as of Wednesday afternoon, had not been returned.
"I can't say I was surprised or shocked (by the move),'' Favre said. "It's kind of the way our season has gone. Ultimately it falls back on the players individually whether you like your coach, you get along with him, agreed with what is called or not called. You still have to play."
Favre, however, might be much happier playing in this offense come Sunday.
(Contact Judd Zulgad at zulgadj(at)startribune.com.)
(Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service, www.scrippsnews.com.)
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