Ahhh, the Philly game. The NFC Wild Card game at the Metrodome in which Jackson went 15 for 35, looked jumpy all game in the face of Philly’s pressure and threw a pick to Asante Samuel that got taken back for a score.

Minnesota lost 26-14. It still burns because the Vikings team that showed up that day was not the team that closed the season on a tear.

“It’s all about consistency,” Allen said. “You look at that Philly game, we screwed up two plays. We had a pick to the house and a screen where they called the right play against the right defense and they blocked it up (a 71-yard touchdown to Brian Westbrook). Two plays … I'll even take it to one play. We don’t let the screen go to the house, we win that game. But you notice that the teams that are consistently good come through. We were good and we were right there.”

There is no eye-rolling from Allen about Jackson’s performance that day. Despite the flirtations with Favre, the unity the team showed even on Day 1 of camp is either a pretty good act or the real thing.

“If I was in the spot (Jackson was in where the team considered a replacement), I’d go out and have the best year of my career,” Allen said. “And I’ve known TJ for a year. He’s a strong kid. He’s got all the elements to be a great player. In this situation you have to be strong minded to get through this. If you’re weak-minded you’ll fold. I don’t see that in him at all and I think he comes through this and you’ll see a better Tarvaris Jackson.”

The Favre Circus has ended. The klieg lights are out. And the Vikings are fine with the quiet.

“We’re not trying to hide from anybody but there’s nothing wrong with speaking softly and carrying a big stick,” Allen said. “My stance always was that (Favre) was a bonus. We have a phenomenal team. It is professional football. The wire is always open (for additions). But it’s over with. The people in this building are the ones we’ll win a championship with.”

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