MINNEAPOLIS — Like voters flocking to the polls, Vikings fans loudly called for a change in leadership to save a fast-sinking season that started with Super Bowl aspirations.
The signs said it all — “Fire Chilly” — and there were thousands of them being handed out by grinning entrepreneurs outside the stadium before Sunday’s game against the Cardinals.
Boos came from the crowd as coach Brad Childress emerged from the tunnel leading to the field, and the “Fire Childress!” chants were audible several times throughout the afternoon.
Finally, as the Vikings rallied from a two-touchdown deficit late in the fourth quarter and pulled out an overtime victory, the chants changed to “Let’s go, Vikings!”
“I think they came expecting to see an execution,” Childress said. “And it ended up a pretty good football game at the end.”
Mired in controversy over his handling of the hasty decision to dump dissatisfied wide receiver Randy Moss, Childress acknowledged this week his expectation of the catcalls from frustrated customers.
Collie suffers concussion
PHILADELPHIA — Colts wide receiver Austin Collie suffered a concussion on a second-quarter hit to his head by Eagles safety Kurt Coleman.
Collie was “awake and alert in the (locker) room,” coach Jim Caldwell said after the Eagles’ 26-24 victory. “I think he’ll recover quickly. He’ll do OK.”
Eagles guard Max Jean-Gilles also left the game with a concussion, and safety Nate Allen left with upper back and neck injuries.
Stafford injures shoulder
DETROIT — Matthew Stafford’s return to the lineup lasted less than two games as the Lions’ quarterback hurt his right shoulder again late in his team’s loss to the Jets on Sunday.
With the Lions leading 20-10, Stafford was tackled trying to scramble deep in his own territory and landed on the shoulder. He separated the same shoulder in the season opener and missed the next five games, not returning until last week’s win over Washington.
“He’s very sore,” coach Jim Schwartz said.
Shockey is OK
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — X-rays on Saints tight end Jeremy Shockey’s ribs were negative after he was injured scoring a touchdown on his 500th career catch.
Shockey staggered to his feet and then walked to the locker room. He was sent to the hospital just before halftime.
“We took him just to make sure there was nothing else more serious,” coach Sean Payton said.
The Associated Press
