The firing of Brad Childress by Minnesota Vikings owner Zygi Wilf on Monday certainly didn't come as a shock, but it might leave Atlanta Falcons coach Mike Smith wondering just a bit.   The week before the bye, the Packers sent Wade Phillips packing with the Dallas Cowboys after the 45-7 rout dropped Dallas to 1-7.  After the bye, the 31-3 dismantling of the Vikes was the end of the line for Chilly.  Next up, the Falcons in Atlanta, but at 8-2, don't think lightning will strike three times.  The ouster of Childress will have far reaching implications for the Vikes. Defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier takes over through the final 6 weeks but Minnesota will also lose Brett Favre at quarterback, assuming he follows through on his vow that this is definately it.  The Vikings have 17 unrestricted free agents at the end of the season.  This could turn into a sizeable rebuilding project.

The Packers came out of the Viking game in relatively good medical shape.  Atari Bigby pulled a hamstring and Anthony Smith sprained and ankle and head coach Mike McCarthy said on Monday both might not be available this week.  Center Scott Wells is dealing with a strained arch and may miss some practice time.  McCarthy said veterans Ryan Pickett and Donald Driver both got through the game fine after missing parts or all of several contests with ankle and quad injuries respectively.