{image1} The Packers looked to have every advantage going into Sunday's NFC playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings.

Randy Moss had created dissension by leaving the field early in the Vikings last regular season game. The game was at Lambeau Field, and the Pack beat the Vikes twice by 34-31 scores during the regular season. The Vikings had backed into the playoffs at 8-8.

But, you could throw all that out of the window in the opening minutes, as the Vikings scored the first 17 points of the contest. Then, in a desperate attempt to catch up, Brett Favre threw four interceptions and the Packers just did not execute well enough to continue playing this season.

Coach Mike Sherman and his players denied they took the Vikings too lightly because of the two regular season wins. They said they prepared well for Minnesota.

But, the fact remains that the Packers did not step up their play to playoff level, while the Vikings, despite all the controversy and dissension, did.

"After beating them twice, we knew a third game would be difficult," Favre said. "To win, we had to play almost flawless football. We didn't do that today."

Daunte Culpepper struck so quickly that the Packers' defense didn't recover until it was too late. Culpepper hit Mo Williams for a 68-yard touchdown on the third play of the game and after the Packers went three and out struck again to Moss. Morten Anderson added a field goal before the Packers could shake their heads and even start to regroup.

Minnesota and Green Bay came into the game ranked as the two worst defensive teams to make the playoffs in NFL history, but the Vikings picked it up a notch. They intercepted Favre four times, with Brian Williams getting two.

When the Packers did manage to close twice within one touchdown, the Vikings held the Pack until the Minnesota offense could counter. Minnesota scored 31 points for the third time against Green Bay, but this time held the Packers to only 17.

The Packers also were hurt by injuries to wide receiver Javon Walker and tackle Chad Clifton during the game, but it's questionable whether they could have made much difference.

So, the Vikings advance to play Philadelphia in the second round of the playoffs next weekend. The Packers take a 10-7 record, including only 4-5 at Lambeau, into an off-season that will have a lot of questions.

Will Favre decide he's had enough? Does he still have it in big playoff games?

Will defensive coordinator Bob Slowik be held accountable for a defense that was worse than the unit under Ed Donatell, who was fired after last season? What will the Packers do to improve their feeble tackling?

Can Sherman prepare the team for big playoff games? Will he be under the microscope next season, the last on his contract?

In Titletown, when you exit the playoffs early, with a poor performance like Sunday's, questions like that are bound to be asked.

Players of the Game

Culpepper gets the main honor after running for 54 yards and completing 19 of 29 passes for 284 yards and four touchdowns.

The others, believe it or not, are Minnesota defensive players. Williams gets the top honor for his two interceptions. Defensive back Antoine Winfield and linebacker Chris Claiborne also get special mention.

Give an honorable mention to Vikings' center Matt Birk, who reportedly rallied the Vikings after Moss's copout last weekend and got them back together as a team.

Plays of the Game

In general, the Vikings' first three scoring plays, and Favre's four interceptions, were key.

But, four plays right before halftime might have made huge differences. First Russell intercepted a Favre pass, and just two plays later Culpepper passed 19 yards to Nate Burleson for a touchdown that made the score 24-10.

The Packers then went on a long drive from their own 10 deep into Minnesota territory, but on third down Favre scrambled past the line of scrimmage and seemed to have a shot at either scoring or getting close to the goal line. Instead, he flipped the ball into the end zone even though it was clear he had passed the line of scrimmage by about four yards.

It cost the Packers five yards on a penalty. Ryan Longwell, kicking on a messed up field, missed a 28-yard field goal. All momentum was lost for the start of the second half.

One additional play deserves mention because it once again showed Moss's lack of class. After he caught his second touchdown pass, he pretended to shoot the moon at the Packers' crowd.

Goats of the Game

The list is long for the Packers. Favre gets a set of horns for his four interceptions. In the post-game press conference, a disappointed Favre took his share of the blame for the loss and said he would talk with his family about his future after taking some time off. "It would be difficult making a decision right now," he said.

Cornerback Ahmad Carroll again was called for some holding and interference penalties and was burned for one of the Minnesota TDs. Al Harris and Mark Roman could be seen arguing on the sidelines after they had messed up coverage on a touchdown. Apparently, the Vikings aren't the only team with some dissension problems.

Slowik gets a set of horns. He did not get his defensive unit ready for the Vikings until it was too late. The Packers' tackling in the first half was sloppy. Plus, he apparently couldn't even get them on the same page in other ways.

Finally, give Moss a set of horns for his classless act after the touchdown. This guy is so talented, but he finds a different way of showing he is a low-life almost every week.

Next Week

There isn't any for the Packers. All they can do is go home and ponder those questions posed earlier in this column, and many more.