EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. -- Brett Favre's unfathomable season in Minnesota could be analyzed like a corporate earnings report.
Through two quarters, the Vikings are meeting -- or beating -- expectations. How, then, will Favre fare in the next half of the 2009 season given his recent performances of fading down the stretch?
The answer won't come until later, but Favre could not have done more to fuel confidence in his ability to hold up.
Sixteen touchdown passes, only three interceptions and a completion percentage of 68 have equaled seven victories and one loss for the Vikings.
"It's a pretty good position to be in at the bye week," Favre said in Green Bay after beating his old team for a second time.
With a firm grip on the NFC North race and a good vibe among Vikings coaches and players, the reviews of this glaring move to bring in the 40-year-old Favre are naturally glowing.
"Everybody is working well together," defensive end Ray Edwards said. "There's no separation, there's no division, and no schism."
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All those durability records aside, Favre must get as much treatment as he can given his age.
He looked old and played cold at the end of the 2007 season when the Packers lost in the NFC championship game. Last year in New York, another strong start gave way to a poor finish while Favre's rocket right arm fell apart with biceps problems.
Favre has landed on the injury report this season with foot, ankle, knee and hip issues. He complained of a strained groin before the Green Bay game last week.
According to sports researcher STATS LLC, Favre has been knocked down 40 times and hurried eight times. Through the first eight games in 2008, he was knocked down 39 times and hurried 14 times.
Favre took 16 sacks with the Jets in the first half of the season and 30 overall, his most since 2000. Through eight games this year, he has been sacked 18 times.
The heat actually helps him, even though it might lead to more Monday morning soreness.
The Jets started 8-3 with Favre last season but missed the playoffs. These Vikings appear better poised for championship contention. With Adrian Peterson running through the line, Percy Harvin returning kickoffs and Jared Allen racking up sacks, Favre isn't forced to do it all. Despite throwing 50 passes in the loss at Pittsburgh, he is only on pace for 512 attempts. That would be his fewest since 2003.
As the Vikings chase New Orleans (7-0) for the NFC lead, their schedule is favorable: three straight home games following the bye, and only one game in the cold when they visit Chicago on Monday night, Dec. 28.
"That's the satisfactory part. We haven't underachieved," Favre said.
