EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. — Brad Childress and Brett Favre talked twice this week about moving forward from their animated disagreement on the Minnesota sideline last week over the coach's suggestion his grizzled quarterback should come out of the game.

Conflict over?

That's what they insisted yesterday, blaming the high-profile nature of national television and one of the most famous players in football history for what they declared a blown-out-of-proportion issue.

"I think it's all resolved, first of all," Favre said, adding: "The fact that we've lost two of the last three — the frustration is going to show. It should."

The Vikings (11-3) are trying to get back on track before the playoffs, but the Favre-led offense has found trouble for the first time this season. Minnesota has lost two of the last three games, and Favre has thrown for only three touchdowns with four interceptions this month.

The offense clearly needed a spark against the Panthers last Sunday night, and Childress was justifiably concerned for Favre's health while taking several hard hits from Julius Peppers and a fierce defense.

The report by ESPN, citing unnamed sources, that Childress and Favre have clashed over the in-game authority for calling the plays, provided some unsubstantiated evidence for the tension. It also cast doubt about their chemistry, but both of them attempted to downplay any lingering dissension.

"I think the team as well as the coaching staff knows where I stand and what I stand for, as I do them," Favre said. "We're trying to do this thing together."

The coach offered as much.

"I feel like I have a good relationship with him," Childress said. "I don't think anything has really changed. Have we learned from each other since September or August? I'm sure we have."