40-year old Brett Favre had a first during the 2010 NFC Divisional Playoffs.

Favre threw 4 touchdowns (for the first time in his playoff career) and the Minnesota Vikings manhandled the Dallas Cowboys, 34-3.  Sidney Rice was on the receiving end of three of those touchdowns as the Vikings scored 17 fourth-quarter points to seal the victory.

There was a little bit of controversy near the end of the game.  On a 4th-and-3 with 1:55 remaining in the game, Brett Favrethrew a 11-yard TD pass which ran the score to 34-3.  Members of the Cowboys felt that the final score was uncalled for…particularly when Minnesota had the game well in hand.  Dallas linebacker Keith Brooking called it “totally classless and disrespectful”.

Tony Romo was under pressure all game long.

Regardless of the late-game situation, the Vikings dominated the game from start to finish.  Three Dallas turnovers stunted their offensive momentum and kept them out of rhythm.  Tony Romo struggled (including his two lost fumbles) and was unable to get any big yardage on his pass plays.  He was sack six times by Viking defenders.

The Vikings kept their play-callinghonest – running 26 times with superstar back Adrian Peterson and passing 24 times with Favre.  The mix helped them to move the ball effectively through the air.  Favre completed 15 passes for 234 yards.

The Minnesota win sets the stage for a dynamic NFC conference championship which will features the two teams with the best records in the conference.  The Vikings will square off against the Saints in a much anticipated showdown next weekend.