Last winter, at a time the Vikings were exploring a trade for Texans quarterback Sage Rosenfels, Minnesota head coach Brad Childress kept studying tape of opposing team’s personnel.

When he flipped on tape of an opposing defensive player, his attention kept drifting to the opposing quarterback the player was trying to bring down. Childress’ attention quickly shifted from the defensive player to then Rams quarterback Gus Frerotte, who hung in the pocket, fought off pressure, completed precise throws and made his mark in Minnesota.

Shortly after trade talks for Rosenfels broke off — the Vikings were offering a third-round pick, the Texans wanted a second-round pick — Minnesota signed Frerotte. But had Childress not been studying the videotape of a certain defensive player, he might not have noticed Frerotte. And Frerotte might not be starting Sunday versus Carolina.