Vikings: Sharper explains 'playmakers' issue

In the aftermath of the Vikings' 23-16 loss to Philadelphia on Sunday, Darren Sharper expressed frustration: "You have to get some playmakers. That is one thing you could do, get some playmakers or let your playmakers be playmakers."

On Wednesday, the veteran safety elaborated.

"We have the playmakers here that are necessary and can get the job done," he said. "But the thing you're saying about getting is more of with the players you have. What can you do to make them more of a playmaker? And what can they do to make more plays? If you have an opportunity to go get the ball or get this block, get this quarterback, cover your guy. That's what the game comes down to is making plays; when I say get more playmakers I mean just as far as the guys that you have. Make them step their game up."

Asked how this could be accomplished, Sharper said: "Just let them be playmakers. ... If you have guys that have a lot of special talents, have abilities, just go out there and let them do their thing."

Sharper considers himself in the playmaker category, and it's clear he feels he could do more to help this defense. He had an NFC-leading nine interceptions in his first season with the Vikings in 2005 but has six in 23 games playing in the Cover-2 scheme implemented last year.

"You know the nature of this defense is the safeties are just going to be back deep. You can't be involved," he said. "Would I like to have more opportunities to be free and be aggressive? Of course I would, because that's the type of game I have. But I have to accept the fact that our defense a lot of times does not call for me to do that."

Tick, tick, tick

Facing a noon deadline today to sell out Sunday's game and avoid their first blackout in 10 seasons, the Vikings had 1,350 tickets left Wednesday afternoon.

The game is scheduled to air on WCCO (Ch. 4), and there is a chance the CBS-owned station could step in to purchase the remaining tickets and ensure the Vikings' streak of sellouts reaches 100. Susan Adams Loyd, general manager of WCCO, said she will meet with Vikings officials this morning.

The Vikings also could apply for an extension from the NFL in order to give them more time to sell tickets. "Our discussions continue with WCCO management, but we have not formally asked the league office for an extension," said Steve LaCroix, Vikings vice president of sales and marketing.

Etc.

• Adrian Peterson was named the NFL's Offensive Rookie of the Month for October, making him the first rookie in the NFL to win the award in back-to-back months since Giants tight end Jeremy Shockey and Colts defensive end Dwight Freeney earned the honor in November and December of 2002. Peterson leads the NFL with 740 yards rushing.

• Cornerback Antoine Winfield was limited in practice Wednesday because of a sore hamstring. Defensive end Brian Robison missed practice because of an illness, and receiver Troy Williamson was absent so he could tend to a personal issue. Right tackle Ryan Cook (shoulder), linebacker Vinny Ciurciu (ankle), safety Dwight Smith (hamstring) and defensive end Erasmus James (shoulder) were limited.

Staff writer Kevin Seifert contributed to this notebook.

Judd Zulgad • jzulgad@startribune.com