"Minnesota Vikings left tackle Bryant McKinnie had a career highlight last season by earning a Pro Bowl spot, but he also had a career lowlight when he was benched after a rough December outing against Julius Peppers.

Asked if he's looking forward to the rematch, McKinnie said in an e-mail, ''Hell, yeah.''

The most memorable part of a 26-7 loss to the Carolina Panthers in Charlotte was the postgame clash between Vikings coach Brad Childress and quarterback Brett Favre. But McKinnie struggled against Peppers -- then with the Panthers -- and committed one false start and allowed one sack and several quarterback pressures.

''It was a bad game, and it bothered me,'' McKinnie said. ''I didn't feel I was at my best.''

But McKinnie said he was battling injuries, including plantar fasciitis, and he feels much better this time around."