NFL Kickoff 2010: Saints edge Vikings in sloppy opener..
Written by The Go-To-Man Mattie T. on September 10, 2010
In a sloppy game that featured some uncharcteristic play from two top-tier offenses, the New Orleans Saints used a strong defensive effort to beat the Minnesota Vikings 14-9 on Thursday evening from the Louisiana Superdome.
The Saints had no problems getting off to a fast start, as they completed a 77-yard drive in exactly 2 minutes to begin the game, as Drew Brees capped it off with a 29-yard touchdown pass to Devery Henderson.
After that point, Minnesota had the momentum shift their way, as a 41-yard field goal by Ryan Longwell & 20-yard touchdown pass from Brett Favre to Visante Shiancoe gave the Vikings a 9-7 halftime lead (Longwell’s extra point following Shiancoe’s TD was blocked)
The second half was dominated by the Saints’ defense, as they held the Vikings scoreless.
Minnesota’s entire offense converted just two first downs after halftime, while Favre didn’t complete a single 2nd half pass until the 9 minute mark of the 4th quarter.
Other than Greg Camarillo’s nifty 29-yard grab on 3rd down, the Vikings had trouble trying to find a go-to guy for injured wideout Sidney Rice.
Adrian Peterson was solid with 87 yards on 19 carries for a 4.6 average, but he didn’t have any runs for 20 yards or more.
On the Saints’ end, Drew Brees put in a nice game as he completed 27 of 36 passes for 237 yards & a touchdown for a 101.3 quarterback rating.
Bryant McKinnie left Thursday’s game with a finger injury, so his status for Minnesota’s Week 2 game against Miami is uncertain at this time.
The Saints will enjoy a 10-day break before traveling to San Francisco to play the 49ers next week on Monday Night Football.
