Sam Bradford got off to a hot start before, when less than two weeks after being traded to Minnesota he threw for nearly 300 yards in a win over Green Bay at U.S. Bank Stadium.

The Vikings, of course, started 5-0 before the wheels came off of the offense with injuries and an ineffective run game dampening their potential.

So what's different this time?

Plenty on both sides of the ball. We discussed on the latest Access Vikings podcast with myself, Ben Goessling and Michael Rand. You can also find us on iTunes and Google Play.

While you're here, take a look at the Vikings' rushing leaders through their undefeated start last season, by week:

Adrian Peterson: 31 yards at Tennessee

Peterson: 19 yards vs. Green Bay

Jerick McKinnon: 45 yards at Carolina

McKinnon: 85 yards vs. New York

Matt Asiata: 55 yards vs. Houston

So if you're looking for a reason for optimism after Monday night, look no further than a ground game that produced, especially when it needed to in the fourth quarter against the Saints.

Running back Dalvin Cook struggled early before breaking some big runs. The rookie had just 22 yards on eight carries at halftime, only starting his explosive night in the fourth quarter with gains of 32 and 33 yards.

Up next is a Steelers defense that limited Browns running back Isaiah Crowell to 1.9 yards rushing in their season-opening win.