About the Saints (0-2)
• The Saints lost to the Falcons and Browns by a combined five points in the first two weeks of the season.

• The Saints defense has allowed the second-most points per game (31.5) and the third-most yards per game (446) in the NFL through two games.

• New Orleans ranks third in the NFL in total yardage per game (434.5) and second in points (29) on offense.

• This will be the second matchup between the Vikings and Saints since the 2009 NFC Championship Game. The Saints defeated the Vikings in both 2009 and Week 1 in 2010.

• RB Mark Ingram is out indefinitely after fracturing his hand against the Browns.

Player Speak: QB Drew Brees

• Brees went 27-for-40 for 237 yards, two TDs and an interception against the Browns.
• He finished second in passing yards (5,162), touchdowns (39) and completion percentage (.695) last season.

• On the loss of Ingram: "He was running the ball so well and really had a great camp. Just all way around, he's been awesome. Of course we'll miss him, but that just opens up an opportunity for Khiry Robinson, Travaris Cadet and Pierre Thomas. Those guys are more than capable to carry the load and do what we need them to do."

• On 0-2 start:  "There's an extreme sense of urgency. We hate the fact that we're 0-2, and we can't do anything about it other than just worrying about the next game and the next opponent."

Coach Speak: Sean Payton

• The 50-year-old is in his seventh season with the Saints. He's 79-45.

• On game planning without running back Adrian Peterson: "You kind of treat it no different than we would finding out if a player is injured or not going to play. …We've tried to focus on the games we have, and there's obviously a change when a running back like him isn't playing."

• On addressing player scrutiny:  "There's an expectation level they have certainly here, and I can speak for our locker room and our team, and yet I can understand the dynamics around the league and some of the other challenges. I think our focus really right now, aside from paying attention to these issues and understanding each one being somewhat different, ... has been on the next game."

MASTER TESFATSION