Five keys to the Vikings-Saints game

FIVE KEYS

To the Vikings-Saints Game

By Judd Zulgad

1. Silence the fans

The Vikings know it's going to be extra loud in the Superdome and practiced with artificial noise all last week at Winter Park in order to get used to operating their offense in that environment. But the Vikings also could have a chance to shape the environment -- that's a Brad Childress favorite -- by getting off to a quick start and not allowing the fans to think they are playing a role in this game. An early touchdown could go a long way toward doing the trick.

2. Point of no return(s)

Reggie Bush returned two punts for touchdowns against the Vikings last season (71, 64 yards) at the Superdome and nearly broke loose for another. Childress was livid afterward that punter Chris Kluwe allowed Bush to even set up for returns. The Vikings will want to avoid any such problems by having Kluwe angle the ball for the sideline. This might sacrifice field position but that's better than the alternative.

3. It's not a Brees

The Vikings defensive line did a great job of getting a pass rush on Tony Romo last Sunday and continually disrupted the Cowboys quarterback. However, Saints quarterback Drew Brees can get the ball out quicker than Romo and has more potential receiving options. The hope for the Vikings defense will be that it can at least get Brees out of his rhythm and because the quarterback is only 6-feet it will be important for the linemen to get their hands up in order to get in his field of vision and potentially bat down passes.

4. Favre must come through

Poised to become the oldest quarterback to start a conference championship game (40 years, 106 days), Brett Favre has proven himself to be the most important piece to the Vikings' puzzle. He is going to need to continue to deliver the type of performance (four touchdowns, no interceptions) that he did last Sunday against Dallas.

5. Will Leber step up?

With the Vikings in nickel, Ben Leber will end up playing extensive time as the middle linebacker. That means the veteran will have plenty of responsibility when it comes to slowing Bush out of the backfield. Bush was fourth on New Orleans during the regular season with 47 catches and caught four more balls in the Saints' playoff victory over Arizona. Bush's receptions will put him past the first level of Vikings defenders and should mean the linebackers will get first crack at him.