Vikings prepare for loud environment against desperate opponent

Adam Zimmer is now the Vikings linebackers coach, but he was on the opposite sideline during the 2009 NFC Championship Game.

Serving as an assistant linebackers coach for the Saints against the Vikings, Zimmer recalled the defense having helmet communicator issues because of the deafening noise inside the Superdome.

"It was so loud, [Jonathan] Vilma was our signal guy and he couldn't hear us," Zimmer said. "So I had to signal to him a lot during that game so he could get the call."

The stakes aren't quite as high in a Week 3 matchup, but don't expect that rowdy Saints crowd to ease up in their home opener Sunday.

Even if running back Adrian Peterson did play, which he won't after being placed on the exempt list Wednesday, it'd be a tough task for the Vikings to jet out of New Orleans with a victory.

"I've never played there, but from what I've heard, it's probably the loudest stadium in the NFL," right guard Brandon Fusco said.

The Saints lost their first two games by a combined five points against the Falcons and Browns. Many had predicted the Saints would win the NFC South, which is still possible, but they've dug an early hole in their quest to make the playoffs in three of the four years since winning Super Bowl XLIV in 2010.

Falcons kicker Matt Bryant tied the score at 34 as time expired on a 51-yard field goal to force overtime and later won the game on a 52-yard field goal. Last week, Browns kicker Billy Cundiff nailed a 29-yard field goal with three seconds left on a 14-play, 85-yard drive in 2:43 that gave the Saints their second loss.

"There is obviously a sense of urgency," Saints coach Sean Payton said. "There's a sense of urgency in practice to clean up some of the things that have hurt us. I thought the response and the way we've practiced [on Wednesday] was a good sign."

Most of the blame falls in the defense's hands, because the Saints offense, led by quarterback Drew Brees, is near the top of the league in the main statistical categories. The Saints are third in yards per game (434.5) and points per game (29) and are converting 57.6 percent on third downs. The only knock is the turnover differential. The Saints have committed four turnovers, with Brees throwing two interceptions.

"Turnovers, we can eliminate those to a better extent," Brees said. "It starts with me. Literally what it comes down to is making one more play than we've been making. Each of these last two games for us have come down to the final possession, the final play. I felt like we had opportunities in those games to make it where it wouldn't come down to that where we would be the ones making the play to win the game as opposed to the other way around."

Peterson won't be the only prominent running back absent for Sunday's game. The Saints will be without running back Mark Ingram, who is out indefinitely because of a fractured hand. Ingram was off to a fast start with 143 rushing yards on 24 carries and three touchdowns in his contract season before the injury. He'll be replaced by the trio of Khiry Robinson, Pierre Thomas and Travaris Cadet.

The Saints are fortunate to be returning home seeking a victory. As for the environment, Vikings coach Mike Zimmer pumps in crowd noise during practice to help prepare for road games. It'll be as close as the players will get to simulating the home-field advantage. Zimmer isn't planning on having his players wear earplugs, but they'll somehow have to tune out the noise.

"It's something you'll remember," Fusco said. "It's a pretty loud place, but I'm ready for it."