The Saints are so much better than the Vikings, we'll give them a pass for starting today's game with little interest.
After starting the game with a lost fumble -- on the third play of the game -- and a three-and-out, the Saints went 84 yards in 10 plays to take a 7-3 lead on a 5-yard touchdown pass from Drew Brees to Lance Moore. Brees took control of the game with that drive, overcoming a 40-yard touchdown pass that was nullified by a holding penalty.
The Saints took the 7-3 lead into the start of the second quarter.
The Vikings took a 3-0 lead on a 44-yard field goal. That capped a four-play, ZERO-yard drive. The score was set up when Saints tight end Jimmy Graham fumbled the ball away on the third play of the game. Jamarca Sanford caused the fumble and Mistral Raymond returned it to the Saints' 26-yard line.
The Vikings opened the game in a nickel defense. The corners were Marcus Sherels, Brandon Burton and Asher Allen. Cedric Griffin, as expected, was benched. Benny Sapp didn't play the first series, which wasn't expected. He came in on the second series, so it could be a disciplinary measure.
Allen left the game during the Saints' touchdown drive. He was tended to on the sideline. He returned briefly and then went to the locker room with "concussion-like symptoms." His return was announced as "doubtful."
