In their first trip to the Superdome since Brett Favre was brutalized in the 2009 NFC title game, a Vikings game swung on a roughing-the-passer penalty.
It wasn't exactly a makeup call.
In 2009 (actually January of 2010), the Saints smashed Favre at every opportunity, leaving him with a grotesquely swollen ankle and a severe limp. They were not called for their hits on Favre.
Sunday, the Vikings' defense was remarkably effective at bothering Saints quarterback Drew Brees. In the third quarter, on third-and-13, Vikings cornerback Captain Munnerlyn sacked Brees, pulling him backward. Brees landed on his neck and head.
The officials called roughing the passer, even though Munnerlyn did not bring down Brees violently.
Given a first down, the Saints drove for the touchdown that gave them a 20-9 lead. And that would be the final score.
The Saints drove for touchdowns on their first two drives, with the Vikings offering little resistance.
Then the Vikings' defense began stuffing the run, and forcing Brees to move his feet, disrupting the timing of the Saints' intricate passing game.
