The Patriots beat the Vikings on Sunday by turning three interceptions into 17 points. They had four interceptions in all off Matt Cassel to win 30-7 at TCF Bank Stadium.
Nobody expected that many interceptions, or that the Vikings would have a field goal blocked and returned for a touchdown, or that Adrian Peterson's absence would affect the team that much.
But one thing people did expect was that the Vikings' schedule would make it hard for them to get off to a good start.
The Patriots were a better team. Now the Vikings have to play at New Orleans, which has unexpectedly lost its first two games and cannot afford to go 0-3. The Saints will be ready for the Vikings.
Then the Falcons come to town with a very good quarterback in Matt Ryan. The Vikings could win that home game, but it won't be easy.
As for Game 5, the Vikings will not win at Green Bay. You can be assured of that.
The Lions are here in the sixth game, and new coach Jim Caldwell will have Detroit playing better than it has in the past.
So be prepared for some losses in the early part of the schedule, and a better record in the latter part of the schedule. If the Vikings can steal two or three wins in the first six games, they'll have a good chance to contend for the playoffs.
