Vikings Week 1 scouting report: New Orleans

• Saints are coming off three consecutive 7-9 seasons, marking the first time New Orleans has missed three consecutive postseasons since quarterback Drew Brees was acquired in 2006.

• Brees begins his 17th NFL season fewer than 6,000 passing yards shy of surpassing Brett Favre for second on the all-time list. He's averaged more than 5,000 passing yards each of the past six seasons.

• Adrian Peterson, who established his Hall of Fame career with 10 seasons for the Vikings, is now part of a three-headed Saints backfield behind starting running back Mark Ingram.

• The Saints offense will be without two starters in left tackle Terron Armstead, who underwent shoulder surgery in June, and receiver Willie Snead, who was suspended three games for violating the league's personal conduct policy.

• Peterson, entering his 11th season, debuts for his new team in a crowded Saints backfield alongside Ingram, the established starter, and rookie Alvin Kamara, a third-round pick.

• Peterson is 16th on the all-time rushing list with 11,747 yards, second among active rushers behind only Indianapolis' Frank Gore (13,065).

• On his expectations for returning to Minnesota: "I think it'll be a warm welcoming reception. I don't see why it would be any other way. Ten years played there and a lot of good memories there. Being the face of the franchise for so long and giving them everything I've got."

• Payton enters his 11th NFL season as Saints coach with a 94-66 record in the regular season and 6-4 in the playoffs.

• On the Saints' retooled defense featuring rookie 11th-overall pick CB Marshon Lattimore: "You're always anxious as a coach. We've got a handful of young players that will have to quickly get up to speed."

• On Vikings coach Mike Zimmer, Payton's coworker in Dallas from 2003 to '05: "His teams play with tremendous discipline. You can see when you look at all the traits. They're smart football teams."

• On how Peterson is handling being part of a RB committee: "I think well. He understands it's not just any one play. It's being consistent, getting ready to play and trusting the plan."

ANDREW KRAMMER