NFL Opener...Saints/Vikings

Who dat team can't beat dem Saints? Who dat? Okay, it wasn't as dramatic as the NFC game from last season by a long shot. It was however an entertaining game for an opener and showed us that the Saints are kind of ready to make a run at defending their title. The opening drive gave me the feeling that we were in for an offensive onslaught due to the ease that Drew Brees breezed the Saints to a quick seven points. (Yes, that was a TERRIBLE play on words but, I digress) Five plays in two minutes did say that the Saints had an opening drive plan that was outstanding period! Brees was on target long, short and in the middle. Jared Allen looked like just another defensive end and the Vikings defense looked like a team that didn't belong on the field. Then, it all changed as the Vikings worked, and I mean worked, their way back into the game with a more recognizable defense and an offense that could move the ball but, couldn't close the deal with any touchdowns in the first half until 45 seconds remained when Brett Farve connected with Visanthe Shiancoe for a 20 yard TD pass. Minnesota was able to muster a total of 168 yards of offense in the first half and that was after a measly 25 yards in the first quarter. On the flip side, New Orleans had a total of 154 yards offensively in the first half but, only managed a paltry 6 yards in the second quarter. (This was definitely a 'Tale of Two Quarters' and again I digress). It was just barely exciting enough to keep me tuned in for the second half. With the Vikings leading at the half 9-7, one thought that maybe this was now going to open up into a shootout type game since Drew and Brett were comfortably warmed up. The Vikings certainly made sure I was wrong with a tremendous 4 play drive followed by a punt. The Saints did come out on their opening drive much like the first half with an 11 play drive culminating in Pierre Thomas bulling his way in the end zone from one yard out to put the Saints back on top 14-9. The remainder of the game was about as exciting as a chess match with six punts between the two teams and one lonely missed field goal by the Saints hero from last year, Garrett Hartley. With 55 total second half yards by the mighty Vikings, one has to wonder what happened to them? Is the loss of Simeon Rice that crushing to their offense? Others will ask if Farve's ankle is really ready for a full game of course and we all know that his personality will not allow him to admit to Brad Childress that he is hurting and should sit. We'll see how Minnesota recovers next week. In the meantime, the Saints weren't exactly lighting it up in the second half either. Yes, they had the opening drive of 74 yards but, they then followed that with drives of four yards and one yard. They were a little more respectable in the final two drives of the fourth quarter gaining 46 and 39 yards respectively. Still, that was a far cry from the team that has been averaging almost 30 points a game for the last couple of seasons. No one was planning on a twelve punt game and less that 350 yards of offense from BOTH teams tonight. (253 from the Vikes and 308 from the Saints but who's counting?) Hey, it happens to the best of teams sometimes and the bottom line is, ugly or not, a win is a win. The Saints began their title defense on the positive note with a win however, they have a lot of film to review over the next nine days to right what was wrong and having watched them the past couple years, they most likely will. The Vikings get tagged with the loss and also have some work to do. They can allow that they adjusted to the Saints vaunted attack well and held them when it counted, the offense just didn't do them any favors. I really don't think this was close to how well these two teams are going to play for the remainder of the season and I'm pretty sure those that have half a clue about football believe that too. I'll be back Saturday night with the results of our BCMFL kids and here's to hoping they fare as well as they have the last couple weeks!