NEW ORLEANS, LA. -- The Vikings defense held the high-powered Saints to just twenty points, but the offense could not reach the endzone in a 20-9 loss.

The Vikings offense was able to drive deep into Saints territory three times in five possessions, but stalled every time as kicker Blair Walsh provided Minnesota's only points of the day.

Starting quarterback Matt Cassel fractured bones in his foot in the first half on a third down scramble, opening the door for rookie Teddy Bridgewater to make his first NFL appearance.

Bridgewater showed good poise and mobility, but was unable to find much down the field against the New Orleans defense, finishing the game completing 12 of 20 for 150 yards and no touchdowns.

The defense recovered from two early touchdown drives by Drew Brees and the Saints and held the game within one score until a fourth quarter touchdown pass to Marques Colston sealed it.

Other Observations:

- Injuries not only sidelined the starting quarterback, but also tight end Kyle Rudolph and guard Brandon Fusco.

- The Vikings running game clearly misses star Adrian Peterson, as they finished the game with just 59 yards on the ground.

- Matt Kalil continues to struggle with one-on-one matchups, as Saints linebacker Junior Gallette beat him multiple times for a sack and two tackles for loss.

- Vikings rookie outside linebacker Anthony Barr recorded his first career sack and added five tackles on the day.

- The NFL seems to be adamant on becoming two-hand touch as conerback Captain Munnerlyn was called for "Roughing the Passer" on a sack in which he wrapped Drew Brees up, pulled him backwards and slammed him to the turf. The penalty extended the drive that was capped off with the game-sealing touchdown.

With the loss, the Vikings fall to 1-2 on the season.

The Vikings host the Atlanta Falcons next sunday at TCF Bank Stadium with a noon kickoff.

 

 

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