The Minnesota Vikings were finally able to simply play football.
Minnesota traveled to New Orleans, leaving behind the distractions of the past week with Adrian Peterson. Then the Vikings were swamped under an early 13-0 deficit. Unlike last week, Minnesota didn't succumb to a big loss to a future Hall of Fame quarterback.
However, the Vikings will return home following a 20-9 loss to the Saints and a 1-2 record with the Atlanta Falcons up next week in Minnesota. Here's five things learned from Sunday's loss at New Orleans:
The Vikings climbed back into the game after the Saints had taken a 13-0 lead after their first two drives. The play which will be talked about is Minnesota cornerback Captain Munnerlyn's takedown of New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees.
On third down-and-7 at the end of the third quarter, the Vikings' defense collapsed on Brees. Munnerlyn got to the quarterback along with safety Robert Blanton for an apparent sack. Munnerlyn leaned back and slammed Brees to the ground, who got up and argued in Blanton's face.
Instead of a punt and Minnesota having the ball to start the fourth quarter down 13-9 with good field position, Munnerlyn was called for unnecessary roughness on the play. Brees took advantage and drove the Saints for a final touchdown. The call, and ensuing drive, essentially sealed the game.
The Vikings finished with five penalties in the game for 44 yards. The rule, as FOX Sports resident rules official Mike Pereira stated, was called by its definition. Nonetheless, the penalty possibly helped decide Sunday's game and Minnesota was dealt another tough blow.
Matt Cassel was in place as the Vikings' starter to allow rookie Teddy Bridgewater time to adapt to the NFL. Minnesota's bridge to Bridgewater eventually only covered two-plus games. Cassel was under pressure often on Sunday and he was injured after having to scramble early in the second quarter.
Cassel was in serious pain and was carted off with an injury. Coach Mike Zimmer announced after the game Cassel has a broken foot. Bridgewater is the quarterback going forward after making his regular-season NFL debut on Sunday.
Bridgewater had some growing pains, but he looked calm and composed being thrown into a difficult situation, with Minnesota down 13-9 in a loud Superdome and without Peterson to rely on. Bridgewater made several plays with his feet -- again facing pressure as the offensive line struggled at times - and made a few quality throws.
Bridgewater was 12 of 20 for 150 yards after replacing Cassel, who was 5 of 10 for 53 yards. Bridgewater was sacked twice and both quarterbacks avoided turnovers, a key for Bridgewater as he continues. Of course, Minnesota had to settle for three field goals. The Vikings need to finish drives, particularly playing on the road. Field goals weren't going to be enough against the Saints, no matter the call on Munnerlyn.
Through 10 minutes, New Orleans appeared ready to run away with Sunday's game. The Saints first two drives went for 162 total yards and 13 points. New Orleans led 162-2 in total yards and 9 minutes, 3 seconds to 1:07 in time of possession.
Minnesota made adjustments, particularly on defense. The Saints' next four drives went for 66 total yards and four punts. The Vikings started to stop New Orleans' running game. The Saints had the league's third-ranked offense and fifth-ranked running game entering the week. It's little consolation, but Minnesota's defense can take some positives away from Sunday.
With the penalty against Munnnerlyn, New Orleans eventually went 90 yards for the touchdown. The Saints also held the ball the final 6:58 of the game. The adjustments for the Vikings were just too late after two easy drives in the first quarter for New Orleans.
Cassel wasn't the only Minnesota player to leave Sunday's game early. A tough loss was made more difficult by the injuries suffered on Sunday. Cassel will likely miss several weeks with a broken foot. Linebacker Chad Greenway entered the game with a broken hand and a rib injury. Greenway played, but was eventually taken out. Zimmer said he was bothered by the rib injury.
Later right guard Brandon Fusco left the game with a shoulder injury and didn't return. His replacement, Vladimir Ducasse, struggled in one series and was called for holding and a false start. Then tight end Kyle Rudolph left with a groin injury. Cornerback Josh Robinson was the final victim, sustaining a hamstring injury.
So, the Vikings are without Peterson because of legal issues and have to deal to injuries to its starting quarterback, tight end, right guard and linebacker, as well as third cornerback in Robinson.
The loss of Peterson has been significant on the field, with replacement options yet to provide an impact. Matt Asiata started again and had 12 carries for 35 yards. Asiata did have another big play as a receiver. He caught a touchdown pass last week and had a 41-yard catch-and-run this week. But the Vikings don't have any threat in the backfield to keep defenses honest.
Minnesota had 22 runs for 59 yards on Sunday, a 2.7-yard average. Someone will need to step up to take pressure of Bridgewater.
Cordarrelle Patterson had one run on Sunday, but lost seven yards. Rookie Jerick McKinnon, who was believed to split time with Asiata, had just two carries, going for minus-1 yard.
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