NEW ORLEANS -- A few thoughts on the Minnesota Vikings' 20-9 loss to the New Orleans Saints on Sunday at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome:
What it means: The game's most significant development came on the Vikings' field goal drive at the beginning of the second quarter, when quarterback Matt Cassel injured a toe on his left foot while escaping the pocket and running for 5 yards. Cassel did not return, and in his place, rookie Teddy Bridgewater admirably tried to sustain a Vikings offense that was missing several playmakers and struggled to protect him. Bridgewater hit 12 of his 20 passes for 150 yards and ran six times for 27 yards. He could make his first start next week.
Stock Watch: The Vikings' defense recovered from two early Saints touchdown drives to keep the team in the game, but a crucial (and controversial) penalty on Captain Munnerlyn helped extend the Saints' final touchdown drive. Munnerlyn and safety Robert Blanton got to Saints quarterback Drew Brees on a third-and-13 play, but Munnerlyn was flagged for unnecessary roughness when he threw Brees to the turf. Brees jumped up, went after Blanton (whom he'd thought had hit him) and proceeded to direct the Saints to a decisive score. The Vikings struggled to stop the run on the first two touchdown drives and were down 13-0 before they could sustain a drive on offense.
Injuries mounting: The last two players the Vikings signed to contract extensions -- tight end Kyle Rudolph and right guard Brandon Fusco -- were unavailable to finish the game. Rudolph left the game in the fourth quarter with a groin injury, and Fusco left with a shoulder injury. In Fusco's place, guard Vlad Ducasse was flagged for holding and a false start on his first drive. The Vikings also had to finish the game without cornerback Josh Robinson, whose recurring hamstring issues cropped up again, and linebacker Chad Greenway, who was already playing with a broken hand.
Game ball: Safety Harrison Smith was again outstanding, making a tackle in run support to force a punt and breaking up a pair of passes, but we'll give it to Bridgewater based on what he had to do with little help in a tough environment. He didn't have much time to set his feet against an active Saints pass rush and will probably want a couple of throws back, but with no Adrian Peterson, an injured Rudolph and a leaky offensive line, Bridgewater acquitted himself well in his debut.
What's next: The Vikings (1-2) return home to face the Atlanta Falcons in a late game next Sunday afternoon.
