NFL Season Opener: Box Score & Observations From Saints Victory Over Vikings

The 2010 NFL Season Opener is finally underway as the New Orleans Saints beat the Minnesota Vikings with a box score of 14-9

It was great to finally watch some real football for the first time in seven months, and hopefully this game is just the first of several exciting ones to come.

After what seemed to be endless speculation, this was the first true indicator of some key team elements.

Therefore, here are ten observations that I made throughout the ball game. 

Note, I predicted the Saints to beat the Vikings 27-24. 

Drew Brees Looks Sharp

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NEW ORLEANS - AUGUST 27: Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints in action against the San Diego Chargers at the Louisiana Superdome on August 27, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

Drew Brees is coming off a career year, which he capped off by claiming the Super Bowl MVP honors.

Today, he picked up right where he left off as he threw for 

If he keeps playing like this, the Saints could find themselves contending for another title. 

All he has to do now is avoid the infamous Madden Curse.

Vikings Have Issues In The Secondary

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MINNEAPOLIS - 2008: Husain Abdullah of the Minnesota Vikings poses for his 2008 NFL headshot at photo day in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Getty Images)

Heading into the game, the Vikings secondary was banged up and it clearly showed.

In particular, safety Hussain Abdullah looked terrible in coverage and was constantly beat by the Saints receivers.

If they don't improve, this could be the weak link that prevents them from making a serious push at a Super Bowl this year. 

Vikings Pass Rush Non-Existent

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NEW ORLEANS - JANUARY 24: Offensive center John Sullivan #65 of the Minnesota Vikings gets set to snap the ball against the New Orleans Saints during the NFC Championship Game at the Louisiana Superdome on January 24, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The

The Vikings defensive line is widely considered one of the best in football. However, today, it seemed as if the Saints' offensive line was able to negate their efforts.

Throughout the game, they provided Drew Brees with adequate protection in the pocket and only allowed one sack. 

Favre Shows Decent Mobility

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NEW ORLEANS - SEPTEMBER 09: Quarterback Brett Favre #4 of the Minnesota Vikings smiles as he warms up against the New Orleans Saints at Louisiana Superdome on September 9, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Brett Favre underwent surgery on his left ankle during the offseason, and several questioned as to how it would hold up against the Saints aggressive defense.

Surprisingly, he showed decent mobility and was able to make some impressive throws. 

Maybe it was just another episode of the Favre antics after all.

What Happened To The Saints Balance In The First Half?

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MIAMI GARDENS, FL - FEBRUARY 07: Reggie Bush #25 of the New Orleans Saints reacts to a play against the Indianapolis Colts during Super Bowl XLIV on February 7, 2010 at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

An integral key to the New Orleans Saints' offense last season was their incredible balance.

On the other hand, that wasn't the case today especially in the first half when they only ran the ball three times compared to their 22 pass attempts.

Only 3 Carries For Adrian Peterson In The Second Half?

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NEW ORLEANS - JANUARY 24: Adrian Peterson #28 of the Minnesota Vikings runs the ball against the New Orleans Saints during the NFC Championship Game at the Louisana Superdome on January 24, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty

Assuming it was a coincidence; but as the Saints started to run the ball more, the Vikings ran it less.

Despite having an impressive first half, Adrian Peterson only carried the ball three times in the second half.

I think if the Vikings want to be successful this season, they'll need to make Peterson their workhorse and take some pressure off of Favre. 

Garrett Hartley Misses 2 Field Goals

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MIAMI GARDENS, FL - FEBRUARY 07: Garrett Hartley #5 of the New Orleans Saints warms up on the field prior to Super Bowl XLIV against the Indianapolis Colts on February 7, 2010 at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Gett

I have been skeptical as to why so many were giving Garrett Hartley the ultimate praise, and today he proved me correct as he missed his two field goal attempts.D

Despite showing tremendous composure in the playoffs last season, I'd think twice before considering a player who's only made 27 career field goals (including playoffs) an elite kicker. 

Vikings Linebackers Play Well

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MINNEAPOLIS - JANUARY 17: Linebackers Chad Greenway #52 and Ben Leber #51 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrate a play against the Dallas Cowboys during the fourth quarter of the NFC Divisional Playoff Game at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome on January 17, 201

As I referenced to earlier, the Vikings front seven is one of the best in football. Today, their linebackers strengthened that claim with their performance today

Chad Greenway had a game-high twelve tackles, E.J. Henderson bounced back nicely from a leg injury that prematurely ended last season, and Ben Leber had a solid all-around game. 

Considering their porous secondary, they will need to maintain their high level of play. 

Saints Corners Look Solid

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MIAMI GARDENS, FL - FEBRUARY 07: Tracy Porter #22 of the New Orleans Saints intercepts a ball thrown by Peyton Manning of the Indianapolis Colts and returns it for a touchdown in the fourth quarter during Super Bowl XLIV on February 7, 2010 at Sun Life S

The Saints cornerback tandem of Tracy Porter and Jabrari Greer is one of the most underrated in the league, in my opinion. Hopefully, their play today on the national stage will garner more recognition.

Nonetheless, they did an excellent job shutting down the Vikings receivers and forcing Favre to a 55 percent completion.