Minnesota Vikings Vs. New Orleans Saints: Five Questions That Were Answered

In a somewhat boring game, the New Orleans Saints won a defensive battle over the Minnesota Vikings. The rematch didn't even closely resemble the thriller that the two teams provided for us in the NFC Championship game. Instead it was a game of dropped passes, penalties, and poor execution.

What was learned from the game?

The answer isn't a simple one considering it was the first game of a very long and grueling season. With that being said, we did receive some answers from New Orleans.

Repeat Performance?

One of the biggest questions heading into the season was how would Brett Favre fair with a bum ankle and expectations to perform like he did a year ago. Nobody in his or her right mind could honestly expect another 33 touchdown and seven interception season from No. 4.

After Game 1, there's no doubt that Favre won't be able to perform at nearly the same level as a year ago. The Vikings protected him in Game 1 by running the football continuously, trying to prevent their old quarterback from taking too many hits. While the strategy kept Favre from taking any significant hits, the Vikings were unable to win the game.

There were plenty of opportunities to stretch the field and test the Saints secondary but instead Brad Childress and company chose to run into an eight-man front. 

Super Bowl Hangover?

It's too early to tell how good this New Orleans team is going to be. But the offense looked a far cry from several months ago when Drew Brees had his way with the Indianapolis Colts' defense. Winning back-to-back Super Bowls is a daunting task especially when every team will bring their best efforts to get a signature W over the defending champs.

Despite the 14-9 victory, it appears the Saints are going to take a step back this season.

They opened the game with a TD drive, but after that they were unable to take advantage of a Minnesota secondary that was banged up. Maybe it was just missed opportunities or maybe it was just a sign of things to come. One thing we know is that in order for New Orleans to win, they are going to need its high-profiled offense to perform at a much higher level. 

Harvin's Headaches?

Percy Harvin's migraines caused many to speculate how many games he will miss this season. He still could suffer a recurrence of migraines, but the larger question at hand is whether or not he will be effective this season.

Anytime Percy has taken a hard shot—whether it be the preseason or the game against the Saints—he has gotten back up and gone at it with the defense. If Harvin is too focused on people taking shots at his head, it's going to affect his performance. The Reggie Bush-esque receiver had two touches for a measly 14 yards. With Sidney Rice out and Bernard Berrian dropping balls like it's his job, Harvin is going to have to step up. 

Has AP Fixed His Fumbling Issues?

Yes.

This season we are going to see Peterson put entirely way too much emphasis on holding onto the football to the point that it will affect his performance. Last night was a prime example. Instead of hitting holes with conviction, he seemed a bit tentative at times and part of that is due to the increased focus on fumbling.

Almost every time he touched the ball, the Saints were more focused on stripping the ball out instead of tackling. It didn't work yet they were still able to hold the star running back under 100 yards. AP isn't the first great running back to have troubles holding onto the ball as a young back, but odds are he rights the ship this year. 

A United Players Union?

Before the game, players from both teams went onto the field and help up a No. 1 as a symbol for solidarity. Everyone is aware of the upcoming labor negotiations and a possible lockout. The players wanted to make sure that everyone also knew that they were going to stick together before the season officially kicked off.

What they did before kickoff will likely be repeated during every game this Sunday as a symbol to the owners, fans, and media that they are going to stick together.

In response, fans should go to the stadium and throw fake dollar bills out on the field Sunday as a symbol that we could care less about labor negotiations; all we want to see is an agreement reached and football on our television sets.