Week 8: New Orleans Saints vs. Minnesota Vikings Recap

by
Former Writers
October 30, 2018

Justin via Flickr

Saints Defeat Vikings 30-20 to Earn Sixth Straight Victory

The Saints solidified themselves as a legitimate threat in the NFC on Sunday night with a win against the Vikings. They did it on a night where they didn’t need a big night from Drew Brees. Their defense, however, showed up in a big way for their victory.

First Half

Saints threw the first punch after a one-yard shovel pass from Drew Brees to Alvin Kamara to go up 7-0. A key play from that drive was a gaping 44-yard pass interference from safety Harrison Smith. The Vikings quickly answered back with a one-yard touchdown pass from Kirk Cousins to Stefon Diggs to tie the game at 7-7.

The Vikings began the second quarter with a one-yard touchdown run from Latavius Murray to give the Vikings a 13-7 lead. Dan Bailey missed the extra point that sailed wide left. Saints would soon answer back with a field goal to cut the lead to 13-10.

The Vikings had a good drive going and had a chance to go up by before the half, but a momentum-swinging fumble from Adam Thielen gave the Saints a chance to score again. They did just that when Alvin Kamara punched it in to go up 17-10.

Second Half

In order to stay alive, the Vikings knew they had to put that fumble behind them. But this time miscommunication between Kirk Cousins and Stefon Diggs resulted in a pick-six from Saints cornerback P.J. Williams to put them up 27-13. Drew Brees didn’t need to do much at this point, as he just made key passes in third down situations to keep the time of possession in the Saints’ favor.

The Saints kicked another field goal with eight minutes left to go up 30-13. Although they would get into the end zone to score again time was against them, and they ended the game trying to get back to the end zone still. The Saints would go on to win 30-20.

Saints Becoming NFC Powerhouse

On a night where many thought Drew Brees would need a big game to win, the Saints showed that they could be lethal without him. Brees would end the night with 120 passing yards, one touchdown and one interception.

The Saints’ special teams and skill players would be the main factor. Alvin Kamara racked up 45 rushing yards and 31 receiving yards. Doesn’t seem like much But his two touchdowns would go on to make the difference in this game. Kicker Wil Lutz also nailed all three field goal attempts and all three extra point attempts. Receiver Mike Thomas would also go on to tack on 81 receiving yards on six targets.

Saints’ defense showed up in a big way with four quarterback sacks and an interception return for a touchdown by P.J. Williams. Newly acquired cornerback Eli Apple proved to be a valuable asset to a Saints’ team that needs a lot of help in the secondary.

Costly Turnovers

The Vikings came into this game looking for a miracle. They were without an entire left side of their offensive line, and they had key injuries in their defensive backfield. Still, they were able to give the Saints a fight for most of the night.

Kirk Cousins had the most passing yards of the night with 359 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. Stefon Diggs was the main part of the offensive game plan with 119 yards and one touchdown. Wide receiver Adam Thielen ended the night with 103 yards. Being the history as the first person in NFL history to record 100 or more receiving yards in the first eight games.

The Vikings ran the ball with five different players. Latavius Murray would be the one to benefit the most though with 43 yards and a touchdown. The Vikings’ defense showed up for the most part, despite missing key pieces.

They stymied the Saints’ running game and forced Drew Brees to toss his first interception of the year. In a game that proved to be too much for the Vikings, turnovers by Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs tipped the scale in momentum.

Looking Ahead

The Saints move to 6-1. They will stay atop the NFC South with only the Carolina Panthers trailing by one game. Next week they get a visit from arguably the best team right now in the undefeated Rams. This will be a huge test for them to prove if they are a Super Bowl contender or not.

The Vikings fall to 4-3-1. They will drop to second in the NFC North, and the Chicago Bears will move to first place. Next week they take on the Detroit Lions at home before their much-needed bye week.