The Saints gave a national audience a taste of what New Orleans’
long-suffering fans have bemoaned for years.
Not that the Minnesota Vikings will complain about being the latest to play a
supporting role in the Saints’ stranger-than-fiction, four-decade history of
bizarre and dramatic losses.
Even Reggie Bush’s record-tying two punt returns for touchdowns couldn’t make up
for New Orleans’ numerous blunders in a 30-27 loss to Minnesota on Monday night.
The Saints’ second failed field goal attempt of the game—the first was blocked
and returned 59 yards for a touchdown—allowed the Vikings to drive for Ryan
Longwell’s game-winning 30-yard field goal with 13 seconds left...
Drew Brees passed to Devery Henderson to the left for 17
yard gain (Martin Gramatica made PAT)
0 - 7
6:20
MIN
TD
MIN blocked 46-yard field goal attempt by Martin
Gramatica. Antoine Winfield returned for 59 yards (Ryan Longwell made
PAT)
7 - 7
2:58
NO
FG
Martin Gramatica kicked a 35-yard field goal
7 - 10
0:53
MIN
FG
Ryan Longwell kicked a 53-yard field goal
10 - 10
2nd Quarter
13:19
MIN
TD
Chester Taylor passed to Visanthe Shiancoe to the right
for 4 yard gain (Ryan Longwell made PAT)
17 - 10
0:04
MIN
FG
Ryan Longwell kicked a 33-yard field goal
20 - 10
3rd Quarter
1:46
NO
TD
Chris Kluwe punt. Reggie Bush returned punt for 71 yards
(Martin Gramatica made PAT)
20 - 17
4th Quarter
13:20
NO
FG
Martin Gramatica kicked a 53-yard field goal
20 - 20
11:36
NO
TD
Chris Kluwe punt. Reggie Bush returned punt for 64 yards
(Martin Gramatica made PAT)
20 - 27
7:10
MIN
TD
Gus Frerotte passed to Bernard Berrian down the middle
for 33 yard gain (Ryan Longwell made PAT)
27 - 27
0:13
MIN
FG
Ryan Longwell kicked a 30-yard field goal
30 - 27
Team Statistics
MIN
NO
First Downs
16
16
Passing
12
13
Rushing
2
3
Penalty
2
0
Third Down Efficiency
5-15
6-15
Fourth Down Efficiency
0-0
1-1
TOTAL NET YARDS
270
375
Total Plays
64
69
Average Gain Per Play
4.2
5.4
NET YARDS RUSHING
44
55
Rushes
26
22
Average Per Rush
1.7
2.5
NET YARDS PASSING
226
320
Completions-Attempts
20-37
26-46
Yards Per Pass Play
5.9
6.8
Times Sacked
1
1
Yards Lost to Sacks
0
10
Had Intercepted
0
2
PUNTS
7
2
Average Punt
43.3
43.0
PENALTIES
7
11
Penalty Yards
60
102
FUMBLES
1
5
Fumbles Lost
0
2
TIME OF POSSESSION
27:52
32:08
Pregame Previews, Storylines,
and News
New Page 1
Preview:
The New Orleans Saints turned in their best defensive
performance of the season last weekend, thanks to a particularly effective
effort against the run.
They're sure to be challenged in their next game as they try to
contain one of the NFL's top running backs. The Saints will have to contend with
second-year star Adrian Peterson and the Minnesota Vikings when the teams meet
at the Superdome in a Monday night matchup.
Though New Orleans (2-2) has surrendered 1,488 yards - the
fifth-highest total in the league - through its first four contests, it has been
better against the run, limiting opponents to 122...
The Saints lead the NFL in passing
offense (327.2 yards per game) and completion percentage (72.3), and Drew Brees
paces the league in passing yards (1343)
Saints running back Reggie Bush is tied
for the NFL lead in receptions (31)
Wide receiver Marques Colston (torn
ligament in thumb) and tight end Jeremy Shockey (groin surgery) remain out for
New Orleans
Minnesota left tackle Bryant McKinnie returns from a four-game
NFL suspension, and will protect quarterback Gus Frerotte, who is expected to
play despite missing the end of a Week 4 loss to the Titans with a hand
injury
Saints fullback Mike Karney (sprained ankle) and cornerbacks Randall
Gay (hamstring) and Aaron Glenn (ankle) are all questionable for Monday, and left guard Jamar Nesbit will serve the second game of a four-game suspension for violating
the NFL's steroids policy.
Safety Madieu Williams (neck) remains out for
Vikings, and linebacker E.J. Henderson (toes) and end Ray Edwards (shoulder) are
questionable
19.2
14.2