*Thank goodness that this was a preseason game for the New Orleans Saints. The defensive performance on Friday night left a lot to be desired and resulted in a 34-25 loss to the Minnesota Vikings.
How It Happened:
The Vikings wasted little time getting on the board after a 34-yard pass from Kirk Cousins to Adam Thielen set up a short pass to Mattison to make it a 7-0 ballgame early.
Teddy Bridgewater took the reins on the opening drive and went on a methodical 14-play drive that resulted in a 27-yard field goal from Wil Lutz. The Saints defense stepped up on the next drive, forcing a three-and-out and put together another lengthy drive, but had to settle for a 52-yard field goal from Lutz to make it a one-point ballgame late in the first quarter.
The Vikings responded quickly with a seven-play drive that was highlighted by a 34-yard short pass from Sean Mannion to Tyler Conklin. Just five plays later, Mannion connected with Olabisi Johnson to take a 14-6 lead.
Things started to turn the Saints way late in the first half when Ameer Abdullah fumbles and is recovered by Vince Biegel. That turned into an 18-yard touchdown pass from Bridgewater to Dan Arnold, making it 14-12 as both teams headed into the locker room at the break.
The second half got off to a disappointing start with Arnold bobbling a pass that landed into the arms of Nate Meadors, who took it to the house and gave Minnesota a 21-12 lead. After another field goal from Wil Lutz, the Vikings struck against with a two-yard touchdown pass from Blasingame late in the third quarter to really take control of the preseason game.
The Saints got it within two points in the fourth quarter after Taysom Hill connected with Lil’Jordan Humphrey for a 33-yard touchdown pass. However, Alex Boone put the final nail in the team’s hopes of a rally with a 64-yard run where he was virtually untouched as he made his way into the endzone.
Big Number: 460
The Saints defense was pretty lackluster on Friday night, allowing 460 total yards of offense and an average of 8.5 yards per play. Cam Jordan was the only defensive player with the night off and it was clear that the defensive side of the team sorely missed having that impact player.
Player of the Game: Teddy Bridgewater
Teddy Two Gloves handled himself well throughout the first half, going 14-of-19 for 134 yards and a score late in the second quarter. Taysom Hill was solid as well, but that interception on his first drive definitely loomed large.
Next Up: Sunday August 18th vs Los Angeles Chargers; Kickoff at 3 PM