The Vikings will hit the road this week and try to get back on the winning track after last week's loss to the New England Patriots. This week's opponent is the New Orleans Saints, a team anxious to play at home for the first time this season after starting 2014 with consecutive road losses.
There is plenty more to know about the Saints. Here are the basics…
View images from the Wednesday, September 17 practice at Winter Park.
2014 Record:0-2
Last Week:Lost 26-24 at Cleveland on a last-second field goal
Division:NFC South
Stadium:Mercedes-Benz Superdome (indoors – artificial surface)
Coaching StaffHead Coach: Sean Payton
Defensive Coordinator: Rob Ryan
Offensive Coordinator: Pete Carmichael
Special Teams Coordinator: Greg McMahon* *
Defense (3-4 front)-- Ranks tied for 21st in rushing yards allowed, 28th in points allowed, 29th in passer rating allowed
-- Strong starting safety tandem of Jairus Byrd and Kenny Vaccaro
-- Starting RDE Cameron Jordan is the son of former Vikings TE Steve Jordan
Offense-- QB Drew Brees is the 2nd player in NFL history to pass for over 4,000 yards in 8 straight seasons
-- TE Jimmy Graham is widely considered the best player at his position in the NFL and has 18 catches through 2 games this season
-- Starting RB Mark Ingram is expected to miss Sunday's game with a hand injury
Special Teams-- Under McMahon over the past 7 seasons, the Saints have recovered 14 fumbles and scored 10 touchdowns on special teams
-- P Thomas Morstead finished 3rd in the NFL in net punting average (42.3) and tied for 4th in touchbacks on kickoffs last season.
-- K Shayne Graham ranks 5th in NFL history in field goal accuracy (85.5%) and was on Cincinnati Bengals teams in 2008 and 2009 with Vikings Head Coach Mike Zimmer
