The Minnesota Vikings beat the New Orleans Saints 23-13 at the Caesars Superdome on Sunday. Minnesota held the ball for nearly 40 minutes, and the Saints offense barely got on the field.
The Vikings ran 68 plays to 43 for New Orleans. The Saints' only second-half points came from their defense.
How It Happened
Will Reichard opened the scoring with a 40-yard field goal at 9:04 of the first quarter. New Orleans answered in the second quarter when Kendre Miller ran it in from 2 yards out, and Daniel Carlson's kick put the Saints in front.
Reichard trimmed the deficit with a 54-yard field goal as the first half expired. New Orleans took a 1-point lead into the locker room, the only stretch of the day it was ahead.
Minnesota regained the lead early in the third quarter. Kyler Murray hit Justin Jefferson for a 15-yard touchdown at 12:06.
The Saints tied it at 2:34 of the third when Jonas Sanker scooped up a Vikings fumble and returned it 87 yards for a touchdown. Carlson's extra point failed, leaving the score level instead of handing New Orleans the lead.
Minnesota went back in front early in the fourth quarter. Aaron Jones Sr. scored on an 8-yard run at 14:06 to put the Vikings ahead for good, and Reichard added a 55-yard field goal at 7:01.
Key Performers
Will Reichard, MIN: 3 field goals (40, 54, 55 YDS), 2 extra points
Justin Jefferson, MIN: 15-yard touchdown reception from Kyler Murray
Aaron Jones Sr., MIN: 8-yard rushing touchdown
Jonas Sanker, NO: 87-yard fumble return for a touchdown
MIN passing: 24-30, 211 net YDS, 0 INT
MIN rushing: 36 ATT, 153 YDS, 4.3 per carry
NO passing: 16-25, 87 net YDS, 2 INT
NO rushing: 17 ATT, 55 YDS, 3.2 per carry
Third down: MIN 9-18, NO 2-10
Time of possession: MIN 39:37, NO 20:23
Minnesota nearly tripled the Saints' rushing output. On third down, the Vikings converted half their chances while New Orleans managed just 2.
Reichard kept the scoreboard moving, with field goals in the first, second and fourth quarters. His kick at the end of the first half pulled Minnesota within a point at the break.
The Saints offense never found a rhythm. New Orleans averaged just over 3 yards per play and threw 2 interceptions, while Minnesota threw none.
What It Means
Minnesota is 5-0 and has now won all 3 of its road games. The Vikings won by double digits despite losing 2 fumbles, one of which New Orleans returned for a touchdown.
New Orleans falls to 1-4, including 0-3 at home and 1-1 on the road. The Saints have yet to win a home game this season.
On Sunday the Saints' defense delivered a touchdown, but their offense managed only 9 first downs in front of their own crowd.