Molden and Mathis were there in coverage but could not contain the Vikings receivers. The Saints handled Robert Smith with only seven men at the line of scrimmage, but it took away some of their aggressiveness in rushing the passer. The Vikings offensive line did not allow a sack vs. the Saints terrific defensive line. Culpepper was able to move well in the pocket despite his high ankle sprain. The big plays early forced the Saints to fight from behind all game.
Big plays tend to dishearten a defense.
It also gave this Minnesota team confidence. After losing three straight games and having to think about it over the bye week, scoring early helped an offense that seemed out of sync the last few weeks. The Vikings defense was also a big difference in this game. Early in the game the Saints were able to move the ball but were not able to make the plays they needed. In the first half they had field position and opportunities, but could not convert.