Bradford became the first Vikings quarterback since 1981 to post 300 yards in a season opener as Minnesota pounded the New Orleans Saints 29-19.
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Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Bradford consistently torched the Saints’ pass defense, finishing 27 of 32 for 346 yards, three touchdowns and a passer rating of 143.
You can live stream the Monday Night Football Game between the Saints and Vikings on the Watch ESPN website.
While this should be a close game, we give a slight edge to the Saints.
The tests will get harder soon, but on a night charged with symbolism, the Vikings passed the first one. Cook became the Vikings’ first 100-yard rusher since Peterson on December 27, 2015.
That didn’t seem to matter as the five mostly kept Bradford upright, not giving up a sack until midway through the third quarter, and only surrendering one hit by the Saints up until that point. Stefon Diggs hauled-in 7 passes for 93 yards and two touchdowns. Running back Kamara was targeted on a swing pass and drilled behind the line for a loss of six yards. Thielen caught for 967 yards while Diggs added 903 yards for the Vikings. Last season they were No. 31 in points allowed and No. 27 in yards allowed.
The Vikings had a three-play, 74-yard drive for the first touchdown.
Peterson got the first two carries of the game and picked up a first down, but finished with just six carries for 18 yards in a timeshare with running backs Mark Ingram and rookie Alvin Kamara.
This game will be won or lost in the trenches – the Broncos have four new starters on their offensive line, including British-born right tackle Menelik Watson, acquired from the Oakland Raiders.
The Broncos has a star-studded roster including arguably the best defensive player in the National Football League in Von Miller.
The Vikings will face sterner defensive tests than the Saints as soon as Sunday, when they travel to Pittsburgh for an afternoon game with the Steelers.
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In fairness, none of the Saints ball carriers played well. They were the last team to lose a game, after a 5-0 start and after making changes to their roster they look like they could be a contender.
