The challenge for the Saints continues this week as they are set to host the undefeated Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings come into New Orleans 4-0, and while they feature offensive players with elite talent, this Vikings offense has yet to hit its stride.
Through four games this season, the Vikings currently rank 31st in total offense, averaging 262.8 yards per game. That stat would be understandable had the Vikings lost Justin Jefferson to an injury for the entire start of the season or had they not
added veteran QB and former first-round draft pick Kyler Murray. But Murray was acquired this offseason, and Jefferson has only missed one game so far, which was this past Sunday.
This matchup presents the Saints with a really valuable opportunity. After getting bullied by the Falcons on Monday night in the Dome, they have a chance to regain their confidence.
The Vikings currently average only 156 passing yards per game, which ranks dead last in the league. They are 16th in rushing, averaging 106.8 yards per game, and 18th in scoring at 21.5 points per game.
This is a game where the Saints need to come out and keep the lid on this offense. Do not be the defense that this team uses to get itself right.
The Vikings still have elite talent on this offense, including notable players who have already had career-defining moments in the NFL. They just have not figured out how to put the pieces together right now.
The biggest area of concern for the Vikings is along their offensive line. Injuries have been a major cause for concern and are one of the primary reasons why their offense has been stagnant.
This week, the Vikings will most likely be coming into the Dome without the starting left side of their offensive line. Left tackle Christian Darrisaw is currently in the concussion protocol. He was injured last week against Miami, as was Donovan Jackson, who tore his meniscus and required season-ending surgery.
This presents the Saints defense with a chance to establish its pass rush and do something it has not been very good at throughout the season: stop the run.
The Vikings are already struggling to run the ball, and now they will have to play this game with half of their starting offensive line on the sidelines. Minnesota has allowed 13 sacks through four games this season. That amount of pressure is one of the reasons the passing game is out of sync.
Right now, the leading receiver for the Vikings is TE T.J. Hockenson. Hockenson has 22 receptions for 195 yards and one TD. He is followed by LSU legend Justin Jefferson, who has only 13 receptions so far for 179 yards and two TDs.
The Saints have had issues covering tight ends and elite wide receivers this season. The Vikings are bringing a really good tight end and one of, if not the best, receivers in the league.
The Saints will need to keep the Vikings off schedule. Force them into third-and-long situations, and do not bail them out. The Vikings have been plagued by pre-snap penalties this season, creating longer down-and-distance situations to overcome.
Right now, their offense is playing not to lose games. They are not a threat to go out and take a game away, but they have the talent to become that kind of problem if they are able to put everything together.
This team is 4-0 and has not played a complete game yet.
A matchup like this will be a get-right game for one of these units. The Saints offense versus the Vikings defense is a matchup of strength against strength.
This game will come down to whichever team can get more out of its weakest unit than its opponent gets out of theirs.
