The long anticipated rematch between the Vikings and the Saints kicks off the NFL season tonight. I expect a very physical and back and forth game. Rob is dead-on here that this game will not have the drama that was present for the NFC Championship game last January, but it will set a tone for the start of the season for both teams.
My perspective as a Vikings fan is that it will boil down to protecting Favre. The consensus among sports pundits seems to be that the key to beating the Vikings is for every opponent to just go after Favre and knock him out. Tonight would be a good night to disabuse them of that notion. People seem to forget that while Favre took a beating, the Vikings offense mostly had its way with the Saints defense. It was the turnovers that killed the Vikes. I give the Saints their due in forcing some of those, but the Vikings have to hold onto the ball better tonight.
I also think that both teams will need to be a bit more careful around the QBs. The officials let them play to an extent that I don't think they will allow for a game 1. It is not in the NFL's interest to see either QB lost to injury right at the start. If either team thinks they are going to get away with some of the hits that were allowed last January I think they are in for a rude surprise. Football ain't pattycake, but keep it clean guys.
Good luck to the Saints, but Go Vikes!
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