Minnesota-New Orleans: Thoughts from the First Half

Hank Williams Jr. showed up in the Superdome just before the game to ask the crowd if they were ready for football. They were, as were the Saints. After a 50-yard return off of the opening kickoff by Pierre Thomas, Drew Brees tossed a 17-yard touchdown pass to Devery Henderson. The Saints once again reached the red zone, this time they turned to Martin Gramatica to kick a field goal. The kick was blocked and then Antoine Winfield took it to the opposite end zone to tie up the game at seven. The Saints commited penalties and mistakes afterwards, making the score at halftime, 20-10, Vikings. The Saints have dominated this game so far, but the scoreboard doesn't show it. The Saints have fumbled the ball away four times—two of those fumbles were by Reggie Bush. That is totally unacceptable. The Saints have commited about seven penalties so far. The officiating crew hasn't helped the Saints' cause much either. With more than a few questionable calls by Ed Hochule and Co. (of Denver Broncos ... (link)