New Orleans Saints Forums - blackandgold.com - NFL.com/News Keys to the Game

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Here's what we'll be watching for:

Saints at Vikings, 7:10 p.m. ET, ESPN

1. Expect the Saints to give Peterson a chance to make his mark right away. Facing the team he starred with for a full decade, the 32-year-old running back was largely kept tucked away all summer. We saw the Saints replace Peterson with Mark Ingram near the goal-line during preseason fare, but both backs should see their share of carries against a Vikings team that finished 20th against the run last autumn. The X-factor for New Orleans remains rookie runner Alvin Kamara, who has a shot to steal the show after a headline-grabbing dose of work in August. The third-rounder runs with explosion and power while doubling as a dangerous asset on passing downs.

2. Minnesota has a rookie back of their own -- Dalvin Cook -- headed for a monster workload out of the gate. The first-rounder has emerged as an every-down player for the Vikings, one who will test an improving Saints defense with his ability to run inside and also hit the edges as a receiver in space. New Orleans struggled last season to shut down pass-catching backs, giving Vikings signal-caller Sam Bradford an attractive target to work with all evening. Behind Cook, the 6-foot-3, 230-pound Latavius Murray figures to see a handful of carries near the goal-line.

3. Drew Brees remains a threat to pass for major numbers in a Saints attack featuring Michael Thomas, Ted Ginn and Brandon Coleman, who earned consistent praise from coach Sean Payton during the summer. New Orleans must find a way to mask over the loss of suspended receiver Willie Snead, which could mean a bigger workload for Coleman, slot-man Tommylee Lewis and tight end Coby Fleener. This collection of targets will battle a Mike Zimmer-coached secondary fronted by cornerback Xavier Rhodes and the up-and-down Trae Waynes. Traded-for cover man Tramaine Brock is questionable with a thigh injury.

4. Stretching back half a decade, the Saints and their high-octane offense have been sabotaged by an asleep-at-the-wheel defense that kept this team from its true potential. New Orleans finished dead last in total yardage allowed and points surrendered in 2016, but preseason observers saw an improved bunch in August. The additions of A.J. Klein, Manti Te'o and rookie Alex Anzalone have overhauled a suddenly quick and efficient linebacking core that will be tasked with shutting down Cook. Versatile safety Kenny Vaccaro should see work in the slot covering Adam Thielen while rookie Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore will man the outside. The key to Monday's game, though, could boil down to Cameron Jordan and his fellow Saints pass rushers facing a Vikings offensive line that struggled all preseason. If Bradford can't shake free, the big story coming out of this game will be a New Orleans defense that finally looks ready to turn the corner.

What to watch for in tonight's doubleheader - NFL.com

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