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Undefeated.

Opening game victory.

Picking up where they left off.

One and -Eaux.

The New Orleans Saints started off the 2010 NFL season with an opening night 14-9 victory over the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday night. It wasn't flashy or pretty. It wasn't the high-scoring shootout that many were expecting between Drew Brees and Brett Favre. It was the lowest scoring victory for the Saints throughout the Sean Payton era.

But it was an overly impressive performance on both sides of the ball for the Saints, and one that shows this team is not just going to fold up in any Super Bowl hangover. New Orleans stepped onto the field of the Superdome amid the glitz and the glitter of a day full of events which culminated with a Jackson Square concert and the unveiling of the championship banner. One might thing a severe case of nerves would set int and they'd blow it, but that wouldn't happen on this night.

Payton brought his team out there with confidence and made sure they knew that the task at hand was to take this first game en route to a second straight Super Bowl appearance. Things have to begin somewhere right?

Let's take a look at just what went right and wrong in game number one:

~ Darren Sharper being on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list and missing the first six games of the season may not be as bad as we all originally thought. Many were worried that the ballhawk from last season being on the sidelines would allow for a hole or weakness in the secondary. We were all proven wrong last night as Malcolm Jenkins showed his transition to safety has been virtually seamless. Jenkins was all over that field on Thursday night and almost came up with an interception on a few occasions. If memory serves, I never saw him get beat or stray from his assignment meaning that he knew what he was supposed to do at all times throughout the game. Stronger tests will come better groups of wide receivers, but Jenkins showed last night that he is not just some "second-year player in a new position" but a true force of the Saints' defense.

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Rugby Saint II

The game planning on this game was the most unusual that I have ever seen. I know Payton loves to throw and I was certainly surprised during the first half when Drew threw pass after pass and just kept throwing the ball.

foreverfan

Ever notice that the Saints have smart players.

homerj07

Yes I have. I thik it somehting SP & ML look for.

OPverall a great effort. There are a few kinks to work out BUT they have some time to work on that. I know the players got some time off BUT I am willing to bet the coaches have been hard at work already & I Kow our guys will be watching film on MOnday!!