Looking back at the New Orleans Saints’ 14-9 victory over the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday night reminded just how far this team’s maturity level has risen. A few years ago, they may very well have lost this type of game against a quality opponent.
Much like the 2009 edition of the Saints, this year’s squad so far seems to rise to meet a challenge rather than wilt under the pressure.
Take, for example, kicker Garrett Hartley’s missed 32 yard field goal attempt in the 4th quarter. Thanks to some great work by running back Pierre Thomas and the offensive line, the Saints drove to the Minnesota 14 yard line and took nearly five and a half minutes off of the clock. While the offense didn’t score a touchdown, they put Hartley in a position to make a short field goal and potentially extend their lead to 17-9.
Hartley missed the kick badly and put the ball back in the hands of the Vikings offense. But, instead of folding after things didn’t go their way, the Saints defense went out and forced a Minnesota punt after a 34 yard drive. The Saints offense got the ball back and ran the final 5:32 off the clock to seal the victory.
The ability to overcome bad breaks and missed opportunities is often what separates a winning team from a losing one. It comes from great leadership and a strong belief in your team.
During their Super Bowl season in 2009, the Saints faced adverse situations that in years past they would not have been able to overcome. The comeback against Miami in week 7 and the wild overtime thriller in week 13 against Washington come to mind. Not to mention that three game losing streak to end the regular season.
If the Saints are to be successful (and possibly repeat) in 2010, they’re going to have to dig deep as they did against the Vikings. While it was only one game, it was certainly a step in the right direction.
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