The Saints defeated the Vikings by a surprisingly low scoring final of 14-9 to open the 2010 NFL season. New Orleans scored on its opening drive, as Drew Brees connected with Devery Henderson for a 29-yard touchdown. Minnesota cut the lead to four with a Ryan Longwell field goal in the second quarter. After the Saints went three and out following a holding call on their next drive, Jonathan Vilma picked off a Brett Favre pass to setup an excellent scoring opportunity in Minnesota territory. But the Saints were unable to move the ball and Garrett Hartley missed a 46-yard field goal attempt. The Vikings got the ball back with 1:19 remaining before the half in a hurry up offense opportunity. Favre eventually connected with Visanthe Shiancoe on consecutive snaps for 33 yards and then a 20-yard touchdown reception to give Minnesota a 9-7 leading heading into halftime after the extra point was blocked. After the Vikings were forced to punt on their first possession of the second half, the Saints methodically went on an 11-play, 69-yard, 6:43 drive that ended with a punch in from Pierre Thomas. Minnesota was unable to put together a threatening drive for the remainder of the game, allowing New Orleans to sit on their 14-9 lead. The Saints were a +8.7 in the Trench Counter department.