Drew Brees was hot early, but got heated late.
And that was enough to get the Saints their first win of the season, 20-9 over the Vikings.
Brees was surgical on the first two drives, leading the Saints to quick touchdowns.
But the Vikings defense decided to show up after that, and made life difficult for Brees.
The slump ended right about the time Vikings cornerback Captain Munnerlyn suplexed Brees to punctuate a sack, which led to Brees popping up to his feet and into the face of the Vikings defense.
He then responded with touchdown pass to Marques Colston to put the game away, and lend a little life to a team that needed it.
Brees finished 27-of-35 for 293 yards and two touchdowns.
The Vikings lost starting quarterback Matt Cassel to a toe injury, and rookie Teddy Bridgewater played acceptably well in his stead.
Bridgewater didn’t get them into the end zone, but he has no running game help, and was able to get them close enough for three field goals. He finished 12-of-20 for 150 yards for the Vikings, who lost their second straight to move to 1-2.