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Here we’ll look at five major NFL news outlets and their weekly Power Rankings to see where the New Orleans Saints stack up week-to-week. Here’s where ESPN, CBS, Yahoo, Bleacher Report and NFL.com rank the Saints after their Week 1 19-29 loss to the Minnesota Vikings.
ESPN - #19
Six rushes for 18 yards for Adrian Peterson, seven for 17 for Alvin Kamara and six for 18 for Mark Ingram in Monday night's loss. Possible overreaction: No single running back stepped up for a New Orleans team that wanted to emphasize the run in 2017, and if no one does going forward, it could be another losing season for the Saints.
CBS - #26
So much for the idea that the defense would be improved. It wasn't against the Vikings.
Yahoo - #25
It’s not surprising the Saints’ defense made Sam Bradford look like Dan Marino. New Orleans hasn’t been able to stop anyone in years. What was concerning was how much the offense struggled. They didn’t find the end zone until late in the fourth quarter. That’s something worth watching early this season.
Bleacher Report - #19
We watched the Minnesota Vikings offense sputter last season. The New Orleans Saints ranked within the top 10 in points scored and yards gained every year since the 2010 campaign. So, the Saints were sure to outscore the Vikings in their new stadium, right Wrong.
NFL - #24
After a preseason filled with so much promise for the defense, that group fell flat in football that counted. Blown coverages, poorly timed personal fouls, leaky run defense -- all of it is there on the game tape (which won't be too dissimilar from 2016, 2015 and 2014 film). All of the hubbub surrounding Adrian Peterson's return to Minnesota didn't mean much once game situations removed him from the action. Back to the drawing board for the Saints, who'll try to pull out of their annual 7-9 spin cycle by returning home this week. Only one problem: The opponent is an angry Pats team.