The New Orleans Saints trail the Minnesota Vikings 13-10 at halftime of the Wild Card matchup at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday, Jan. 5
New Orleans started the game on a high note when cornerback Janoris Jenkins forced a fumble on Vikings wideout Adam Thielen on the third play. Safety Vonn Bell scooped up the fumble and positioned the Saints offense at thw Minnesota 37-yard line. However, the drive stalled and the Saints were forced to settle for a 29-yard Wil Lutz field goal.
When quarterback Drew Brees and the Saints offense struggled to move the ball early, Coach Sean Payton went to his bag of tricks to swing the momentum back in New Orleans' favor. Backup quarterback Taysom Hill delivered a 50-yard strike to Deonte Harris setting the Saints up inside the 5-yard line. Running back Alvin Kamara punched it in from four yards out on the ensuing snap to give the Saints a 10-3 lead.
Brees completed 8-of-12 passes for 63 yards and one interception, Hill has two carries for 13 yards to go along with his 50 passing yards, and Kamara has four carries for 12 yards and a touchdown. Saints wideout Michael Thomas has four catches for 52 yards. Lutz had a chance to tie score but his 43-yard attempt went wide right as the half ended.
Defensively, New Orleans has struggled to slow down Vikings running back Dalvin Cook. Cook has 15 carries for 79 yards and a touchdown. Trey Hendrickson has four tackles including one sack.
Saints linebacker Kiko Alonzo is questionable to return with a knee injury.
If the Saints win Sunday they will travel to Lambeau Field to face the No. 2 seed Green Bay Packers next Sunday at 5:40 p.m.
For first half stats, click here.
