Vikings Take Bradford Off IR for Playoffs; 4th QB On Roster

“That is an extremely loud environment probably one of the louder ones in the league so we’ve got a plan for how we’re going to handle that”, said Saints quarterback Drew Brees.

New Orleans is quite familiar with the pressure the Vikings fans will put on them.

The defensive turnaround has been a key to the Saints’ sixth playoff appearance in 12 seasons of Payton and Brees.

The Falcons drop to 9-6 on the year, while New Orleans improved to 11-4.

Rhodes will matchup with the Saints’ Michael Thomas and attempt to slow down the hot receivers production after he posted eight catches for 131 receiving yards in last seeks wild-card game.

If this is true, it’s possible that Bradford could suit up as the team’s third-string option against New Orleans, but Minnesota has not had three quarterbacks active for a single game since Leslie Frazier was the team’s coach in 2013.

Again, back in September the last time these two teams met, such lofty aspirations seemed like a foolish wish. The Saints have run a no-huddle outside of a two-minute offense since that 2011 season.

In this case, what happened in that September 11 opener is indicative of the teams meeting in Minnesota for the second time this year.

On the other hand, Minnesota has a uniquely talented defense that has been together under Zimmer for three years now and is comfortable adjusting on the fly with total faith in the scheme.

The Vikings kick off their quest to play in a home Super Bowl at US Bank Stadium against a team they beat 29-19 in the first week of the regular season.

Line, who is the Saints’ starter at fullback, has the most recent history in Minnesota. Particularly at the most important position: quarterback.

Look for Case Keenum to continue what he has been doing all season while being backed up by Bradford. Peterson, who rushed for over 10,000 yards in his career with the Vikings, had six carries for 18 yards in Week 1 and wound up being traded to the Arizona Cardinals.

Saints coach Sean Payton called the Vikings’ effectiveness the flawless blend of scheme and personnel. But it’s hard for the Vikings not to covet a wily vet like Brees.

“When you’re in games of that magnitude, it’s as if you’ve been there and done it many times before, even if it was just in your mind”. Bradford aggravated his knee against the Bears and was ineffective before being replaced late in the first half by Keenum, who has started every game since. In an added dollop of a good thing potentially being a negative, Keenum may be looking over his shoulder as Bradford is active Sunday. He had been out since Week 5 after undergoing a knee procedure. “I know they knew I was a good player, they kept me there for four years”. At some point there will be a critical moment in the game that an experienced quarterback will know how to handle, a crucial drive or throw.

Is the Saints’ season about to end, or will the circle remain unbroken?