Saints and Vikings Tied 10-10 After First Quarter

In this Sept. 28, 2008 file photo, New Orleans Saints running back Deuce McAllister (26) tries to...

In this Sept. 28, 2008 file photo, New Orleans Saints running back Deuce McAllister (26) tries to outrun San Francisco 49ers defender Patrick Willis during an NFL football game in New Orleans. McAllister's inspiring comeback from a second knee surgery is only the latest chapter in a career that has made him one of the most popular players the New Orleans Saints have known. (AP Photo/Pat Semansky, File)

(AP)

New Orleans' Drew Brees threw for 107 yards and a touchdown and Minnesota's Antoine Winfield returned a blocked field goal 59 yards for a score and the Saints and Vikings were tied 10-10 at the end of the first quarter on Monday night.

The Saints outgained the Vikings 148 yards to 30, but Minnesota stayed even with big special teams plays.

The Saints won the coin flip and elected to receive instead of deferring to the second half as they often do.

The decision paid off immediately, as Pierre Thomas took the opening kickoff three yards deep in the end zone, ran through a gaping hole on the left side and returned it 56 yards to the Minnesota 47.

Brees scrambled for a first down on a third-and-1 and hit wide receiver Devery Henderson over the middle for a 17-yard touchdown on a third-and-10.

The Saints were on the move again after a 52-yard completion from Brees to Henderson, but the drive stalled after a holding penalty on fullback Mike Karney negated a run by Reggie Bush inside the Minnesota 10. Seconds later, Kevin Williams blocked a field goal attempt by Martin Gramatica. Winfield caught it on the fly and ran untouched to tie the score at 7.

Brees led the Saints 34 yards in eight plays to set up a 35-yard field goal on their next possession. After a failed onside kick by the Saints, Minnesota responded with a 53-yard field goal by Ryan Longwell, matching his season long.

Minnesota running back Adrian Peterson gained only five yards on four carries.

Brees was leading the league in passing yards after four games.

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