Super Bowl Champion Saints Kickoff 2010 Season

Football is Back, and the New Orleans Saints the defending Super Bowl Champions (I just can’t say that enough) would host the NFL Kickoff game in a rematch of the NFC Championship game from last year against the Minnesota Vikings. The silver fox otherwise known as the Moses of the NFL Brett Favre the leagues oldest active player returned for yet another shot at a Super Bowl.

I had been as excited about a football game, well since Super Bowl XLIV the last time the Saints played and it counted, football was back and I was looking forward to a great game. Arriving in New Orleans roughly five hours before kickoff the first thing to do after setting up my computer in the photo workroom as to head outside to get some photos of the outdoor tailgating and festivities. I got my wide angle lens and started to head outside but it was raining pretty hard so I pulled out my trusty Iphone and pulled up my weather radar app to see how wide spread the rain was, it appeared the rain might clear over the next hour so I headed back to the work room to make some pregame preparations. A bit later it was time to try again.

I made my way out to the new tailgating party area called Champions Square, where fans gather outside the Superdome for food, drinks, fun and music, while there I ran across someone from my old hometown of Buras, La who was outside near the Champions Square state waving a large Saints flag in front of the Superdome.

September 9, 2010; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints fan Corey Ancar of Buras, La holds a team flag up outside at Champions Square prior to the NFL Kickoff season opener between the Minnesota Vikings and the New Orleans Saints at the Louisiana Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle

Over three hours left until game time I roamed around the square to get more photos of fans and general views of the Louisiana Superdome itself.

September 9, 2010; New Orleans, LA, USA; A drumline band marches through Champions Square outside prior to the NFL Kickoff season opener between the Minnesota Vikings and the New Orleans Saints at the Louisiana Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle

September 9, 2010; New Orleans, LA, USA; A New Orleans Saints fan outside at Champions Square prior to the NFL Kickoff season opener between the Minnesota Vikings and the New Orleans Saints at the Louisiana Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle

September 9, 2010; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints fans outside at Champions Square prior to the NFL Kickoff season opener between the Minnesota Vikings and the New Orleans Saints at the Louisiana Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle

I nearly killed this image below of the party bus passing by the Superdome, the bus passed through a shadow and the Superdome was in direct sunlight, the offset of light made the background way to bright, but I was able to salvage the image, since it wasn’t as bad as I thought when I took it. As you can see the white roof of the Superdome is blown out from the harsh sunlight, but the photo still showed off the atmosphere outside preparing for the game.

September 9, 2010; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints fans cheer from a passing bus prior to the NFL Kickoff season opener between the Minnesota Vikings and the New Orleans Saints at the Louisiana Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle

September 9, 2010; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints fans outside prior to the NFL Kickoff season opener between the Minnesota Vikings and the New Orleans Saints at the Louisiana Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle

Besides fans, I wanted a clean stadium shot of the Louisiana Superdome so I went to the top of one of the garages outside of the Superdome to get the photo below.

September 9, 2010; New Orleans, LA, USA; A general view of the Louisiana Superdome prior to the NFL Kickoff season opener between the Minnesota Vikings and the New Orleans Saints at the Louisiana Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle

After I had my fill of the activity outside the dome I went back inside to get some photos of warm ups. I had wanted to get a shot of Brett Favre arriving at the stadium but by the time I had come in from outside he had just past when I made it to the field.

Usually it’s not all that important to get a photo of a player warming up in a t-shirt before he puts on his gear, but when it’s Brett Favre you don’t take chances I got took some shots of the ageless wonder as he warmed up on the field because you never know what is going to sell when it comes to Brett Favre.

September 9, 2010; New Orleans, LA, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Brett Favre during warm ups prior to the NFL Kickoff season opener between the Minnesota Vikings and the New Orleans Saints at the Louisiana Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle

I also made sure to get something similar of Drew Brees before heading back to transmit.

September 9, 2010; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees throws a pass during warm ups prior to the NFL Kickoff season opener between the Minnesota Vikings and the New Orleans Saints at the Louisiana Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle

A short time later the players re-emerged to the field wearing their game uniforms it was approaching game time.

September 9, 2010; New Orleans, LA, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Brett Favre (4) during warm ups prior to the NFL Kickoff season opener between the Minnesota Vikings and the New Orleans Saints at the Louisiana Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle

Clean backgrounds and full body and tight shots were the order of the day. Below I capture the opposing head coaches in a pregame moment.

September 9, 2010; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton and Minnesota Vikings head coach Brad Childress talk during warm ups prior to the NFL Kickoff season opener between the Minnesota Vikings and the New Orleans Saints at the Louisiana Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle

After getting photos of the star players of both teams I headed in quickly to dump my card and send in a few images as quickly as possible before the special pregame activities that included the banner drop for the Super Bowl championship. Unknowingly to everyone in attendance Saints owner Tom Benson would arrive onto the field on a parade float of the Vince Lombardi Trophy led in by a marching band.

September 9, 2010; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints owner Tom Benson arrives on the field on a float as the team celebrated their Super Bowl XLIV championship prior to kickoff of the NFL Kickoff season opener at the Louisiana Superdome. The New Orleans Saints defeated the Minnesota Vikings 14-9. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle

Here is a wide shot of the festivities.

As the parade came onto the field the announcement for the dropping of the Super Bowl championship banner came.

September 9, 2010; New Orleans, LA, USA; The New Orleans Saints unveil their Super Bowl XLIV championship banner prior to kickoff of the NFL Kickoff season opener at the Louisiana Superdome. The New Orleans Saints defeated the Minnesota Vikings 14-9. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle

September 9, 2010; New Orleans, LA, USA; Singer, Harry Connick Jr. joins New Orleans Saints owner Tom Benson and owner Rita Benson LeBlanc on a parade float as the team celebrated their Super Bowl XLIV championship prior to kickoff of the NFL Kickoff season opener at the Louisiana Superdome. The New Orleans Saints defeated the Minnesota Vikings 14-9. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle

Following all the pregame festivities it was onto the game. The Saints would open up with the ball with quarterback Drew Brees leading the way.

September 9, 2010; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) during the first quarter against the Minnesota Vikings during the NFL Kickoff season at the Louisiana Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle

It wouldn’t be long before the Saints were celebrating in the endzone with a touchdown catch by Devery Henderson and a 7-0 lead by New Orleans over Minnesota. The first score also was my signal to quickly transmit a couple images from the first drive.

September 9, 2010; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Devery Henderson (19) celebrates with New Orleans Saints tight end Jeremy Shockey (88) after scoring a touchdown during the first quarter against the Minnesota Vikings during the NFL Kickoff season opener at the Louisiana Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle

When I returned to the field I signaled to my co-worker to transmit his images quickly and got into position to get a clean photo of Favre.

September 9, 2010; New Orleans, LA, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Brett Favre (4) during the NFL Kickoff season opener at the Louisiana Superdome. The New Orleans Saints defeated the Minnesota Vikings 14-9. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle

Back to the Saints offense anytime Reggie Bush touches the football there is an opportunity to a great image, below Reggie attempts to leap over a Minnesota defender.

September 9, 2010; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Reggie Bush (25) leaps over Minnesota Vikings cornerback Chris Cook (31)during first half of the NFL Kickoff season opener at the Louisiana Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle

Here are a few more photos from the Saints offense.

September 9, 2010; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) passes against the Minnesota Vikings during first half of the NFL Kickoff season opener at the Louisiana Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle

September 9, 2010; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Reggie Bush (25) runs against the Minnesota Vikings during first half of the NFL Kickoff season opener at the Louisiana Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle

The Saints offense is usually is the focus but this game would be a defensive battle and the Saints defense performed beyond expectations holding Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson in check throughout the game.

September 9, 2010; New Orleans, LA, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) is tackled by New Orleans Saints cornerback Jabari Greer (33) during first half of the NFL Kickoff season opener at the Louisiana Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle

September 9, 2010; New Orleans, LA, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) is pursued by New Orleans Saints linebacker Scott Shanle (58) during the NFL Kickoff season opener at the Louisiana Superdome. The New Orleans Saints defeated the Minnesota Vikings 14-9. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle

September 9, 2010; New Orleans, LA, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) breaks the tackle by New Orleans Saints defensive lineman Anthony Hargrove (69) during first half of the NFL Kickoff season opener at the Louisiana Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle

September 9, 2010; New Orleans, LA, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Brett Favre (4) under center during first half of the NFL Kickoff season opener against the New Orleans Saints at the Louisiana Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle

September 9, 2010; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive backs coach Dennis Allen and defensive coordinator Gregg Williams yell from the sideline during first half of the NFL Kickoff season opener against the Minnesota Vikings at the Louisiana Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle

September 9, 2010; New Orleans, LA, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Brett Favre (4) looks to pass during the NFL Kickoff season opener at the Louisiana Superdome. The New Orleans Saints defeated the Minnesota Vikings 14-9. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle

Pressure on Brett Favre was consistent and had him out of rhythm for most of the night.

September 9, 2010; New Orleans, LA, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Brett Favre (4) is pressured by New Orleans Saints linebacker Scott Shanle (58) during the NFL Kickoff season opener at the Louisiana Superdome. The New Orleans Saints defeated the Minnesota Vikings 14-9. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle

The Saints defense held the passing game to the wide receivers in check throughout the game, but the Vikings were able to exploit the defense on several plays with the tight end.

September 9, 2010; New Orleans, LA, USA; Minnesota Vikings tight end Visanthe Shiancoe (81) makes a catch over New Orleans Saints linebacker Scott Shanle (58) and safety Malcolm Jenkins (27) during the NFL Kickoff season opener at the Louisiana Superdome. The New Orleans Saints defeated the Minnesota Vikings 14-9. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle

Minnesota Vikings tight end Visanthe Shiancoe would follow his long gain with a touchdown catch later in the drive.

September 9, 2010; New Orleans, LA, USA; Minnesota Vikings tight end Visanthe Shiancoe (81) celebrates following a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints during first half of the NFL Kickoff season opener at the Louisiana Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle

The Vikings would go on to fail on the extra point attempt following the touchdown pass much to the disappointment of Minnesota head coach Brad Childress and the Vikings would enter halftime with a 9-7 instead of 10-7 lead.

September 9, 2010; New Orleans, LA, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Brad Childress reacts after an extra point was blocked by the New Orleans Saints during first half of the NFL Kickoff season opener at the Louisiana Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle

At halftime it was again time to quickly transmit images before the start of the second half. In the second half the Saints began to wear down the Vikings taking up chunks of the clock and yardage on the ground as the running game got going.

September 9, 2010; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Reggie Bush (25) runs past Minnesota Vikings linebacker Chad Greenway (52)during the NFL Kickoff season opener at the Louisiana Superdome. The New Orleans Saints defeated the Minnesota Vikings 14-9. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle

September 9, 2010; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Pierre Thomas (23) runs with the ball during the NFL Kickoff season opener at the Louisiana Superdome. The New Orleans Saints defeated the Minnesota Vikings 14-9. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle

Pierre Thomas would finish the drive with a dive into the endzone, I had the shot but it was a little too soft so it was trashed, below Thomas celebrates following the touchdown that gave the Saints the final margin of victory 14-9.

September 9, 2010; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Pierre Thomas (23) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings during the NFL Kickoff season opener at the Louisiana Superdome. The New Orleans Saints defeated the Minnesota Vikings 14-9. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle

In the second half the Saints defense continued to put pressure on Brett Favre.

September 9, 2010; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis (98) sacks Minnesota Vikings quarterback Brett Favre (4)during the third quarter of the NFL Kickoff season opener at the Louisiana Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle

One problem the Saints did run into was trying to ice the game with the field goal, twice kicker Garrett Hartley was called upon for a field goal and twice he missed first for 46-yards and understandable miss but then from 32-yards. The Saints NFC Championship and Super Bowl XLIV hero failed to come through in game one, I shot a photo as he ran back to the sideline following a missed 32-yard attempt that would have increased the Saints lead to 17-9, but the miss left the game at 14-9 leaving the Minnesota Vikings a chance for a comeback.

September 9, 2010; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints place kicker Garrett Hartley (5) reacts after missing a field goal against the Minnesota Vikings during the NFL Kickoff season opener at the Louisiana Superdome. The New Orleans Saints defeated the Minnesota Vikings 14-9. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle

Luckily for New Orleans the Saints defense continued to hold the Vikings in check putting pressure on Brett Favre and shutting down Minnesota’s powerful running attack.

September 9, 2010; New Orleans, LA, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Brett Favre (4) avoids pressure from the New Orleans Saints defense during the NFL Kickoff season opener at the Louisiana Superdome. The New Orleans Saints defeated the Minnesota Vikings 14-9. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle

September 9, 2010; New Orleans, LA, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) is tackled by New Orleans Saints cornerback Jabari Greer (33) during the fourth quarter of the NFL Kickoff season opener at the Louisiana Superdome. The New Orleans Saints defeated the Minnesota Vikings 14-9. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle

The Saints would force the Vikings to punt leaving the Saints with an opportunity to run out the clock and that’s exactly what New Orleans would do when Pierre Thomas broke several tackles on his way to a first down that secured New Orleans could run out the remaining time on the clock and come away with a hard fought 14-9 victory to start the kickoff weekend.

September 9, 2010; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Pierre Thomas (23) breaks a tackle to get a first down during the fourth quarter securing a 14-9 win over the Minnesota Vikings in the NFL Kickoff season opener at the Louisiana Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle

September 9, 2010; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) and running back Heath Evans (44) celebrate following a win in the NFL Kickoff season opener over the Minnesota Vikings at the Louisiana Superdome. The New Orleans Saints defeated the Minnesota Vikings 14-9. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle

September 9, 2010; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive lineman Anthony Hargrove (69) celebrates following the NFL Kickoff season opener at the Louisiana Superdome. The New Orleans Saints defeated the Minnesota Vikings 14-9. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle

September 9, 2010; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) runs off the field following a 14-9 victory over the Minnesota Vikings in the NFL Kickoff season opener at the Louisiana Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle

That’s all for the game action, here are a few more images from the Saints game.

September 9, 2010; New Orleans, LA, USA; A New Orleans Saints fan cheers prior to kickoff of the NFL Kickoff season opener at the Louisiana Superdome. The New Orleans Saints defeated the Minnesota Vikings 14-9. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle

September 9, 2010; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints fans mock Minnesota Vikings quarterback Brett Favre in the stands prior to kickoff of the NFL Kickoff season opener at the Louisiana Superdome. The New Orleans Saints defeated the Minnesota Vikings 14-9. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle

September 9, 2010; New Orleans, LA, USA; A New Orleans Saints fan in the stands flashes “2 Dat” on his gloves a popular phrase regarding a repeat trip to the Super Bowl for the Saints during the NFL Kickoff season opener at the Louisiana Superdome. The New Orleans Saints defeated the Minnesota Vikings 14-9. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle

September 9, 2010; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints fans cheer prior to kickoff of the NFL Kickoff season opener at the Louisiana Superdome. The New Orleans Saints defeated the Minnesota Vikings 14-9. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle

September 9, 2010; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints Saintsations cheerleaders perform during the NFL Kickoff season opener at the Louisiana Superdome. The New Orleans Saints defeated the Minnesota Vikings 14-9. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle

That is all for now, until next time.