4 games that define the Vikings intense rivalry with the Saints
By Randy Smith
The Minnesota Vikings rivalry with the New Orleans Saints has become a storied one. Here are four games that define the tension between the franchises.
The Minnesota Vikings and fans may consider the NFC North rival Green Bay Packer to be public enemy number one as far as rivalries go. But the New Orleans Saints come to a close second, or even a 1A, or 1B rivalry.
While the Packers and quarterback Aaron Rodgers have put the Vikings through some torturous times, the Saints have done just as much, if not even more. After all, Dom Capers, the Packers defensive coordinator in 2009 didn’t pay players to injure then-Vikings quarterback Brett Favre.
That task was led by former New Orleans defensive coordinator, Gregg Williams. Even though he hasn’t been in the league since 2020, at one point in his career, Williams reportedly offered players ”$1,500 for a “knockout” hit and $1,000 for a “cart-off” hit, with payouts doubling or tripling during the team’s three playoff appearances.”
Needless to say, in 2022, the term bounty-gate seems to be a relic, but it was once a reality. The reality for Williams and reality for Minnesota that feeds into the rivalry that is on display anytime the Vikings and Saints are on the schedule to face one another.
With a matchup this weekend in London, England. What are a few games that define the rivalry between Minnesota and New Orleans?