New Orleans Saints 14, Minnesota Vikings 9

Defense and toughness got the Saints to 1-0 in their defense of the Lombardi Trophy...Saints running back Pierre Thomas took over in the second half...Saints kicker Garrett Hartley accepted responsibility for two missed field goals.

After a solid first 30 minutes, Vikings running back Adrian Peterson struggled to get going in the second half...The Vikings defense stood tall against a potent Saints' offense...This loss can be pinned on Brett Favre's late arrival, writes Jim Souhan.

NFL News and Notes

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady's four-year contract extension has been finalized.

The Buffalo Bills could be without their two most experienced linebackers in the season-opener.

New York Jets guard Matt Slauson will be the starting left guard against the Ravens on Monday night.

Miami Dolphins center Jake Grove had his contract terminated on Thursday.

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco has no excuses this year, writes Mike Preston of the Baltimore Sun.

Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Bruce Arians says they'll do whatever it takes to win the game.

The right side of the Cleveland Browns offensive line is still in flux, reports Tony Grossi of the Cleveland Plain-Dealer.

Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Antwan Odom confirmed he tested positive for a banned substance.

Indianapolis Colts running back Joseph Addai's best games have come against the Texans, reports Mike Chappell of the Indianapolis Star.

Tennessee Titans head coach Jeff Fisher remains mum on who will start at the cornerback spot opposite Cortland Finnegan.

Safeties Gerald Alexander and Sean Considine are the last line of the Jacksonville Jaguars' defense.

Houston Texans defensive end Mario Williams needs to justify his first overall draft pick status, writes Jerome Solomon of the Houston Chronicle.

Running back Jamaal Charles is the key to the Kansas City Chiefs' improvement in 2010, writes Kent Babb of the Kansas City Star.

Denver Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels will have two active quarterbacks on Sunday, but won't say who the back-up will be.

San Diego Chargers president Dean Spanos is united with general manager A.J. Smith in the team's stances against Vincent Jackson and Marcus McNeill.

Oakland Raiders linebacker Thomas Howard is embracing his new role on special teams.

Danny O'Neil of the Seattle Times profiles Seattle Seahawks first-round safety Earl Thomas.

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree is surprised by the diva label affixed to him.

With five new starters, the Arizona Cardinals defense knows it has a lot to prove this season.

St. Louis Rams linebacker James Laurinaitis has taken charge of the defense.

Green Bay Packers cornerback Charles Woodson signed a two-year contract extension on Thursday.

Detroit Lions left tackle Jeff Backus will have his hands full with Bears defensive end Julius Peppers on Sunday.

It's time for Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler to ascend to the elite level.

New York Giants left tackle David Diehl beat out William Beatty to remain the starter, reports Mike Garafolo of The Star-Ledger.

The Philadelphia Eagles offensive line is working overtime to gel as a unit, writes Les Bowen of the Philadelphia Daily News.

Washington Redskins running back Clinton Portis feels good and has worked to become a better teammate.

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Miles Austin has agreed to a six-year contract extension worth over $54 million.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Cadillac Williams wants to be a premier runner in the NFL.

Atlanta Falcons defensive end John Abraham is ready to lead a revamped defensive line, writes D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Carolina Panthers quarterback Matt Moore has made the most of his opportunities.

Today's NFL birthdays: Texans linebacker Darnell Bing (26), Saints practice squad guard Brandon Carter (24), free agent cornerback Nick Harper (36), offensive lineman Matt Huners (25), Leander Jordan (34), and guard Adam Kraus (26), safety Sammy Knight (35), and defensive tackle Shemiah LeGrande (24).