Vikings Banged-Up Defense Sinks To New Depths Against Saints

NEW ORLEANS -- AP -- The Minnesota Vikings' depleted defense ended its first series by haplessly trying to chase down Alvin Kamara as the Saints running back raced away for a 40-yard touchdown. That was just the beginning of a historically bad day in a 52-33 loss.

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Vikings coach Mike Zimmer estimated Minnesota had lost six linebackers, three defensive linemen, three cornerbacks and a safety from the start of the year. The Saints did whatever they wanted. They piled up 36 first downs and 583 yards. The yardage allowed was a Vikings franchise high. Zimmer says it's the worst defense of his coaching career.