Sometimes the best team doesn't win . . .

The Vikings somehow got lucky (several individual times) and got out of New Orleans with a thoroughly undeserved win. If Antoine Winfield hadn't played, the score would have much more accurately reflected the state of play: the Saints were moving the ball at will, and the Vikings were struggling for bare competence on both sides of the ball. Vikings special team play was distressingly bad: Reggie Bush scored on two punt returns, and would almost certainly have scored on a third if he hadn't tripped in the open field.

Adrian Peterson was a marked man for the entire game, with his longest run being for only 7 yards (a total of 32 yards on 21 carries). Bernard "Call me Troy" Berrian dropped too many passes before finally looking like the high-paid receiver he's supposed to be in the fourth quarter (for a career high 110 yards). Gus Frerotte was hit several times, having to come out of the game at one point. The pass protection was mediocre at best.

So what did keep the Vikings alive? Saints errors:

The Saints also had four turnovers — two interceptions, two fumbles — committed five fumbles and were assessed 11 penalties by referee Ed Hochuli and his crew. In addition, Gramatica's miss wide left on a 46-yard field-goal attempt with 2:04 left in the fourth quarter enabled Minnesota to begin what would become the winning drive.

If Antoine Winfield isn't the defensive player of the week, there's something wrong:

Antoine Winfield gave his team one touchdown and put it in perfect position to score another one.

That was just in the first half.

Winfield had a superb individual performance Monday, helping the Vikings beat the New Orleans Saints 30-27 at the Superdome.

Winfield's first half included a little of everything. He returned a blocked field goal for a touchdown; recorded a sack, forced fumble and fumble recovery on one play; collected five tackles; made three tackles for loss, and broke up one pass.

He also had a celebration that drew a 15-yard penalty. That was about his only mistake in the first half.