1.  Any plays designed to send Sanders over the middle would be suicidal, both for the team and for the $35 million man.

2.  Defensively, the Vikings also made the critical plays, particularly Robert Tate's interception late in the third quarter at the Saints' 29-yard line.

3.  Dennis Franchione never gave a single locker room speech or called a play in this game.

4.  Dennis Green loves young guys who can get upfield and make plays.

5.  Dennison broke in as a reserve under Dan Reeves, and his special-teams play led to a starting job.

6.  Denver covered 87 yards in 13 plays, scoring on Ed McCaffrey's juggling, four-yard touchdown catch.

7.  Denver finished No. 7 in the NFL in passing, and there are several reasons why, including the strong play of quarterbacks John Elway and Bubby Brister.

8.  Denver had enormous trouble getting the ball in play.

9.  Denver lined up Davis wide on the opening play, with no running back in the backfield, and went into a shotgun on second down.

10.  Denver managed only 177 yards and averaged 2.9 yards per play.