MINNEAPOLIS -- A few thoughts on the Minnesota Vikings' 30-7 loss to the New England Patriots on Sunday at TCF Bank Stadium:
What it means: The game will be seen largely in light of Adrian Peterson's absence, but even if the Vikings had kept the 2012 NFL MVP active on Sunday, it's difficult to see them beating the Patriots the way they played. They weren't able to put consistent pressure on Tom Brady a week after the Miami Dolphins sacked him four times, and they lost the turnover battle by four (or five, if you count the blocked field goal the Patriots returned for a touchdown in the first half). Matt Cassel threw three interceptions, and while he might have had a few more favorable looks if Peterson had been on the field, he also overthrew receivers at several key moments.
Stock watch: In a game in which he could have helped the Vikings get to 2-0 against his former team and his close friend Brady, Cassel didn't answer the bell. His first interception was a badly overthrown deep ball to Jarius Wright, and he overshot Kyle Rudolph on a second-quarter drive before leading Cordarrelle Patterson out of bounds on a pass that could have put the Vikings on the Patriots' doorstep. The Vikings, instead, had a field goal blocked on the next play. It seems unlikely the Vikings would think about a quarterback change this early, but they need Cassel to be better than this if they're hoping to surprise in the NFC North.
Difficult day for Rhodes: Targeted all day by Brady, especially when he was lined up on Julian Edelman, second-year cornerback Xavier Rhodes had a tough afternoon. He was playing with a groin injury that appeared to affect him in coverage, and he was also flagged for a couple of pass interference penalties. On Edelman's 44-yard completion in the first half, Rhodes made a diving attempt for the ball after he was beaten, and Edelman raced down the sideline after Rhodes missed the ball.
Game ball: There weren't many choices for the Vikings, but safety Harrison Smith gets the nod for today. He was credited with eight tackles and might have been the Vikings' most effective player in run support.
What's next: The Vikings (1-1) will head to New Orleans next Sunday to face the Saints in their home opener.