WATCH: Saints Force Critical Turnover vs. Minnesota Vikings

The New Orleans Saints had quite the turnover battle with the Minnesota Vikings in the third quarter. It all started on the first kickoff of the second half.

Saints' kick return specialist Myles Price fumbled the opening kick setting up the Vikings in plus territory to start the half. Given that the Saints defense had played good enough defense to hold a 7-6 lead through the first half, the fumble was a back breaking mistake.

It took all of three positive gains for the Vikings to get into the end zone. Minnesota quarterback Kyler Murray ran for 18 yards before passing for six more to tight end Gavin Bartholomew to put the Vikings within striking distance.

Facing third and six, Murray dropped back and completed a touchdown over triple coverage in the back of the end zone to star wide receiver Justin Jefferson. Yes, triple coverage. All of the sudden the Saints' lead evaporated and the Vikings took a 13-7 lead.

The struggles compounded not long after as Saints quarterback Tyler Shough threw an interception to set the Vikings up again for another score. Vikings cornerback Byron Murphy intercepted the pass and returned it inside the Saints 40-yard line. Then the Saints responded.

Trailing 13-7, the Saints defense forced the Vikings into a third and 15 play. Minnesota responded with a bubble screen to Myles Price who charged upfield to get as many yards as he could. The Vikings secondary then punched the ball out and it was off to the races.

New Orleans defender Jonas Sanker scooped up the football and returned it for a score, negating the seven points the Saints gave the Vikings from the opening kickoff blunder. Despite missing the conversion, New Orleans put itself back into the game.

Turnovers can prove costly. The Saints know that all too well.

New Orleans would probably be in control of the game without its special teams mishap. Even so, the clutch forced turnover by the defense erased a three point opportunity for the Vikings and added six points to their side of the scoreboard. It was the kind of defensive play they needed to get back in front.

New Orleans will hope to channel that opportunistic defense as they get into the middle portion of their 2026 schedule. If they can, you might see a playoff turnaround for the Saints in a wide open NFC South division.