Quick Take: Vikings-Saints

It was over when ...

Saints RB Pierre Thomas was the first player to score an opening-drive TD against the Vikings this season.

(Thomas E. Witte / Associated Press)

Garrett Hartley nailed a 40-yard field goal on the Saints' first possession of overtime to send New Orleans to its first Super Bowl. The Vikings had a chance to win in regulation but Brett Favre threw an interception with 12 seconds left deep in Saints territory.

Game ball

Saints LB Jonathan Vilma led a defense that hurried Brett Favre all day and forced five turnovers. Vilma had one of the Saints' two interceptions and forced a fumble in the third quarter.

Key Stat

The Vikings dominated in every major statistical category, but the Saints kept the game close by forcing six fumbles and two interceptions.

Noteworthy

New Orleans is the first team in NFL history to reach the Super Bowl after entering the playoffs with a losing streak of three or more games. ... The Saints are 14-4 at home since 2008, including the playoffs, and 22-13 at home under Sean Payton. ... Brett Favre's final pass as a member of the Packers, Jets and Vikings were all interceptions. ... The last time both No. 1 seeds reached the Super Bowl was 1993 when the Cowboys defeated the Bills 30-13.