AP source: Engineers will inspect Dolphins’ stadium Bradford, Vikings cruise past Saints
Miami — A possible tornado was reported near the Miami Dolphins' stadium during Hurricane Irma, and structural engineers will inspect the complex for potential damage, a person familiar with the situation said Monday.
The person confirmed the planned inspection to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the Dolphins had not commented on the condition of the stadium. The team's complex in Davie, Florida appears to be fine in the wake of the storm, the person said.
The condition of NFL stadiums in Tampa and Jacksonville were yet to be determined as well, the NFL said.
Marlins Park was also being assessed, another person said. Photos posted on social meeting showed possible storm damage to the outer facade of the retractable roof.
The Dolphins will open their season Sunday at the Los Angeles Chargers.
The Dolphins and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers had been scheduled to open their seasons this past Sunday, but that game was postponed until Nov. 19 because of Irma.
The NFL is not close to making a decision regarding this week's games, said Joe Lockhart, the league's senior vice president of communications. On Sunday, Tampa Bay's delayed season opener is scheduled at home against the Chicago Bears, and Jacksonville has its home opener against the Tennessee Titans.
“We're having a different conversation than we thought on Friday,” Lockhart said. “Miami and Tampa Bay received less than expected, and Jacksonville probably received more . ... Looking at Jacksonville and Tampa, we don't have any definite word. We're still doing assessments. We hope to have something in next few days.”
The Dolphins evacuated from South Florida before the storm's arrival and will practice in Oxnard, California, this week to prepare for their delayed start of the season. The Dolphins will have a team meeting Tuesday and will practice beginning Wednesday at the Dallas Cowboys' complex.
The Dolphins' first home game is now scheduled for Oct. 8 against Tennessee. Their stadium has a 1-year-old canopy designed to withstand a Category 4 hurricane.
The Marlins begin a threegame series in Philadelphia in Tuesday, and are scheduled to return home Friday to face Milwaukee.
Minneapolis — Sam Bradford started his second season with Minnesota in style, passing for 346 yards and three touchdowns to help the Vikings beat New Orleans 29-19 on Monday night and spoil Adrian Peterson's first game with the Saints.
Stefon Diggs had seven receptions for 93 yards, two for scores, and Adam Thielen racked up 157 yards on nine catches as Bradford carved up a Saints defense that looked again like one of the worst in the league despite a major renovation. Rookie Dalvin Cook rushed for 127 yards in the formal takeover from Peterson.
Peterson was an afterthought once the Saints fell behind. Drew Brees was quiet, too, with 291 yards on 27-for-37 passing padded by the late push to catch up. Coby Fleener caught the only touchdown toss, after the 2-minute warning. Will Lutz made four field goals, three under 25 yards.
Brees and Bradford are both in the final year of their contracts, with the same agent, Tom Condon, who is sure to cash in on both clients. Brees has by far the better resume, nine seasons further into his career, but Bradford stole the show on this prime-time stage.
Behind mostly clean pockets created by a remade offensive line, Bradford completed 27 of 32 passes without a turnover.
With three rookies and three free agents in the starting lineup, the Saints tried hard to better a defense that has held Brees and company back since the Super Bowl title eight years ago. The first performance left a lot to be desired, with Diggs and Thielen consistently finding favorable matchups underneath.
There were three unnecessary roughness calls in the first half by the Saints. Two of the personal fouls aided a drive that ended with one of three field goals by Kai Forbath, who missed one extra point. The other 15-yarder was on safety Kenny Vaccaro for head-hunting Diggs during an acrobatic catch in the closing seconds of the first half. Diggs came right back with another highlight-reel grab to give the Vikings a 16-6 lead at the break.
Cameron Jordan and A.J. Klein each had their hands on a tipped pass in the end zone that fluttered off Cook's hands, missing a critical opportunity to thwart that drive and keep the deficit at four points.
Decent debut
Cook became the first Vikings running back to start a season opener since Michael Bennett in 2001. Despite trouble hanging onto some of the passes thrown his way, he helped salt away the game in the second half.