Saints' schedule includes stern tests (1 Viewer)

[Dan in Lafayette]

Team will go 42 days without game in Dome

MikeTriplett / New Orleans Times-Picayune

The Saints' 2008 schedule was released Tuesday, and it's highlighted by a season-opening showdown against Tampa Bay in the Superdome on Sept. 7 and two Monday night home games -- against Minnesota on Oct. 6 and Green Bay on Nov. 24.

Among the most difficult hurdles: Another December trip to Chicago (Thursday night, Dec. 11) and a head-scratching 42-day stretch away from home in October and November.

"I think that's going to be tough, but the bottom line is you've got to do what you've got to do with your schedule," receiver David Patten said. "The bottom line is that's adversity you have to overcome. We know it going into it. Hopefully Coach will have us prepared, and hopefully we can come out (of that four-game stretch) with a winning record. Full Story – Picayunehttp://www.nola.com/saints/t-p/index.ssf?/base/sports-4/1208323371243710.xml&coll=1