We’re just hours before the opening kickoff of the 2009 season, and before things get started, let’s go over a few things.

Cowboys 35, Vikings 31. Head coach Brad Childress sat out the starters for this game to get a look at all of the players on the bubble. But even with all of Dallas’ starters out, fans who attended the game were treated to a high-scoring affair. Receivers Darius Reynaud and Jaymar Johnson each broke long kick returns, with Reynaud returning a punt 81 yards for a touchdown, which probably earned both roster spots. While the Vikings jumped out to a 21-7 lead, they quickly gave it back early in the third quarter with back-to-back interception returns for touchdowns. The first was by Sage Rosenfels, which Favre proponents will point to as a reason why he’s not starting against Cleveland, and the latter by John David Booty, which may have been a factor in dropping him to the practice squad.  But it was a heads up play by Cowboys receiver Jesse Holley that won it, with an 82-yard punt return for a touchdown when a punt wasn’t completely covered. Ian Johnson scored two touchdowns in a losing effort. All in all, not the greatest effort, but the Vikings were able to limit their penalties to only four after struggling with them the entire preseason. Let’s hope that translates well on Sunday.

Cuts and practice squad. Among the final cuts Saturday were Booty and a surprising move in Marcus McCauley. I thought McCauley had played better than Karl Paymah in the first three preseason games, but really struggled against Dallas’ backups. Paymah’s experience on special teams makes him an easier choice to keep. Also surprising was Albert Young outdueling Johnson for the third running back position. The team felt that Johnson needed some more seasoning on the practice squad, something that Young did a year ago. But with all of the moves made, the one that jumps out is today’s news that wide receiver Bobby Wade has been cut to make room for former Patriots and Eagles receiver Greg Lewis, where he played under Childress. Wade had the most receptions among Viking receivers the last two years, but was notorious for dropping some key passes at inopportune times. In Lewis, the Vikings get another speedy receiver to stretch the field and one that knows the offensive system.

Be sure to visit tomorrow for a preview on the Cleveland game and my bold prediction on the game.