I can't even consider that 1st game a big game offensively, that first half the defense put the offense in great position repeatedly.
if anything, i feel like the saints game this offense showed how good it could be when gore gets it going early and kaep has time in the pocket. if it weren't for dropped passes (especially boldin going on that post route with no safety in sight), the narrative to this game changes.
in the past seasons, VD was a big component of this offense on 3rd downs and in the redzone, not to mention his YAC. i think he's a big part of the health and potency of this offense. a lot of the best offenses in the NFL have reliable, pro-bowl TEs (gronk, graham, gates, thomas). VD used to be that. not sure what the hell happened.