The Green Bay Packers entered the season seeking a 3rd straight appearance to the NFC Championship. They begin the season against the New Orleans Saints. Originally slated to be played at the Super Dome, but due to the effects of Hurricane Ida, the game was moved to Jacksonville. The Saints start a new era with Jameis Winston after Drew Brees retired following last year. Let’s recap the disappointing loss against the Saints.
Offensive Struggles
While it is only week one, and for many of the starters, their first game action this year, it was an outright ugly loss to Jameis Winston and the Saints. The Packers were notable in not playing any of their starters during the pre-season and it seemed like it on the field. Offense was constantly out-of-sync, receivers and Rodgers on separate pages. The new look offensive line gave Rodgers little time against a ferocious pass rush.
Rodgers also looked rusty as he threw two picks against a Saints defense that was without new addition Bradley Roby and for the most of the game Marshon Lattimore.
The offense was never able to get on track against the Saints defense. Rodgers finished with 133 passing yards, no touchdowns and two interceptions. They abandoned the running game early on, as a team they finished with 43 yards on 15 attempts.
Non-existent Defense
The defense offered little resistant against a new look Saints offense. Jameis didn’t need to do much as the Saints rushed for nearly 200 yards. While Jameis did not throw much, he threw five touchdowns, while adding in 37 yards rushing. This was not a good first showing for new defensive coordinator Joe Barry as the defense looked overmatched all game long. A game that reminded many of us of the 2019 NFC Championship game against the 49er’s when they rushed for 285 yards and Jimmy Garappolo only attempted at 8 passes. Kevin King struggled again getting beat multiple times deep.
Looking Ahead
The good news after the loss to the Saints is that it is only week one and the Packers have 16 more games to fix the issues from the opener. Next week the Packers play their home opener against the NFC North rivals, the Detroit Lions on Monday night.
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