The New Orleans Saints began their march to the Super Bowl by running out of time at Lambeau field in a 42-34 loss to the defending Super Bowl Champion Green Bay Packers. Although the Packers jumped out to a quick 14-0 lead, in large part due to a pivotal Marques Colston fumble, the Saints never backed down, and never gave up. Saints rookie Mark Ingram got stopped a half yard short of the goal line on the last play of the game as the Saints tried to put themselves into position for a tying two point conversion. The Packers had never trailed.
With Drew Brees and Aaron Rodgers doing major matriculation for four quarters, the difference was several big plays by the Packer defense where they overpowered the Saints. The last play was one of several key plays where the Saints got pushed around.
It was another Seattle-like performance by the Saint defense, although to be fair, this was a Championship team lining up against them. Who’s going to beat the Packers this year? They’re loaded. Not sure I’ve ever seen a team with this many weapons. That the Saints could hang close is actually quite a testament. Wouldn’t it be nice to catch them in the dome in the NFC Championship? The Saints went into a hostile environment and fared pretty well. Now there will be significant ground to make up.
A few things stood out. Brees played flawlessly while under more duress than Rodgers. Darren Sproles played great. The Saints tight ends looked overmatched when asked to block. Look for the Saints to add a blocking tight end this week, as well as hope Lance Moore is ready to step in for Colston who suffered a broken collarbone. Time for an Adrian Arrington sighting? Time for the Saints to find a way to pressure the QB? It may get easier with Jay Cutler and his porous line coming to the dome, but the way the Saints defense is looking Cutler may be licking his chops. Nothing comes easy in the NFL. Don’t expect this season to be.
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