Packers Saints Preview

Posted by Mark Daniels on

The Packers are coming off a miserable week.  The New Orleans Saints have had a horrendous year.  They meet Sunday in the best matchup of teams with a combined 1-5 record in the last several seasons.  Something's gotta give.  I believe the Pack got over the injustice in Seattle by the time their charter flight touched home in the wee hours of Tuesday morning.  Yes, there was towel throwing, profanity laced tweets and incredulous smiles moments after the Seahawks were gifted the 14-12 win Monday night but you could tell the guys were tired of answering questions about the call and then more questions about the regular refs settling up with the NFL on Wednesday.  While still angry, hopefully they'll channel that toward the Saints, not the zebras on Sunday afternoon.  New Orleans has been ravaged by the bounty gate scandal, 0-3 on a captain-less ship with losses to the Redskins, Panthers and Chiefs, hardly murderer's row.  The collapse at home against the Chiefs was particularly galling.  The New Orleans defense is giving up an average of 477 yards a game.  The offense has been dysfunctional with protection and turnovers, despite the array of playmakers lining up.  Drew Brees has thrown five picks, his rating is an unsightly 77.0.  Yet he still has Jimmy Graham, Marques Colston, Devery Henderson, Lance Moore, Pierre Thomas and Darren Sproles.  They may be a sleeping giant and the Packers defense had better be prepared.  The Green Bay offense may finally have some soft spots to exploit after facing rugged defensive units the first three weeks.  After what Jamal Charles did to the Saints last week, Cedric Benson should be able to find yards and that will help the overall offensive plan.  Packer receivers whipped New Orleans corners in the opener a year ago and this might be the week the offense starts rounding into form.  That is unless the line shores up protection.  16 sacks in three weeks is tops in the league after an 8 sack first half against the Seahawks.   The Packers should be healthy, another bonus, even James Starks could make his season debut.   There are too many playmakers on both sides to expect a knock down, drag out affair.  I see plenty of points and a Packers win 28-24.  On the link below, comments from Mike McCarthy and the boys on how they see what could be an NFC knockout game before the first month of the season is up.

Packers Saints Preview

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