Saints Whip Packers 44-23

As the Falcons, Panthers and Bucs all lost today in last second fashion, the refrain of how bad the NFC South is was strong as ever. But the Saints wouldn’t be included in that mess today. The Saints are now 3-0 at home on the season and being back in the Dome seems to be the cure all. After trading points for a 16-16 tie at halftime, the Saints went on a tear in the second half to thrash the Packers 44-23. Without question it was the team’s best performance of the year. At 3-4 you can now feel much better knowing the Saints will be going into Carolina this Thursday playing for first place in the NFC South. Below are my bullets on the game:

• Brees was pretty much perfect. By far his best performance of the year and most importantly: NO TURNOVERS!
• Mark Ingram carried the load with both Pierre Thomas and Khiry Robinson out. We knew the Packers were very bad against the run and Ingram exposed them severely. A career high 172 yards on the ground.
• The Saints hit on deep balls to Kenny Stills and Brandin Cooks, finally putting things all together. Brees’ arm looks completely fine.
• The defense was the epitome of a bend but don’t break style, but they were able to get three turnovers (two interceptions off deflected balls) and 4 sacks. They did a good job for the most part holding up in the red zone too.
• Two of those sacks were by Mr. Pro Bowl Cam Jordan. Nice to see him back.
• Tyrunn Walker was a beast inside.
• David Hawthorne came up with a pick and a huge 4th and 1 stop (with help from Walker). Easily the two biggest plays of the game defensively. Nice to see him come up huge.
• Erik Lorig played and his presence was effective. He’s clearly a physical blocker and his addition helped. Glad he’s finally on the field.
• Shayne Graham was perfect on 3 field goals inside 40. He continues to give us exactly what we hoped for, a reliable guy inside 45.
• Surprisingly, Keenan Lewis was probably the worst cover corner on the night. I say that, and yet the primary guy he was responsible for in Jordy Nelson had 3 catches for 25 yards. Patrick Robinson and Corey White were both very good, though.
• Jimmy Graham had 5 catches for 59 yards and a score, all in the second half. He’s still not quite himself yet, but he’s starting to make plays again.
• Tim Lelito did get blown up on a 3rd and inches run with Austin Johnson and his shotgun snaps seem to float, but other than that he held up very well as the starting center filling in for Jonathan Goodwin.
• Aaron Rodgers seemed to pull his hamstring right before his first interception. While he did score a rushing touchdown after that, he was never the same. The ball just wasn’t coming with the same velocity and accuracy. That made a big difference in the Saints’ ability to slow him down.
• Brandin Cooks had his best game with two scores. The only disappointment was a bad drop on a deep ball, but man, this kid is special. Great speed, hands and gamer ability.
• The crowd seemed to really affect the Packers’ o-line and check downs/audibles. I have no doubt the home crowd is as big of a reason for the success at home as anything.

What a great night to be a Saints fan. WHO DAT!