The New Orleans Saints showed Sunday night that they’re still playoff contenders, cruising to a 44-23 win over the Green Bay Packers at the Super Dome.
The Packers defense has been used to getting take/aways as a way to hold the opponents in check. Last night, Drew Brees completed 27 of 32 for 311 yards and three touchdowns and running back Mark Ingram tore the Packers front seven to shreds with 172 yards on 24 carries and a touchdown.
In the first half, the Packers defense bent but wouldn’t break. The Saints mustered one first half touchdown and three field goals.
But in the second half, rookie Brandin Cooks got behind the Packers secondary for a 50-yard touchdown and a 23-16 Saints lead. Drew Brees then added a 22-yard touchdown pass to Jimmy Graham to give the Saints a 30-16 advantage and the rout was on.
The Packers played without starters Morgan Burnett and Sam Shields. Burnett’s absence was very noticeable. The Packers defense didn’t force the Saints to punt once in the game. It’s the second time this season (Bears) that the opponent hasn’t had to punt against the Packers. [Read more…]