Is Rodgers poised to have a breakout game against the Saints defense?
The Green Bay Packers (1-2) and the New Orleans Saints (0-3) are two NFC powerhouses that are off to slow starts this season.
In what could be a make or break game for either team’s playoff dreams, the Packers face a dangerous Saints team on Sunday afternoon at Lambeau Field. Head coach Mike McCarthy believes the Saint’s record doesn’t reflect the quality of the team.
Drew Brees and the Saints offense, which is not firing on all cylinders, is still to be respected and categorized as “explosive” according to McCarthy.
Audio: McCarthy on Saints’ offense :16
Linebacker A.J. Hawk feels there is a strong need to disrupt and pressure Brees. Given time, Brees could make the Packers pay.
Audio: Hawk on Drew Brees and Saints’ offense :19
While the Saints have struggled at times on offense, so have the Packers.
The Packers look to improve on last week’s rushing performance which saw running back Cedric Benson lead the team with 45 yards. They’ll have a chance against a Saints defense which allows, a NFL-worst, 215 rushing yards and an average of 34 points per game.
The Saints are allowing an average of 262.3 passing yards per game and have only managed one interception this season. That also bodes well for Packers QB Aaron Rodgers. He’s been sacked a total of 16 times in the first three games and the Packers offense has produced just four touchdowns so far.
For the Saints, this game is must-win. Only three teams have made the playoffs after a 0-3 start since 1990, and none have made it into the conference championship game.
For the Packers, they look to get to .500 with a win. They’ll play the next three games following Sunday on the road.