Green Bay vs New Orleans Preview

New Orleans Saints at Green Bay Packers

Welcome back to the NFL season. To start off the NFL season we are able to see the last two Super Bowl Champions and what could be a preview for the NFC Championship game. I never thought I would say a week one out of division matchup would hold such a great significance later in the season, but I feel this matchup is so important that I feel the winner of this game will finish with the best record in the NFC and host the NFC championship game.

Look for both offenses to start fast as even though there was a lockout, the majority of the players on the offensive side of the ball are returning. As for both defenses, both coordinators (Dom Cappers and Greg Williams) love to pressure the quarterback, and create takeaways.

Key Matchups:

1. New Orleans Saints Corner Backs vs. Green Bay Packers Wide Receivers/Tight Ends. If the Saints are unable to stay with Greg Jennings, Donald Driver, Jordy Nelson and JerMichael Finley, Aaron Rodgers will slice up the Saints defense and go to a number of receivers. The front four need to get pressure on Rodgers, but remember Rodgers Quarterback rating outside the pocket in last years playoff was 143.5 so its imperative that the Saints secondary proves they are able to stay with the Green Bay receivers.
2. Green Bay linebackers vs. New Orleans offensive linemen. When Drew Brees has time to throw to his targets, he is almost automatic. At the same time, Brees is not a very mobile quarterback so making him uncomfortable and on the run will force him to throw balls into worse spots. Because the Packers run a 3-4 defensive scheme, I feel if Clay Matthews and Erik Walden get pressure on Brees, he won't be as accurate and efficient. If he has time to throw, this game will be an up and down contest.

Prediction: Packers 27 Saints 20

What Other Visitors Have Said

Hey

Packers beat the Saints 42-34, it was a good game. Drew Brees threw over 400 yards (419yrds), but threw 3 touchdown passes. Aaron Rodgers also threw 3 touchdown passes. One thing that hurt the Saints, was when they went for 4th and 1, decided to pass, should've kicked the field goal. Randall Cobb might be one of the best kickoff returners this year.

If he does another kickoff return touchdown, he will be awesome. Marques Colston got injured late in the game and will miss at least 4 weeks with a broken collarbone. That's gonna hurt the Saints' offense.

I am hoping the Atlanta Falcons beat the Chicago Bears this Sunday.

By - Kavin Caruso, Sep 09, 2011