Tweet
Posted September 16, 2006
Scouting report: Packers vs. Saints
By Rob Demovsky
rdemovsk@greenbaypressgazette.com
Packers' rushing offense vs. Saints' rushing defense
About the only thing the Packers did well in Sunday's shutout loss to the Chicago Bears was run the ball. But even that wasn't 100 percent effective. They failed to convert twice on third-and-1 and once on fourth-and-1, stalling drives early in the game. Ahman Green looked surprisingly quick and powerful and had his first 100-yard game since Nov. 14, 2004. The Saints did a good job of keeping the Cleveland Browns in check last week, but the Browns aren't exactly an offensive juggernaut.
Edge: Packers
Saints' rushing offense vs. Packers' rushing defense
Rookie head coach Sean Payton found a way to mix veteran running back Deuce McAllister and rookie sensation Reggie Bush. The two combined for 157 yards rushing in their win over the Browns. McAllister isn't as quick as he once was, but he's still a powerful runner. Bush, the No. 2 overall pick in the draft, has incredible speed and excellent cutback ability. They're running behind a revamped offensive line. The Packers gave up one long run against Chicago but otherwise were decent at the point of attack.
Edge: Saints
Packers' passing offense vs. Saints' passing defense
Rookie head coach Mike McCarthy tried to play it safe last week against the Bears but when his team fell behind, he opened things up again. That didn't work either. Donald Driver was highly productive but no one else contributed. Pass protection was an issue, and Brett Favre was under pressure most of the game. The Saints recorded five sacks in the opener. Former Packers cornerback Mike McKenzie is one of their starters.
Edge: Saints
Saints' passing offense vs. Packers' passing defense
Former San Diego Chargers quarterback Drew Brees is the Saints' new quarterback and had a good opening outing last week. He's an accurate throwing who is calm under pressure. Seven of his 16 completions against the Browns went to Bush. Veteran receiver Joe Horn looked washed up and caught just two passes for 25 yards. The Packers made major coverage errors in the secondary and by their linebackers against the Bears. Defensive end Aaron Kampman had a good day rushing the passer and looks poised for a big year.
Edge: Saints
Special teams
Even if the Packers cut their special teams errors in half, it still could cost them the game.
Edge: Saints
Coaching
Both guys have coached one NFL game. Payton won. McCarthy lost.
Edge: Saints
Intangibles
The Packers routed the Saints last season at Lambeau Field, 52-3, after an 0-4 start to the season.
Edge: Packers
Overall
The Packers were barely competitive in their loss to the Bears, but the Saints are nowhere close to being in Chicago's league. This is a winnable game but only if the Packers can find a way to give Favre some time to throw.
Edge: Saints.
GO PACKERS ! PACKER FAN FAITH !
Scouting report: Packers vs. Saints
By Rob Demovsky
rdemovsk@greenbaypressgazette.com
Packers' rushing offense vs. Saints' rushing defense
About the only thing the Packers did well in Sunday's shutout loss to the Chicago Bears was run the ball. But even that wasn't 100 percent effective. They failed to convert twice on third-and-1 and once on fourth-and-1, stalling drives early in the game. Ahman Green looked surprisingly quick and powerful and had his first 100-yard game since Nov. 14, 2004. The Saints did a good job of keeping the Cleveland Browns in check last week, but the Browns aren't exactly an offensive juggernaut.
Edge: Packers
Saints' rushing offense vs. Packers' rushing defense
Rookie head coach Sean Payton found a way to mix veteran running back Deuce McAllister and rookie sensation Reggie Bush. The two combined for 157 yards rushing in their win over the Browns. McAllister isn't as quick as he once was, but he's still a powerful runner. Bush, the No. 2 overall pick in the draft, has incredible speed and excellent cutback ability. They're running behind a revamped offensive line. The Packers gave up one long run against Chicago but otherwise were decent at the point of attack.
Edge: Saints
Packers' passing offense vs. Saints' passing defense
Rookie head coach Mike McCarthy tried to play it safe last week against the Bears but when his team fell behind, he opened things up again. That didn't work either. Donald Driver was highly productive but no one else contributed. Pass protection was an issue, and Brett Favre was under pressure most of the game. The Saints recorded five sacks in the opener. Former Packers cornerback Mike McKenzie is one of their starters.
Edge: Saints
Saints' passing offense vs. Packers' passing defense
Former San Diego Chargers quarterback Drew Brees is the Saints' new quarterback and had a good opening outing last week. He's an accurate throwing who is calm under pressure. Seven of his 16 completions against the Browns went to Bush. Veteran receiver Joe Horn looked washed up and caught just two passes for 25 yards. The Packers made major coverage errors in the secondary and by their linebackers against the Bears. Defensive end Aaron Kampman had a good day rushing the passer and looks poised for a big year.
Edge: Saints
Special teams
Even if the Packers cut their special teams errors in half, it still could cost them the game.
Edge: Saints
Coaching
Both guys have coached one NFL game. Payton won. McCarthy lost.
Edge: Saints
Intangibles
The Packers routed the Saints last season at Lambeau Field, 52-3, after an 0-4 start to the season.
Edge: Packers
Overall
The Packers were barely competitive in their loss to the Bears, but the Saints are nowhere close to being in Chicago's league. This is a winnable game but only if the Packers can find a way to give Favre some time to throw.
Edge: Saints.
GO PACKERS ! PACKER FAN FAITH !