The Packers took on the New Orleans Saints in their second straight game against an NFC South opponent after beating the Carolina Panthers 38-17 last week.
Turning Point: With the Packers driving midway through the third quarter, Aaron Rodgers scrambled for a first down inside the red zone and came up gimpy. Nursing his left hamstring, Rodgers threw a second-down pass out of the end zone and then had his next pass intercepted on a deflection. The Saints would convert that turnover into a touchdown four plays later to Brandon Cooks. Rodgers would not look quite the same for the rest of the game, and was removed with three minutes remaining.
Key Stat: 3
The Packers turned the ball over 3 times, including a sack-fumble of Matt Flynn when the game was out of hand in the final three minutes. New Orleans meanwhile played a clean game without turnovers until the final two minutes, excluding one turnover on downs. This was the second game the Packers have played this season in which neither team punted, which is also only the third time that has happened in NFL history.
Packers MVP: Eddie Lacy
The Packers sustained several drives and picked up some key first downs with the running game, due in large part to Lacy's effort. Lacy had 13 carries for 59 yards, and added 8 receptions for 123 yards.
Saints MVP: Mark Ingram
The Saints got a great output from Brandon Cooks as well, but the tone-setter was Ingram. He didn't find the end zone until the final four minutes of the game, but his carries played a big role in the Saints picking up 11 first downs on the ground. Ingram's final stat line was 24 carries for 172 yards and a touchdown to ice the game.
On the Hot Seat: Mike McCarthy
The play-calling for McCarthy did not help the Packers early. In the first quarter, McCarthy tried unsuccessfully to steal a possession from Drew Brees with a surprise onside kick. In the third quarter, a predictable short yardage run call on fourth and 1 off second string guard Lane Taylor's block fell short as well. McCarthy did do his best to protect Rodgers with his play calling in the later stages, but keeping his franchise QB in the game could have really come back to bite Green Bay.
What's Next?
The Packers will get the opportunity to rest and game plan for their next game against the Chicago Bears, as they head into a Week 9 bye. Meanwhile, the Saints head to Carolina to face the struggling Panthers who are 0-2-1 in their last three contests. It's a short turnaround for the Saints, who will go from this Sunday night matchup to another prime time game on Thursday night.
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