The Green Bay Packers[2-1] defeat the New Orleans Saints[2-1] 18-17. Next week, the Saints will host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers while the Packers host the Detroit Lions.
1st Quarter: Saints Quarterback Derek Carr throws an 8-yard touchdown to Tight End Jimmy Graham.
2nd Quarter: On a Packers Punt, Saints Wide Receiver/Return Specialist Rashid Shaheed returns the punt 76 yards for a touchdown. Saints Kicker Blake Grupe kicks a 25-yard field goal. The Saints lead the Packers 17-0 at halftime.
3rd Quarter: On the first possession of the second half, Packers Quarterback Jordan Love throws an interception to Defensive Back Lonnie Johnson Jr. who gives the Saints the ball at their own 38-yard line. Derek Carr goes down with a shoulder injury and Jameis Winston comes in with 8:52 left in the 3rd quarter.
4th Quarter: Following a Packers turnover on downs, the Saints rule out Derek Carr for the rest of the game. Packers Kicker Anders Carlson kicks a 38-yard field goal. Jordan Love runs in a 2-yard touchdown for the Packers(2-point conversion is good with a completed pass to Wide Receiver Samori Toure). Jordan Love throws an 8-yard touchdown to Wide Receiver Romeo Doubs. Kicker Blake Grupe misses a 46-yard field goal. The Packers win 18-17.
Saints Notes:
Derek Carr Injury-When Carr left the game with his shoulder injury, now labeled as an AC Sprain, the Saints were up 17-0. I have no doubt in my mind that if Carr did not get hurt the Saints win the game. Sounds like he will be out for a few weeks, but with the easy schedule, I hope they can steal a win or maybe two in his absence.
Jameis Winston-He did not look very good. It is like he is trying too hard to not be that Quarterback who threw 30 touchdowns and 30 interceptions. He needs to just let his weapons do the work and they could get a win while Carr is hurt. Also, it would be smart to utilize more Taysom Hill during this time.
Wide Receivers-This group continues to outperform everyone every week despite the issues at Quarterback or the Offensive Line. Hats off to Michael Thomas, Chris Olave, and Rashid Shaheed.
Offensive Line-This is the reason Carr is hurt now. I had issues in prior weeks with blocking on every type of play but now guys like Ryan Ramczyk have lost a step. Something needs to be done fast or this could lead to bigger issues down the road like it has now with Derek Carr’s injury.
Alontae Taylor-Amazing plays to start the game. Rough play after Carr got hurt but otherwise, Taylor showed he can be the CB2 on this Saints team. He looked like the best player on the defense when targeted.
Offensive Play Calling-An absolute catastrophe with how bad the play calling on offense continues to be. Taysom Hill is not being used as much as he should. While up by three scores there was little running at all. I understand there is no Alvin Kamara or Jamaal Williams but that is no excuse with a rookie in Kendre Miller, Tony Jones Jr., and Taysom Hill. Jameis Winston should have not been in the position to try and win this game.
Penalties-Every week it is a revolving door of penalties because this coaching staff does not discipline the players enough. Two pass interference penalties allowed the Packers to travel from their own side of the field and into the Saints redzone which set up a score. If there is anything to address on the defensive side it is this. Have to be better in this area and games like this won’t happen.
-Jordan Burden