The Green Bay Packers scored on their first three possessions and never looked back in a dominating 34-0 win over the New Orleans Saints. The defense held New Orleans to just 196 total yards for the game and earned their first shutout since 2021. Josh Jacobs gained 107 total yards from scrimmage and scored a touchdown to pace the offense. The Packers improved to 11-4 on the season and have officially clinched a playoff berth. New Orleans dropped to 5-10 on the season. Here are 10 things we learned from the Packers 34-0 win over the Saints in Week 16:
Ten Things We Learned from the Packers Win Over the Saints, Number One: The Packers Started Fast and Never Looked Back
The Packers scored touchdowns on each of their first three drives and that ended the competitive part of the contest right there. The Pack went 58 yards in 10 plays, then put together a 17-play, 96-yard drive that ate up nearly nine minutes of clock time. Then they followed that up with a six-play, 67-yard drive. It was 21-0 at that point and the Saints never threatened.
In the first quarter, the Packers held the ball for 11:57 and for the game, they held the ball for 37:13 compared to just 22:47 for the Saints.
Number Two: This Was a Complete Game
At halftime, head coach Matt LaFleur mentioned that he challenged his team to play a complete game with offense, defense, and special teams all playing well and contributing to the effort. The team did just that.
The offense dominated early and wasn’t challenged after that. The defense came up with the first shutout by any team in the NFL this season and held the Saints to less than 200 yards total offense. Meanwhile, the special teams opened the game with a long kick return by Keisean Nixon and featured a 55-yard field goal in the cold by Brandon McManus.
The Saints are a struggling team dealing with a myriad of key injuries, but good teams take care of business against those types of clubs. The Packers did just that against New Orleans.
Ten Things We Learned from the Packers Win Over the Saints, Number Three: The Running Game Was Dominant
The Packers ran the ball 39 times for 188 yards in this game and that included kneel downs by Malik Willis at the end of the game. The team averaged 4.8-yards per rush and Jacobs, Emanual Wilson, and Chris Brooks each ran for a score.
Each back made some nifty moves and escaped from what looked like some sure tackles.
The Green Bay offensive line has to be given credit for the strong run blocking they did throughout the game.
Number Four: The Defense Earned a Shutout
The Packers last shutout came in 2021 when the blanked the Seahawks. The defense handled a depleted Saints offense and never let them get too deep into Packers territory.
The Saints were just 4-of-11 on third down and 0-for-2 on fourth down in this game.
The Packers also recorded three sacks and created two turnovers. New Orleans never got past the Packers 22 which means the Saints didn’t even get into the red zone in this game.
This was a strong performance by Jeff Hafley’s crew.
Ten Things We Learned from the Packers Win Over the Saints, Number Five: Jordan Love Was Smart
Jordan Love did what he needed to do in this game, and he played smart. While his statistics don’t look outstanding, he threw the ball away when nobody was open and made some good plays to avoid potential sacks. Although there was occasional pressure, Love managed to avoid being taken down and avoided intentional grounding penalties as well.
He finished the game by completing 16-of-28 passes for 182 yards and a touchdown. Love did not throw an interception. He didn’t take unnecessary risks but did get the ball downfield a few times for splash plays including a 37-yard pass to Jayden Reed.
Love played an efficient game and did what he had to do to secure an easy victory. He showed situational awareness and maturity in this game.
Number Six: Zayne Anderson Had His First Career Start and Interception
Safety Zayne Anderson started a game for the first time in his four-season NFL career and he made the most of the opportunity. The former BYU star with three total tackles, broke up two passes and made his first career NFL interception.
The pick ended the Saints deepest penetration into Packers territory and prevented New Orleans from even getting a hint of momentum.
Green Bay was without Javon Bullard and Evan Williams. The NFL has a next man up mentality and Anderson did exactly what was expected of him and more in this game.
Ten Things We Learned from the Packers Win Over the Saints, Number Seven: End Arounds Were Big
Running backs weren’t the only players carrying the ball against the Saints. LaFleur called four end arounds or jet sweeps with wide receivers carrying the ball and one direct snap to tight end Tucker Kraft.
Christian Watson ran twice for 23 yards, Bo Melton once for 14 yards and Reed gained five yards on his only carry. Kraft picked up two yards and a key first down on fourth and short.
LaFleur kept the Saints defense off balance with his play calls and the outside runs were effective throughout the game.
Number Eight: Brandon McManus Continues to Shine
Most NFL field goal kickers struggle to make 55-yard field goals. It’s even harder on a cold December day at Lambeau Field. But McManus made both a 55-yard kick and a 46-yard field goal in this game and he made it look easy.
McManus has solved the Packers kicking issues and continues to excel even as the weather gets colder. The confidence the Packers have in their kicker helps the offense.
Ten Things We Learned from the Packers Win Over the Saints, Number Nine: Injuries Are a Concern
Watson left the game early with an apparent knee injury. The extent of the injury is not clear, but the Packers do not want to lose the player who helps them stretch the field.
Jacobs also seemed shaken up in the second half although the Packers indicated he could have played had the outcome still been in doubt.
Staying healthy will be critical for the Packers as they prepare for the final two regular season games and the playoffs.
Number Ten: The Packers Are in the Playoffs
The Packers didn’t get the help they needed over the weekend to clinch a playoff berth. So, they took care of business themselves with this 34-0 thrashing of the Saints.
The Packers cannot win the NFC North, but they can possibly pass the Vikings in the wild card standings with a win in Minnesota next Sunday.
The Packers are unlikely to host a playoff game this season. Their first postseason game will likely come against a team with a worse record than they have, but it will still be a road game because their opponent will have won their division.
The Packers have now made the playoffs in five of the six seasons LaFleur has been their coach.
Follow Gil Martin on Twitter @GilPackers
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