New Orleans Saints at Green Bay Packers Preview

By Chuck Bednar | Saturday, October 08, 2005 | ( 0 )

Got something to say?

Oh, how the mighty have fallen. Just last year, the Green Bay Packers went 10-6 and were division champions, but now they find themselves 0-4 and in last place in the NFC North. This week, they play host to the New Orleans Saints for a 1:00pm game at Lambeau Field.

Not since before they first went to the West Coast offense under Mike Holmgren have Brett Favre and company looked so dreadful. Favre has thrown for over 1,000 yards this season, but has eight interceptions and nine touchdowns and has generally looked every bit of his nearly 36 years of age. He has also been sacked eight times in the first four games of the season after only being brought down behind the line 12 times during the entire 2004 campaign. Clearly, there are offensive line woes as well, and its not exactly like the running game, which is averaging under 74 yards per game, has been much help. In addition, they are banged up entering this weekend's game with the Saints. LB Na'il Diggs, C Mike Flanagan and WR/KR Terrance Murphy are out, and T Chad Clifton, TE Bubba Franks, RB Ahman Green, CB Mike Hawkins, S Earl Little, LB Roy Manning and C Chris White are all questionable.

The New Orleans Saints have typically been a good salve for Favre's ailments, as the quarterback has thrown for 728 yards, seven touchdowns and just one pick in three career games against the Saints. However, New Orleans looked impressive in last Sunday's 19-7 win over the Buffalo Bills. In that game, with WR Joe Horn out, WR Donte Stallworth caught eight passes for 129 yards, his best performance to date in the NFL, and RB Deuce McAllister ran for more than 100 second half yards in the victory. Horn should return this week for the Saints, who are currently ranked sixth in the NFL in passing defense (178.8 yards per game). If they can shut down either Green or his possible replacement, RB Najeh Davenport, they should be able to force Favre into making enough mistakes to come away with the 'W'.

Got something to say?