Defending Champion Packers Look Super in Season Opening Win Against Saints

On a night where Aaron Rodgers threw three touchdown passes in the first quarter, Darren Sproles was up to his own tricks, and players were running 108 yards for touchdowns, it feels so great to say, “Welcome back, football!”

The Packers and Saints played an absolute shoot-out on Thursday night at Lambeau, but it was the defending champion Packers who took to their home field and basically undressed the Saints’ defense.

The Packers also got great production from rookie Randall Cobb, who showed off his versatility and didn’t even have to play wildcat quarterback to do it. The rookie from Kentucky picked a great time to have the best game of his life, catching a touchdown pass and showing great speed, quickness, and agility on a 108 yard kick return.

This was a game that was largely dominated by the Packers’ offense, and while the defense gave up as many points as they did, it really seemed like Green Bay was in control from the start of the game, despite nearly giving it up at the end. I said back in February that the Packers had the makings of a dynasty, and I have not changed my stance. This is a team that everyone is going to want to watch week in and week out.

They are talented from top to bottom, from the front office to the 53rd man on the roster. They suffered so many key injuries last year and still managed to dominate in the playoffs and win the Super Bowl. Now, key players like Jermichael Finley, Ryan Grant, and Morgan Burnett have returned to action, and this team just looks flat out scary.

On the other end of things, the Saints did not get good production from rookie running back Mark Ingram, who was slightly disappointing in his debut as a Saint. Ingram showed some burst at times, and the Saints really were playing from behind so it’s hard to fault them, but I was slightly disappointed with what I saw from the rookie tailback, especially at the end of regulation not getting in the end zone. His time will come, but opening night he was not on the field for third downs, and even in some goal line situations he was passed up for Pierre Thomas and even Darren Sproles. He might not be as good a fantasy back option as I had hoped, but that’s overreacting after just one game.

In all, this was a great start to the NFL season, and an entertaining game for all, and it makes me downright giddy for Sunday/Monday night.