Monday, October 10, 2005

Packers 52, New Orleans 3. On the first series of the game, the Packers ran three plays and gained no yards. The New Orleans took over at their 45 yard line. On 3rd and 14, the Packers blitzed and New Orleans ran a screen pass that gained enough for the first down. A few plays later, New Orleans settled for a field goal and led 3-0. After that slow start, the Packers spent the rest of the game dominating New Orleans in every way. The Packers pass defense was solid and CB Al Harris was outstanding. The run defense never let RB Deuce "Mr. October" McAlister have any running room. The run offense had its best game of the season until RB Najeh Davenport broke his ankle. That is the end of the season for Davenport and might be the end of his career with the Packers. He has shown a world of potential, but his tendency for injuries has continually stalled his career. QB Brett Favre spread the ball out to several receivers and had his best game of the season. Everyone who stepped on the field for the Packers yesterday played very good or excellent and no player deserved any obvious criticism.

The defense created three turnovers and the offense had no turnovers. It was the first time this season that the Packers won the turnover battle. They head into the bye week at a good time because the Packers need a few players to heal from their injuries. With Davenport out for the season, it becomes very important that RB Ahman Green returns healthy from the bye week.

One oddity: the ratio that a team outscores their opponents usually indicates how many games over .500 that team's record is. The Packers have outscored their opponents by 29 points this season but their record stands at 1-4. The good news is that they are only one game out of first place in the win column.

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