Matt LaFleur has built quite the reputation as a coach who knows how to secure a playoff spot. With Green Bay’s resounding 34-0 victory over the New Orleans Saints on Monday night, the Packers clinched their postseason ticket for the fifth time in LaFleur’s six-year tenure. It’s an impressive feat that further solidifies his place among the NFL’s elite coaches. The only blemish on his record? The 2022 season—Aaron Rodgers' final year with the team—when a home loss to the Detroit Lions in the last game of the season kept Green Bay out of the playoffs.
A Dominant Season in the Making
This season, the Packers stand at an impressive 11-4. With two regular-season games left—a road matchup against the Minnesota Vikings this Sunday and a home finale against the Chicago Bears in Week 18—Green Bay has a chance to cap the year with LaFleur’s fourth 13-win season. That level of consistency is rare in the NFL and speaks volumes about his leadership.
The Packers' win over the Saints was as decisive as they come. Playing without key players like Alvin Kamara and Derek Carr, New Orleans struggled to find any rhythm. Spencer Rattler, starting in place of the injured Carr, faced relentless pressure, and the Saints’ offense sputtered throughout the night. By halftime, Green Bay had surged to a commanding 21-0 lead, scoring touchdowns on their first three drives—a feat they hadn’t accomplished since Week 17 of the 2020 season.
Promising Trends in Green Bay
Green Bay’s ground game continues to be a focal point of their offensive success. Josh Jacobs extended his streak of games with a rushing touchdown to six, tying Paul Hornung’s 1960 record for the second-longest streak in team history. With 13 carries for 69 yards and a touchdown, along with four receptions for 38 yards, Jacobs remains a vital cog in the Packers’ offense.
Their defense also shined. Keisean Nixon’s cornerback blitz resulted in a strip-sack on Rattler, with Rashan Gary recovering the fumble. Later, safety Zayne Anderson notched the first interception of his career, bringing Green Bay’s takeaway total to 28—tied for third in the league alongside the Buffalo Bills and Houston Texans. This defensive prowess marks a significant improvement over last season, when the Packers managed just 18 takeaways.
A Historical Night on the Ground
The Packers’ commitment to the run game reached a historic level on Monday night. Nine different players recorded at least one rushing attempt, including tight end Tucker Kraft’s third-and-1 sneak and Chris Brooks’ first career rushing touchdown. The last time Green Bay achieved such a feat was way back in 1953. Their balanced approach keeps defenses guessing and underscores their depth at multiple positions.
Saints Stumble into the Offseason
On the other side of the ball, the Saints’ struggles were evident. Officially eliminated from playoff contention before kickoff, New Orleans looked every bit the part of a team in transition. Interim head coach Darren Rizzi’s case for the full-time job took a hit as the Saints failed to mount any meaningful resistance.
This marked the first time since 1997 that New Orleans was shut out in consecutive first halves. Their inability to even reach the red zone highlighted their offensive woes. The loss also secured their second double-digit defeat season in three years, a stark contrast to their previous success—prior to 2022, the Saints hadn’t endured a 10-loss season since 2005.
Troubling Trends for New Orleans
Much of the Saints' struggles can be attributed to inconsistent quarterback play. With Spencer Rattler at the helm, New Orleans is now 0-5 when starting a backup quarterback this season, averaging a mere 12.8 points per game in those contests. In stark contrast, they’ve averaged 24.5 points per game with Derek Carr under center. Carr’s hefty contract, which carries a $51.4 million cap hit in 2025, adds another layer of complexity to the Saints’ offseason decisions.
Defensive Letdowns
While the Saints’ offense was hampered by injuries, their defense also failed to rise to the occasion. Green Bay’s offense moved the ball at will, exploiting missed tackles and penalties. The Packers’ ability to execute explosive plays only added to New Orleans’ misery. It was a microcosm of a season where the Saints’ defense often fell short in critical moments.
Looking Ahead
The Packers’ next game against the Vikings offers a chance to solidify their standing and build momentum heading into the playoffs. With their balanced attack and opportunistic defense, Green Bay looks poised for another deep postseason run.
As for the Saints, the focus shifts to the offseason. With significant roster decisions looming and the need for improved depth at key positions, New Orleans faces a challenging road back to contention. The silver lining? A chance to regroup, rebuild, and return stronger next year.
Key Takeaways
-
Green Bay Packers: Clinched their fifth playoff berth in six years under Matt LaFleur, with a chance for a fourth 13-win season.
-
Josh Jacobs: Extended his rushing touchdown streak to six games, tying a franchise record.
-
Packers Defense: Racked up 28 takeaways this season, showcasing significant improvement.
-
New Orleans Saints: Eliminated from playoff contention, highlighting their struggles with injuries and inconsistent play.
-
Historical Moment: Packers had nine different players record rushing attempts, a feat not seen since 1953.
With the playoffs on the horizon, the Packers are peaking at the right time, while the Saints must navigate a pivotal offseason to address their glaring issues.
Login