GREEN BAY, Wis. — The Green Bay Packers have once again punched their ticket to the postseason under head coach Matt LaFleur. A commanding 34-0 win over the New Orleans Saints on Monday night secured their playoff spot and underscored their dominance in the NFC. This marks the fifth playoff appearance in LaFleur’s six seasons at the helm, further solidifying his legacy as one of the most consistent coaches in the league.
The only blemish on LaFleur’s playoff record came in 2022, during Aaron Rodgers’ final season with the team. That year, the Packers fell short in their regular-season finale against the Detroit Lions, missing out on postseason play. However, with an 11-4 record this season, the Packers are well-positioned to make the playoffs and potentially clinch a first-round bye. Victories in their remaining games against the Minnesota Vikings and Chicago Bears could see LaFleur achieving his fourth 13-win season.
Fast Start Propels Packers to Victory
The Packers wasted no time establishing their dominance, scoring touchdowns on their first three drives. This marked the first time since Week 17 of the 2020 season that Green Bay achieved such an explosive start. Quarterback Jordan Love orchestrated a near-flawless opening, connecting with his receivers and leaning on the versatile Josh Jacobs, who has become an integral part of the team’s offensive identity.
Jacobs continued his impressive form, scoring a rushing touchdown for the sixth consecutive game. His 2-yard touchdown in the second quarter tied him for the second-longest streak in franchise history, a record set by Packers legend Paul Hornung in 1960. Jacobs finished the game with 69 rushing yards, 38 receiving yards, and a score, further cementing his status as one of the league’s premier dual-threat running backs.
Defensive Dominance Shines
Green Bay’s defense was equally impressive, shutting out the Saints and stifling their backup quarterback Spencer Rattler. Cornerback Keisean Nixon delivered a standout performance with a strip-sack late in the second quarter, setting up Rashan Gary’s fumble recovery. This marked the Packers’ 27th season takeaway, showcasing their ability to capitalize on opponents’ mistakes.
Safety Zayne Anderson also made headlines with his first career interception in the third quarter, pushing Green Bay’s season total to 28 takeaways. The defense now ranks among the league’s top three in takeaways, a stark contrast to their 18 takeaways in 2022.
Offensive Variety on Display
The Packers demonstrated their offensive depth by involving nine different players in the rushing attack. This level of creativity hasn’t been seen in Green Bay since 1953. Tight end Tucker Kraft successfully converted a third-and-1 sneak, while Chris Brooks scored his first career rushing touchdown. The diverse approach kept the Saints’ defense guessing and highlighted the Packers’ willingness to innovate.
Saints Struggle Without Key Players
The Saints, now officially eliminated from playoff contention, faced an uphill battle without several key players. Quarterback Derek Carr was sidelined with a hand injury, leaving Spencer Rattler to lead an offense missing Alvin Kamara and Chris Olave. The result was an anemic offensive performance that failed to enter the red zone all game.
Monday’s shutout marked the first time since 1997 that the Saints have been held scoreless in the first half of consecutive games. Interim head coach Darren Rizzi hoped for a strong showing to bolster his case for the permanent role, but the team’s lackluster performance raised more questions than answers.
Troubling Trends for the Saints
The Saints have struggled mightily when relying on backup quarterbacks this season, going 0-5 in those games and averaging just 12.8 points per matchup. This contrasts sharply with the 24.5 points per game they averaged with Carr under center. While Carr remains under contract through 2025, his future with the team is uncertain, given his hefty $51.4 million cap hit in two years.
Defensively, the Saints were unable to contain the Packers’ balanced attack. Missed tackles, penalties, and blown assignments plagued the unit, mirroring the issues that have defined their disappointing season. With two games remaining, the Saints will need to regroup and address significant roster gaps in the offseason to return to competitiveness.
Looking Ahead
For the Packers, the focus now shifts to maintaining momentum. A Sunday showdown against the division-rival Vikings presents an opportunity to strengthen their playoff seeding. Meanwhile, their regular-season finale against the Bears offers a chance to wrap up another 13-win campaign.
The Saints, on the other hand, will use their final two games to evaluate talent and plan for the future. With a 5-10 record, it’s clear that changes are needed if they hope to compete in 2024.
As the Packers celebrate yet another playoff berth, the Saints face a long road back to relevance. Monday’s game was a testament to Green Bay’s consistency under LaFleur and a stark reminder of the challenges New Orleans must overcome.