Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs (87) pulls in a touchdown reception against New Orleans Saints cornerback Isaac Yiadom during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
The Green Bay Packers: The Best Third-Place Team in NFL History?
The Green Bay Packers might just be the most impressive third-place team the NFL has ever seen. Despite their stellar 11-4 record, they can’t win the NFC North. That’s because both the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings sit at 13-2, and one of them will clinch the division after their Week 18 showdown—or possibly share the spoils with a tie. Even so, the Packers are undoubtedly among the top contenders for a Super Bowl run.
Green Bay demonstrated their dominance on Monday night by steamrolling a depleted New Orleans Saints squad. True to form for elite teams, the Packers capitalized on their opponent’s shortcomings, scoring touchdowns on each of their first three drives and essentially ending the game before halftime. The Saints, fielding a patchwork offense with Spencer Rattler, Kendre Miller, and Foster Moreau as their primary playmakers, stood no chance of recovering from a 21-0 deficit. The Packers eased up in the second half but still secured a decisive 34-0 victory.
A Historic Shutout
Green Bay’s defensive performance was nothing short of remarkable. Their 34-0 win marked the first shutout in the NFL this season, a feat underscored by the rarity of such outcomes. According to ESPN, the Saints had been shut out only once in their previous 369 games.
The Packers have been strong all season, with all their losses coming against teams with at least a 12-3 record. Unfortunately, their achievements have been overshadowed by the dominance of the Lions and Vikings within the division. However, with quarterback Jordan Love playing at his sharpest and running back Josh Jacobs scoring touchdowns at a blistering pace, the Packers are shaping up to be a team no one wants to face in the playoffs—even as a No. 6 seed.
A Struggling Saints Team
It’s been a tough end to the season for the Saints. Injuries have ravaged their offense, sidelining key players like Derek Carr, Alvin Kamara, Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed, and Taysom Hill. Missing so much firepower, the Saints appeared overwhelmed and uninterested in enduring the cold of Lambeau Field on Monday night.
The Saints’ struggles were evident not just in their roster but in their execution. Interim head coach Darren Rizzi made some questionable decisions, including poor clock management at the end of the first half. A delay in calling a timeout and a misunderstanding of the game clock after a fumble out of bounds cost the Saints precious seconds. Adding to the woes, Spencer Rattler took an ill-advised 14-yard sack, eliminating any chance of a late field goal.
Yet, these missteps were largely academic. The Packers had taken a commanding 21-0 lead with over six minutes left in the second quarter. There’s no mercy rule in football, but Green Bay coach Matt LaFleur had no interest in running up the score, sparing the Saints from an even more lopsided defeat.
Peaking at the Right Time
The Packers’ offense has been a work in progress throughout the season, but it appears they’ve found their rhythm at the perfect time. While Love has been effective, he hasn’t needed to carry the team with a high-volume passing attack. Instead, the offense has leaned heavily on Jacobs, who has now scored a touchdown in six consecutive games.
Love, looking fully recovered from early-season injuries, has stepped up when needed. On Monday, he went 12-of-18 for 127 yards in the first half, setting the tone for the team’s success. With their offensive identity solidified and their defense playing at an elite level, the Packers are hitting their stride just as the postseason looms.
The Green Bay Packers might not win the NFC North, but they’ve proven they belong in the Super Bowl conversation.
