MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – DECEMBER 31: Jordan Love #10 of the Green Bay Packers looks to pass the ball in the fourth quarter of the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 31, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
Week 16 ended with a 34-0 Monday Night Football drubbing that sent Green Bay to the playoffs. Here are five reasons why the Packers dominated the Saints on MNF.
Green Bay Runs Wild
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – NOVEMBER 17: Josh Jacobs #8 of the Green Bay Packers carries the ball during an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on November 17, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
The Packers attacked the Saints’ 27th-ranked run defense and did so with great success. They picked up a whopping 188 rushing yards on the night, and Josh Jacobs led the way with 69 yards and a touchdown.
Rattler Struggles with Accuracy
NEW ORLEANS, LA – DECEMBER 01: Spencer Rattler #18 of the New Orleans Saints warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams at Caesars Superdome on December 1, 2024 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
Saints backup Spencer Rattler started in a hostile environment, and struggled mightily. He went just 15 of 30 through the air for 153 yards and an interception.
Packers Hog Possession
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – NOVEMBER 19: Jayden Reed #11 of the Green Bay Packers reacts in the second quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at Lambeau Field on November 19, 2023 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
The Packers out-possessed the Saints 37:13 to 22:47, and a large portion of that came in the first half. Green Bay held the ball for 15 of the game’s first 18 minutes.
Love Moves The Chains
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – JANUARY 09: Jordan Love #10 of the Green Bay Packers looks on to pass against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on January 09, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
The Packers held onto the ball so much in the first half thanks to their frequent conversions on third and fourth down. Green Bay converted 6 of 13 third downs and all 3 fourth downs, and QB Jordan Love’s accuracy and poise were big reasons why.
Pack Pitch Shutout
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – OCTOBER 05: A Boise State Broncos cheerleader’s “DEFENSE” sign lies on the field before the team’s game against the UNLV Rebels at Sam Boyd Stadium on October 5, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Broncos defeated the Rebels 38-13. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Green Bay did not allow a single point against New Orleans. Although the Packers benefited from the Saints wasting their final first-half possession, they forced 2 turnovers and sacked QB Spencer Rattler 3 times.
