Monday night? On Bourbon Street? With the Saints as the top ranked offense in the NFL, and both teams in the top 5 in scoring? Get ready for the Superdome to turn into the thunderdome with an arena football type score.
That being said, both teams could very well fizzle offensively. But I'm still thinking the scoreboard will get a workout. So here we go...
When the Packers have the ball: There's no doubt Aaron Rodgers arm could get a workout. Former Packer Mike McKenzie is out for the year. So is Tracy Porter. Three of the four Saints starters in the secondary are mediocre at best, so the Packers should go deep on the fast track. You hope that Donald Driver is ok after dealing with the beating of his father....he's a consummate professional, he should be fine. All 340 pounds of Hollis Thomas should be back in the middle of the line...but it's still not that tough of a run defense, so Ryan Grant should be able to gash New Orleans on occasion.
When the Saints have the ball: They like to throw. Throw. And throw some more. Drew Brees is on pace to break Dan Marino's season yardage mark of 5,084 set way back in 1984. He throws at least 40 times a game. But the secondary is the Packers strength, so this will be the ultimate matchup. It wouldn't shock me at all if the Packers pick off at least 1 pass, and even return it for a TD...but that won't stop the Saints from slinging it. Reggie Bush should return from a knee injury...and Nick Collins would likely get that ultra-tough matchup, along with some possible help from Brandon Chillar. Lance Moore, Marques Colston and Devery Henderson are wideouts to be feared...Jeremy Shockey drops too many passes to be a true threat.
Prediction: In a Big Easy shootout, last one with the ball wins. The Saints defense isn't that stout. 41-38 Packers.
Emails at lallan@todaystmj4.com
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