The New Orleans Saints continue to find ways to lose, dropping this week’s game in extraordinarily brutal fashion to the Green Bay Packers by a score of 27 to 28. The Saints failed to capitalize on a great offensive performance and questionable calls from officials against Green Bay, leading to a late comeback by the Packers. Defensive ineptitude continues to plague the team; a late touchdown pass from Aaron Rodgers to Jordy Nelson with 3:25 left in the 4th quarter, along with a failed 3rd down stop on the last drive of the game proved to be the deciding factor.

Drew Brees was masterful in his handling of the offense. He completed 35 of 54 passes for 446 yards and 3 touchdowns, including an 80 yard strike to Joe Morgan to take the lead late in the 3rd. Drops from New Orleans wide receivers, which had been a huge problem in previous weeks, seemed to not be as big of a factor against the Packers. For most of the game, the offensive line played exceptionally well, allowing Brees to run the offense unharmed.

Although the defense played better this week, the unit is still a glaring weak link for the team overall. Against the run, the Saints allowed 102 total yards. Aaron Rodgers had a good day with over 300 total yards. Even though the Saints’ defense made some gains (the team was +2 in the turnover battle today), it proved to be too little, too late. New Orleans simply couldn’t come up with stops when they were absolutely needed.

The road for New Orleans doesn’t get any easier next week, as the Saints face the always talented San Diego Chargers on Sunday Night Football.