Packers Defeat Saints in NFL Season Opener
The past two SuperBowl champions kicked off the 2011 NFL season Thursday, Sept. 8 at Lambeau field. The Green Bay Packers defeated the New Orleans Saints 42-34.
On the first drive of the Packers season Aaron Rodgers took his offense 76 yards scoring on a seven-yard touchdown pass to Greg Jennings. Rodgers would go on to throw two more touchdown passes in the first half (J. Nelson 3 yd., R. Cobb 32 yd.). The Packers led the Saints 28-17 at halftime.
John Kasay kicked a 38-yard field goal for the Saints to open the second half. Rookie Randall Cobb of Green Bay responded by returning a kickoff 108 yards for a touchdown.
The Saints trailed 42-27 late in the fourth quarter. Drew Brees threw a five-yard touchdown pass to Jimmy Graham to pull New Orleans to within eight points. After a defensive stand the Saints got the ball back with 1:08 left on the clock. New Orleans marched down the field and had a shot at the end zone with two seconds left. The Saints received a pass interference call and the ball was placed on the one-yard-line for one final play. The Packers defensive front stuffed Mark Ingram on the goal line to end the game.
Packers 42, Saints 34
Rodgers (GB): 27-35, 312 Yds, 3TD
Brees (NO): 32-49, 419 Yds, 3TD
