Fall of the Titans: Packers and Saints

The Divisional Playoffs round for the NFC wasn’t what anyone was expecting.  The defending champion Green Bay Packers were picked by many to repeat as NFL champion.  Those who didn’t pick the Packers picked the New Orleans Saints to return to glory after winning the title just a few seasons ago.  Both failed to make it to the NFC Championship game where the New York Giants will travel to play the San Francisco 49ers.

The same issues hampered both teams in their losses over the weekend…..TURNOVERS.  The Packers and Saints were out of character and forced into way more turnovers than both are accustomed to by two great defenses.

The Saints were able to move the ball and put points on the board, but the 49ers defense stepped up in key moments during the game and forced 5 uncharacteristic turnovers.  Drew Brees put up big numbers on 63 attempts, but also threw 2 interceptions.  The 49ers also forced 3 fumbles.  They kept it close til the end and some thought after Alex Smith ran in for the touchdown, it was too much time left for Brees to work.  In this case, it was true…but the problem was it was also too much time for Alex Smith and Vernon Davis as well.

The Packers on the other hand were outplayed by the Giants for most of the game.  The Giants defense set the tempo and I think they may have scared the Packers wide receivers, because I can’t recall seeing a game when they dropped that many passes.  They seemed off the entire game and Aaron Rodgers was well off of his game.  There was also 2 key “bad” calls made by the officials, one a fumble and the other a roughing the passer call, which didn’t even happen.

End result for two teams with high hopes equal an early exit from the post-season due to great play from their opponents defenses!  I just want to say sorry to all the Packers and Saints fans who had high hopes this season for another championship title.

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