New Orleans Saints vs. Green Bay Packers: The Ultimate Gridiron Showdown

The National Football League (NFL) is the most popular and competitive sports league in the United States, and one of its most iconic and storied franchises is the New Orleans Saints. With their Who Dat Nation following and a legacy of gridiron greatness, the Saints have become a household name, and their name is often mentioned alongside other legendary NFL teams like the Green Bay Packers. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the history, strengths, and weaknesses of both teams, and examine the key factors that make their matchups some of the most highly anticipated and thrilling in the league.

The New Orleans Saints were founded in 1967 as an expansion team, and they've been a staple of the NFL ever since. They've won one Super Bowl championship, which came in 2009, and they've also appeared in two other Super Bowls. The Saints have a rich history in the league, and they've had some incredible players wear the black and gold over the years. From Walter Payton-esque running back Deuce McAllister to defensive stalwart Darren Sharper, the Saints have been blessed with some truly legendary players. However, their regular season success has often been inconsistent, and they've struggled to find sustained success over the years.

The Green Bay Packers, on the other hand, are one of the most successful and storied franchises in the NFL. Founded in 1919, the Packers have won 13 league championships, including four Super Bowl victories. They're also one of the most valuable franchises in the league, with a huge following of fans known as the "Cheeseheads." The Packers have a rich history of on-field success, and they've had some truly legendary players wear the green and gold over the years. From legendary quarterback Brett Favre to defensive stalwart Clay Matthews, the Packers have been blessed with some truly incredible talent.

One of the key factors that sets the Saints and Packers apart is their respective fan bases. The Saints have a dedicated and passionate fan base, with fans known for their creativity and enthusiasm. The Who Dat Nation is one of the most recognizable and beloved fan bases in the NFL, and they've become a fixture of the Saints' success. The Packers, on the other hand, have a massive following of fans that stretch across the entire country. The Cheeseheads are known for their loyalty and dedication, and they've become a staple of Packers games and traditions.

A History of Rivalry

The Saints and Packers have a long and storied history of competition, dating back to the early days of the NFL. The two teams have met on the field numerous times over the years, with the Packers emerging as the dominant force. However, the Saints have been slowly closing the gap, and their matchups have become increasingly competitive in recent years.

Early Years of Rivalry

The first meeting between the Saints and Packers came in 1967, just a year after the Saints were founded. The Packers were riding high on a 6-3-1 record, while the Saints were struggling to find their footing in the league. The Packers won the game 31-21, setting the tone for a long and competitive rivalry.

Packers Dominance

In the early years of the rivalry, the Packers were almost always the more dominant team. They won six of the first eight meetings between the two teams, with the Saints only managing to win one game during that span. However, the Saints began to close the gap in the late 1980s and early 1990s, with quarterback Bobby Hebert leading the team to several upset victories.

Recent Years

In recent years, the rivalry has intensified, with both teams experiencing periods of success and failure. The Packers have won four of the last six meetings between the two teams, but the Saints have been closing the gap, with quarterback Drew Brees leading the team to several big wins.

Key Matchups

• 2008: Packers 42, Saints 35 (Brees threw for 442 yards, but the Packers' defense held him to a mere 30 yards in the second half)
• 2011: Packers 42, Saints 42 (a thriller in which the Packers won on a last-minute field goal)
• 2015: Saints 34, Packers 31 (Brees threw for 420 yards, and the Saints' defense held the Packers' high-powered offense to just 322 yards)

The Saints' Strokes of Genius

The Saints have been known for their creative and innovative approach to the game, and they've been blessed with some truly genius plays over the years. Here are a few examples:

The Immaculate Reception... in New Orleans

In 2006, the Saints' special teams unit stunned the Dallas Cowboys with a 94-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. The return was set up by a flea-flicker play, which caught the Cowboys' defense off guard.

The End Around

In 2008, the Saints ran a perfectly executed end-around play, which caught the Packers' defense off guard. The play netted 35 yards and helped the Saints take the lead in the game.

The Trick Play

In 2011, the Saints ran a trick play in which a running back faked a handoff, then handed the ball off to a wide receiver, who took it all the way to the house. The play netted 44 yards and helped the Saints take the lead in the game.

The Packers' Pack of Punters

The Packers have a proud tradition of having some of the best punters in the NFL. Here are a few examples:

The Reigning King of Punters

Bryan Bulaga is one of the best punters in the NFL, with a career-long 43.8 yard average and