Packers game 1 review: 42-34 over Saints

Alrighty, Packer fans, we have one win in the books to start the 2011 season for the Green Bay Packers. Yes! It was a shootout with the New Orleans Saints, to say the least. When the final score is 42-34, and there's over 800 combined yards of offense, that pretty well qualifies.

There were many twists and turns, including an outstanding performance from QB Aaron Rodgers, his corps of receivers, some key running yards when needed...and certainly some great defensive stops, including the final goal line stand. Yes, there were special teams breakdowns on coverage units; we've become rather used to that, sadly, over the years. But there was also that big kickoff return for a TD from rookie Randall Cobb. That type of thing we haven't seen much of around here since seemingly the dawn of time. (Note: exaggeration added for emphasis.)

There is a lot to chew on. And, frankly, I'm still digesting this game. So, even though I Tweeted last evening after the game that I'd have a game review here today...well, kids, not gonna happen. Need a bit more time to get it together. Hope you understand. And hope you check back tomorrow when I hope to have a review up for you here. I know, that's a lot of hoping go around, but it's something to hang onto, ya know?

You can also get alerted to that post -- as well as all sorts of other ongoing witty 140-character based banter -- by following me on Twitter. Just click the "Follow" link in the righthand column below the Twitter feed. Yes, it's that easy. And if it's that easy, why don't you just do it? Go ahead. Live on the edge.

Packers 30 - 49ers 19

The Packers played like at least some thought they might be capable of playing: pretty well. Not perfect. The defense gave up three explosive plays. There was some sloppy special teams coverage in the fourth quarter. There were at least two occasions on which the Packers offense were inside the opponent's 10-yard line and could only come away with field goals.

But...the defense played with more fire than they did over the past several games, coming up with three turnovers, including a late key interception in the endzone by rookie LB, A. J. Hawk. Donald Driver had another spectacular game, going over 1,000 receiving yards for the third straight year. Greg Jennings played through his bum ankle and had several good catches as well. And there was a semblence of a ground game today, with Ahman Green and Vernand Morency combining for 136 yards rushing.

So, with three games left, the Packers have exceeded their win total for all of last year, going to 5-8 on the season. And Brett Favre looks like he's having fun again. That's always a good thing. The Packers now return home for two games, against Detroit and the ViQueens, before finishing the season on New Year's Eve day in Chicago. The Pack are now 4-3 on the road and 1-5 at home. Let's just hope the team can use this game as a springboard to close the season out strong, beginning with a win next weekend against Detroit. Sweeping the ViQueens would be sweet. And nothing would be finer than ruining Da Bearz'  New Year's Eve party. Ah...with this win...we can still dream!