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posted 08/31/99
THE WEEK PAST: Discomfited over finding themselves locked in a 17-17 tie with the Saints at halftime, largely the result of permitting their hosts to amass the surprising total of 248 yards in those first 30 minutes, the Packers rebounded to register 21 points in the second half while holding New Orleans scoreless .
The turnabout actually began late in the first quarter when, the Saints, already leading 7-0, were at the Green Bay 19-yard line and in prime position to score again. Cornerback Craig Newsome was the catalyst, sacking New Orleans quarterback Billy Joe Hobert for a 7-yard loss off a blitz. Newsome's resounding hit forced a Hobert fumble which strong safety LeRoy Butler expeditiously scooped up and cantered 68 yards to the Saints' 6-yard line before being run down by Saints running back Lamar Smith.
The Packers scored three plays later on a 5-yard dart from quarterback Brett Favre to wideout Antonio Freeman, making his first game appearance of the preseason.
A sign of things to come, it was the first of four turnovers which they converted into 28 points, more than enough to carry the day.
Following that first touchdown, Favre presided over the Packers' only "self-propelled" score of the evening, escorting them 73 yards to their second touchdown in 8 plays, completing the project with a one-yard bullet to wide receiver Bill Schroeder, who made a leaping catch in the end zone.
Subsequently down 17-14, following Hobert's 58-yard scoring pass to wide receiver Keith Poole, the Packers pulled even with 14 seconds left in the first half on a 23-yard Longwell field goal, triggered by a 38-yard Favre pass to Corey Bradford.
Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, taking over at quarterback at the start of the third quarter, continued to dazzle, completing his first seven passes and throwing for a pair of touchdowns - his sixth and seventh of the preseason.
The first of the latter was set up by Darren Sharper's interception of a Billy Joe Tolliver pass and 16-yard return to the Saints' 47-yard line. From there, it took the golden-armed Hasselbeck only one play to finish the process, lofting the ball to wide receiver Jahine Arnold, who had gotten behind the defense. Snaring the ball in stride, he raced into the end zone untouched.
Late in the third quarter, Tolliver fumbled the snap from center and the Packers' Billy Lyon recovered at the New Orleans 29-yard line. This time it took Hasselbeck six plays to get the football in the end zone.
The score coming on a 2-yard pass to Bradford. With Longwell's fourth conversion, the Packers now led 31-17.
A Rodney Artmore interception at the Saints' 13-yard line late in the fourth quarter triggered the Packers' final score. It came on a 9-yard-run off left tackle by rookie running back Basil Mitchell with 21 seconds remaining in the game.
In all, the Packers' defense - after acquiring only one turnover in the first two games, forged six turnovers against the Saints - 4 interceptions (including picks by rookies Antuan Edwards and Tod McBride) and 2 fumble recoveries.
Favre, giving no evidence of discomfort from the sprained thumb on his right (passing) hand, was a typically impressive workman, completing 11 of 19 passes for 162 yards and 2 touchdowns - with no interceptions.
Hasselbeck closed out his third sterling performance in succession with 8 completions in 11 attempts for 110 yards and, again, without an interception. To date, he has completed 25 of 36 passes for 346 yards and 7 touchdowns.
With Favre and Hasselbeck spreading their passes among 11 different receivers, Schroeder and Bradford led the way, each snaring 4 - Schroeder finishing the night with 82 yards and Bradford with 62.
In the running game, rookie De'Mond Parker, in his most impressive showing to date, demonstrated the talents that enabled him to become the only three-time 1,000-yard rusher in the University of Oklahoma's football history, gaining 55 yards in only 7 attempts, an imposing 7.9-yard average per carry.
Mitchell also was effective, gaining 46 yards in 12 attempts.
In addition to forcing a half dozen turnovers, the defense weighed in with 4 sacks, Santana Dotson, Jude Waddy and Cletidus Hunt joining Newsome in getting to the quarterback.
COACH RHODES' POST-GAME COMMENTS:
(on the performance and the result) "It's not the way I'd like to start a game. I felt that the offense did some pretty good things. We got a chance to throw a few deep balls down the field and get some completions.
"But, overall, our start from a defensive standpoint was real shaky, and we have to do a better job than that.
"Our young running backs, I thought, played well. I thought (De'Mond) Parker and (Basil) Mitchell both came in and did some things that we anticipated they could do - that given the opportunity, they can run the football.
"From the defensive standpoint, our young secondary guys...(Fred) Vinson got a chance to play...I have to evaluate what he did overall.
"The same thing with (Mike) McKenzie...He got a hip pointer...And, you know, they did gash us in the secondary a few times with passes, and I have to take a look at that. But all of our defensive backs got a chance to play.
"We made some plays, but I felt we gave up way too many plays from a defensive standpoint.''
"We had a lot of takeaways...that's fine...And I'm very excited about the takeaways.
"Offensively, I can say there were some plays there that you want to see...We had big plays and Bill Schroeder came up with a big game.
"The quarterbacks, I thought, played well and did some good things. But we still have a lot of things to clean up and we've got one week left to do it before the regular season starts. But a Thursday game and 12 days to go before the season, starts - that should be a big help to us."
(on his concern when Brett Favre suffered a leg injury in the final minute of the first half) "Quite naturally, any time he gets any kind of a hit, from that aspect, I'm anxious to get him out of the game. He tried to wave us off, and said he was fine. But, again, he took a little hit to his leg. But Brett's a tough guy and he came right back and made a play."
(on the performance of Jahine Arnold) "Jahine made some big plays tonight. And I think he's a quality football player and we're excited to have that type of speed...I'm very excited about it."
(on the play of Corey Bradford) "Corey came in and made some big plays down the field. This really was his first opportunity, too, to make some plays down the field and I thought he did a good job...Corey's one of our young receivers and, quite naturally, I'm excited about him."
(on Antonio Freeman's 'debut' with a touchdown catch) "Antonio's just got to camp and here he comes back and he gets in the end zone. I was excited to see him get in the end zone in his first week back. Next week, we'll give him a little more playing time and go from there."
(on whether the Packers' defensive problems were "a matter of execution or skills') "All I can say is that some of the stuff was tackles...From an execution standpoint, there were some execution things that we could clean up, but missed tackles and things like that...give you some concern."
THE PLAYER PERSPECTIVE:
Brett Favre (on his leg injury): "I think it's OK. It's just a little bruise...It scared me more than anything. But I'll be ready to go (Thursday).
"It's part of the game. I tried to tell some of the other guys that you'll get hurt from time to time, and guys are counting on you. And preseason is preseason, but I still want to get my reps in. And, you know, playing with pain is part of this game."
(on problems with blitz pickups) "I haven't looked at the film, obviously, but when teams blitz, you're going to get hit You've just got to make big plays...and I think we made some tonight, and that was encouraging. Our young receivers stepped up and made some plays. (And) we'll get better. We're mixing guys - Raleigh McKenzie is new to this offense...he's going to be better. Ross (Verba) is another year into it I think we'll be fine. Earl (Dotson) was out tonight and I consider him the best right tackle in the league, so that hurts you. But you've still got to go out and play with the guys you've got...I was pleased overall."
(on Corey Bradford) "Corey made some great plays...The big one was...last year against San Francisco in the playoffs, I threw a long pass to him that was just a huge play, and that created confidence, not only in him but in me...I think he's a premier player in this league - will be - if he stays healthy. And that's what you've got to have. When teams are going to blitz you and play man coverage against you, you've got to have someone who can beat it, and he showed tonight that he can do that.
"As I stated when I first came into this offense, anyone can be a premier guy. And all these guys have to know that - and they do. And in one long one to Bill (Schroeder), he was not the primary receiver, but I told him to be alert against man coverage, and someone got away and I had him one-on-one, and his speed enabled him to get open...And against a good corner - (the Saints') Ashley Ambrose is a good player...So that was encouraging.
"But I don't really go out and look at a particular player. I've said that all along. I just make the reads and then try to play. And if guys are open and can make the play, they get the ball. So that's the bottom line."
(on the turf in the Superdome) "It's hard, but you can't expect it to be too thick under these conditions. But I was pleased. It's better than playing on artificial turf because it gives a little bit...My knee - I got rolled up on - I even saw the replay and, looking at it, I'm lucky I didn't break my leg or blow out my knee. And I think that some of that has to do with the turf. If it's artificial turf, nothing gives - but your body. So I think it was a good experiment, and I foresee in the future teams trying to use it."
(on the TD pass to Freeman) "It's really the first pass I've completed to him this whole camp. I haven't thrown to him in practice, really. Antonio's a good player, he really is. And he's well deserving of the contract he got...for those type of plays. Some of the hardest plays to make are from the 2-yard line. It's tight and it's eleven guys in a 10-yard area. And the first thing is you have to be brave to go in there. And I trust him that he'll get open and made a play. And that was no exception."
(on the running game) "Dorsey (Levens), I know, is not pleased with the running game right now. We've got a ways to go. And, in order for us to be really good, we have to run the football. And Dorsey, to me, is the best all-around back in the game today. People may argue that but I play with him every day. He's a smart guy, has a lot of speed and he's a great back. And we've got to enable him to get down field. And we're well aware that run blocking is not the easiest thing to do. And the Saints - the one thing they have is a front four."
(on Matt Hasselbeck's performance) "Matt played great. He's done what we've asked him to do, and that's the bottom line. In this offense, you can look great and you can look really bad. It's an offense that involves a lot of execution by the quarterback - a lot of different reads, a lot of calls...you have to make line calls. It's a lot of studying. Matt's done that, has made plays and gotten the ball in the end zone...Not only myself but I think the rest of the team feels comfortable with him as backup."
Matt Hasselbeck (on the receivers and the competition at the position): "I wouldn't want the job to decide who stays at that position. It's a great group of guys, and it seems like every weeks there's guys playing really well. As a quarterback, you like that. Usually, when you're playing in the second or third quarter, the first thing that comes to your mind is who are my wide receivers going to be?...That has never crossed my mind yet. I don't feel any more comfortable or less comfortable with anybody who is out there."
"I think we've got very athletic wide receivers. We've got guys who can run, we've got guys who can jump. I think a lot of the wide receivers that we have."
(on whether he is able to 'just put the ball up there') "Well, that's your job. On a 'go' route, your job is to put the ball up with a lot of height - and you have to lay it out there 44 to 46 yards."
(on whether he is thinking of asking to be traded: "I hope I can eventually start here - when Brett decides that he's had enough fun playing this game...I think Green Bay is a wonderful, wonderful place and a top notch organization...It's a great feeling, winning. We're 3-and-0 right now in the preseason and I know people say it's just the preseason. But I don't care, it's great."
Rookie Antuan Edwards (on his first interception as a pro): "The quarterback (Billy Joe Tolliver) was late on his throw and I was just teasing with him to throw the ball, and it worked out."
NOTE-WORTHY:
-Saturday night's victory was the Packers' fifth in seven preseason meetings with the Saints. They also lead the regular-season series, 13-4.
-Six Packers were held out of the New Orleans contest because of injury or other concerns - guard Joe Andruzzi, tight end Mark Chmura, offensive tackle Earl Dotson, fullback Jim Kitts, defensive tackle Howard Burns and defensive back Denorse Mosley.
-Tight end Jeff Thomason served as the Packers' special teams captain for the Saints contest Brett Favre and Earl Dotson (offense) and LeRoy Butler and Santana Dotson (defense) are permanent captains for the regular season.
-Antonio Freeman made his first start - and game appearance - of the preseason.
-Mike Wahle made his first start as a professional, opening at right tackle in place of Earl Dotson. He later also saw action at left guard.
-Elsewhere, Tyrone Davis made his third consecutive start at tight end, stepping in for Mark Chmura, sidelined with a neck problem.
-Four busloads of friends and fans from Brett Favre's home town, Kiln, Miss., (an hour's drive from New Orleans) made the excursion to the "Big Easy" and the Superdome for the game.
-Although Vonnie Holliday had to leave the game for a time in the first half with a shoulder problem, he saw more than enough action to make his presence felt. Continuing to be a force in the Packers' front four, he pressured Saints quarterback Billy Joe Tolliver into an interception which led to the Packers' third touchdown (on the 47-yard Hasselbeck pass to Jahine Arnold), broke through in the third quarter to throw Saints running back Lamar Smith for a 4-yard loss and later batted down a Tolliver pass on third down to end a Saints possession.
-Rookie punter Josh Bidwell, who had been averaging a modest 35.8 yards punt, made a major turnabout against the Saints. Delivering at least five lofty efforts following a modest, 38-yard initial launch, he averaged a substantial 43.5 yards for 6 punts, including a booming 58-yarder on his first effort of the second half.
-Both nose tackle Gilbert Brown and strong safety LeRoy Butler left the field in the first half with what were described as slight concussions. Brown returned to the game but Butler was held out the rest of the way.
-Rookie running back De'Mond Parker got off the longest run from scrimmage of the game, sweeping left end for a 36-yard gain in the third quarter, taking the Packers' from the shadows of their goal posts out to the 41-yard line.
-First round draft choice Antuan Edwards registered his first interception as a professional early in the fourth quarter, picking off a Billy Joe Tolliver pass and returning it 10 yards to the Green Bay 48-yard line.
-For a kicking specialist, Ryan Longwell was a busy defender Saturday night. He made two tackles following his kickoffs in the first half.
-Desmond Howard, who had been previously hobbled by a hamstring injury, made his 1999 debut as a punt returner - in returning to the Superdome, where he earned MVP honors in the Packers' Bowl XXXI victory over New England - but had little opportunity to display his wares. He was tackled in his tracks on his first runback attempt and later had to settle for a fair catch on his second and final opportunity.
-For the third game in a row, the Packers saw the opposition win the "possession" battle The Saints had the football for 33 minutes, 22 seconds, the Packers for 26 minutes, 38 seconds.
-At one point in the second half, the Packers' offensive line included John Michels at left tackle, Mike Wahle at left guard, Mike Flanagan at center and rookies Craig Heimburger and Scott Curry at right guard and right tackle, respectively.
-Rookie defensive end Cletidus Hunt is on a sack-a-game pace. He registered his third in as many games when he felled Saints quarterback Danny Wuerffel for a 2-yard loss early in the fourth quarter.