Green Bay Packers fans might have started wrapping Christmas presents for their loved ones when their team dominated the New Orleans Saints on Monday night, 34-0.
The Saints defense had no answer for Packers running back Josh Jacobs, and as they inched closer to the red zone with each drive, they still came up short. The combined struggles amounted to a demoralizing defeat at the end of a season that was already over.
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Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) passes during the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Monday, Dec. 23, 2024, in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)
The Packers looked good early and often on their way to clinching a playoff spot.
Jacobs’ running game helped Green Bay score on its first drive. It ended with a 2-yard touchdown pass from Jordan Love to wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks. Jacobs was then rewarded with a touchdown of his own on the team’s second drive of the game.
Before anyone knew it, Green Bay was up 21-0 and the halftime whistle blew. Other than two field goals in the second half, it was all the Packers needed to win the game and improve to 11-4.
Love was 16 of 28 with 182 passing yards and a touchdown pass.
Jacobs, Emanuel Wilson and Chris Brooks each had a rushing touchdown. Jacobs led everyone with 68 rushing yards. Jayden Reed had three catches for 76 yards. Wicks had three catches for 13 yards.
New Orleans Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler (18) is sacked by Green Bay Packers defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt (95) during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday December 23, 2024, in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)
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Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler finished 15-for-30 with 153 passing yards and one interception. He led the team with 28 rushing yards. He was fired three times. New Orleans only ran the ball 20 times.
Jordan Mims had five receptions, leading the team, but only had 16 yards. No other player had more than two receptions. Foster Moreau had 33 yards receiving to lead the team.
It’s been a really competitive NFC North. The Packers have one of the best records in football, but they are in third place in the division because the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings are 13-2. Both teams have also clinched playoff spots.
New Orleans Saints tight end Foster Moreau (87) throws a pass against Green Bay Packers linebacker Eric Wilson (45) during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 23. December 2024, in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
Green Bay has one more win than the Washington Commanders, which would give them the No. 6 seed in the playoffs if the regular season ended Monday night. The Packers clinched a playoff berth.
The Saints have suffered a coaching change and a host of injuries to most of their key players. If they had a little more luck, they could have been in the race for the NFC South division with the Atlanta Falcons and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
For now, the Falcons still have the key to making the playoffs.
