The Saints fell to the Green Bay Packers in Lambeau on Friday night, 20-10. A majority of the New Orleans’ starters sat out for the second straight week. Quarterback Ian Book got the start for the offense for the black and gold’s week two tilt in the preseason
First Half Recap of the Saints’ Offense
Ian Book got the start for the black and gold offense against the Green Bay Packers. The first drive for New Orleans resulted in a Blake Gillikin punt.
Kirk Merritt was able to explode for a 59-yard return to saint up the Saints with great field position to start their second drive of the game. An offensive holding penalty dropped back New Orleans ten yards. Book was able to put the Saints in field goal position.
Dennis Allen elected to call a timeout before time expired in the first quarter to set up a 59-yard field goal try by Will Lutz. Lutz reminded Saints fans that he was back from his injury after nailing the long field goal. The former Georgia State product’s made kick leveled the game at three going to the second quarter.
59 YARDS WITH EASE!! 🙌
Great to have ya back @wil_lutz5
📺: @FOX8NOLA
📻: @WWLAMFM pic.twitter.com/bEXlYzJhkT— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) August 20, 2022
New Orleans got the ball after Green Bay was able to find the end zone. The black and gold were looking to answer the Packers, but did the exact opposite. Ian Book was able to convert key third downs, but mishandled the snap on a first and 15 to give the Packers the ball back.
The next offensive drive resulted in another turnover for New Orleans as Book’s pass was picked off by Micah Abernathy. The Saints’ defense was able to give the offense another try to be able to put points on the board before the half with a turnover of their own.
Book and the offense was able to cash in with their first touchdown of the game. The former Notre Dame product was able to find Chris Olave on a 20-yard touchdown to cut the deficit to three, 13-10, in favor of the Packers.
First @NFL TD for @chrisolave_ 👏
20-yd TD strike from @Ian_Book12 #Saints | @OhioStateFB
📺: @FOX8NOLA
📻: @WWLAMFM pic.twitter.com/dTGCaA1ray— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) August 20, 2022
Second Half Recap of the Saints’ Offense
The theme for the Saints offense in the second half was being unable to find their rhythm. New Orleans had to punt it away on every offensive drive, except for their last offensive possession in the game. The first punt was highlighted by Gillikin 81-yard punt that sailed deep into Packer territory.
Ian Book and the offense was able to drive all the way down the field in the final moments of the game. New Orleans was set up with a first and goal, but weren’t able to cash in. John Parker Romo missed a 35-yard field goal wide left to keep the Saints off the board in the second half.
Offensive Player of the Game: Chris Olave (WR)–two receptions, 28 yards, one touchdown
First Half Recap of the Saints’ Defense
The Saints defense was the first unit to step on the field as they were up against Jordan Love and the Green Bay offense. They were able to force a punt quickly to give it to the offense.
Green Bay was able to put together a solid drive on their next possession driving in to New Orleans’ territory. The offensive line for the Packers was serving match against the Saints’ defensive line in the first half. Ramiz Ahmed was able to cash in with a 25-yard field goal to put the Packers on the board first, 3-0.
The next offensive possession for the Packers looked like it was going to end up in a three-and-out, before Malcolm Roach was flagged for roughing the passer. The penalty on Roach proved costly as Jordan Love found Romeo Doubs on a four-yard touchdown to put Green Bay up, 10-3.
A turnover on the offensive side for New Orleans set up the Packers with a short field, but the defense for the Saints was able to limit the offense moving anymore. Green Bay had to settle for another field goal as they went up, 13-3.
The defense for the Saints had a short rest after an Ian Book interception that gave Love and the Packers the ball back on their side of the field. New Orleans was able to force a turnover that would shift the momentum of the game. Tyler Davis’ fumble was recovered by newly acquired, Jon Bostic. The Saints defense was able to create the turnover to set up their offense to strike.
Second Half Recap of the Saints’ Defense
The Saints defense was able to serve charge against the Packers offense on their first three offensive possessions. Green Bay, like the Saints, had to punt on three consecutive drives to start the second half.
That was until Danny Etling turned on the jets for a 51-yard touchdown run to put the Packers up 20-10. Etling’s big play would be the lone score of the second half as both offenses couldn’t find their rhythm until that drive.
Defensive Player of the Game: Jon Bostic (LB)–six total tackles, five solo tackles, one pass deflection and one fumble recovery
What’s Next For the Saints?
The Saints will face off against the Los Angeles Chargers on August 26th at 7 p.m. CT. New Orleans will host their first preseason game at the Caesars Superdome next Friday.