GREEN BAY, Wis. — Showcasing a powerful defensive performance, the Green Bay Packers secured a playoff position in a decisive fashion, achieving their most significant victory in ten years.
The Packers dominated the New Orleans Saints, shutting them out with a score of 34-0, marking the first shutout in the NFL this season. Josh Jacobs contributed to the team’s success with 107 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown, extending his streak of scoring in six consecutive games.
“Our aim is clearly to win the Super Bowl,” stated quarterback Jordan Love, who completed 16 of 28 passes for 182 yards and a touchdown. “Reaching the playoffs is the first milestone. This was a crucial game for clinching that spot, and I am really proud of how we executed our game plan.”
With this victory, Green Bay (11-4) achieved its fifth playoff appearance in six seasons and recorded its first shutout since November 14, 2021, against Seattle. Meanwhile, the Saints (5-10) faced their first shutout since November 27, 2022, when they lost 13-0 to the San Francisco 49ers.
The Saints were missing key players, including injured quarterback Derek Carr and running back Alvin Kamara. Rookie Spencer Rattler took over at quarterback, completing 15 of 30 passes for 153 yards while tossing an interception and fumbling the ball.
“We used the 48 players we had available,” remarked Saints interim coach Darren Rizzi. “I’m not one to offer excuses. You know my stance well enough by now. Our performance simply wasn’t good enough.”
The Packers’ victory marked their most dominant win since they triumphed over the Chicago Bears 55-14 back on November 9, 2014.
“A shutout in the NFL is incredibly challenging, and achieving it during prime time is even tougher,” said Packers cornerback Keisean Nixon. “To secure a playoff berth in this manner is quite an accomplishment.”
Over their last 11 games, Green Bay has won nine, with their only two defeats coming from division rivals, the Detroit Lions. They will enter the playoffs as a wild card team after being eliminated from contention for the NFC North title on Sunday.
Jacobs led the team’s rushing attack with 69 yards and a 2-yard touchdown on 13 carries, adding four receptions for 38 yards. Additional scoring contributions came from Chris Brooks and Emanuel Wilson, who each had 1-yard touchdown runs, while Dontayvion Wicks caught a 2-yard touchdown pass. Brandon McManus added field goals from 55 and 46 yards.
Despite missing four starters due to injury, Green Bay’s defense held strong against Rattler, with linebacker Quay Walker, cornerback Jaire Alexander, and safeties Evan Williams and Javon Bullard sidelined. Notably, safety Zayne Anderson recorded an interception in his inaugural start.
“It’s really impressive to see contributions coming from so many players,” Packers head coach Matt LaFleur commented. “This typically indicates a strong team.”
The Packers scored touchdowns on their first three possessions of the game. Love connected with Wicks on a third-and-goal play to begin the scoring. This touchdown was Wicks’ fifth of the season and his first since October 20 against the Houston Texans.
Jacobs’ touchdown capped off a remarkable 17-play, 96-yard drive that consumed 8:55 minutes, marking the Packers’ longest possession of the season in both plays and duration. They previously executed a 96-yard drive in their 24-19 win over the Los Angeles Rams.
This lengthy drive also featured two critical fourth-down conversions. Love executed a 2-yard sneak on a fourth-and-1 from the New Orleans 45 to kick off the second quarter, followed by a 14-yard pass to Tucker Kraft on fourth-and-2 from the 35.
With his consistent scoring, Jacobs is now just one touchdown away from matching the Packers’ record of seven consecutive games with a rushing touchdown, set by Paul Hornung in 1960.
Brooks’ first career touchdown made it 21-0 with 6:28 remaining in the second quarter, and McManus successfully kicked both of his field goals in the second half.
Wilson rounded off the scoring with 2:41 left in the game during a drive orchestrated by backup quarterback Malik Willis.
“We finally managed to put a complete game together,” Jacobs reflected. “That’s been our goal since the start of the season. It feels like our potential keeps growing.”
On the injury front, Saints center Erik McCoy left the game with an elbow issue, while guard Lucas Patrick suffered an injury in the closing moments. Packers wide receiver Christian Watson also hurt his knee.
“There’s definitely some concern there,” LaFleur acknowledged regarding Watson’s injury. “We will conduct further tests on Tuesday.”
Looking ahead, the Saints will host the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, while the Packers are set to take on the Minnesota Vikings on the same day.