The Green Bay Packers' starters faltered in their first real game action of the year, getting blown out at neutral site as the New Orleans Saints won 38-3.
The Packers did not score until time was expiring in the first half when Mason Crosby kicked a 39-yard field goal. It was preceded by the Saints controlling the line of scrimmage defensively and scoring on a field goal and two of the five passing touchdowns by Jameis Winston.
It went from bad to worse in the second half as Winston threw a touchdown pass in the third quarter and another two in the fourth quarter. The Packers threatened, but an Aaron Rodgers interception and a Jordan Love fumble killed two drives in the red zone.
Rodgers had a forgettable day, throwing two interceptions in the second half en route to his fourth-lowest passer rating in his career before getting yanked in the fourth quarter in favor of Love. The running game was an afterthought, rushing the ball only 15 times for a total of 43 yards. The only saving grace: every other NFC North team lost on Sunday.
The Packers will try again on Monday Night Football next week when they play the Detroit Lions.