5 Key Stats Behind Packers’ Epic Fourth-Quarter Comeback Win vs. Saints
The Green Bay Packers found themselves knee-deep in a nightmare scenario as they squared off against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday. However, in a dramatic turn of events, that nightmare morphed into an exhilarating dream.
The Packers received a disheartening pre-game blow when five of their star players were ruled out due to injury: Aaron Jones, David Bakhtiari, Christian Watson, Jaire Alexander, and Elgton Jenkins. While Jenkins’ absence was expected, the questionable designation of the other four had cast a cloud of uncertainty over the team’s prospects before the kickoff.
As if the personnel setbacks weren’t enough, the Packers’ on-field performance had been nothing short of disjointed. Through the first three quarters, their offense sputtered, failing to put a single point on the board. The defense, in contrast, put up a commendable effort, but special teams yielded a punt return for a devastating touchdown and racked up a series of costly penalties on returns.
The Green Bay Packers, who moved to 2-1, had an epic comeback victory over the New Orleans Saints, fueled by these five key stats.
Yet, amid these challenges, the Packers refused to yield. Trailing 17-0 as they entered the fourth quarter, they summoned a remarkable resurgence, scoring the final 18 points and emerging triumphant. To grasp the essence of this epic comeback, let’s delve into some key statistics that defined their resounding victory.
Bonus Stat: Packers’ Penalties
Here’s a stat that might not bring much joy, but it’s undeniably significant: the Packers accrued a whopping 11 penalties for a total of 90 yards during Sunday’s game.
This surge in infractions emerged as one of the primary culprits behind their struggles to maintain offensive momentum. Under the guidance of Matt LaFleur, the Packers have traditionally been known for their disciplined play. However, this season has unveiled a different story. After averaging a modest 5.2 penalties per game in 2022, their tally has surged to 9 per game in 2023, a performance that currently ranks them 31st in the NFL in this regard.