All that stood between New Orleans and a chance at overtime was a single yard, but that was more than Green Bay was willing to give. The Green Bay Packers' defense stuffed Saints' rookie running back Mark Ingram at the one-yard line as time expired to hold on to a thrilling 42-34 win in the opening game of the NFL season.
On a night in which the Packers relived their championship season in front of 70,000 racous fans at Lambeau Field, Super Bowl MVP Aaron Rodgers was spectacular once again. The 27-year-old superstar threw for 312 yards on 27-of-35 attempts, while tossing three first-quarter touchdowns.
Rookie wide receiver Randall Cobb added to the madness with a pair of touchdowns, including a game-breaking, Madden-esque 108-yard kickoff return that put the Packers back up on top midway through the third quarter.
Nonetheless, New Orleans' own Super Bowl MVP, Drew Brees, would not to be overshadowed. The 32-year-old three-time All Pro stormed back with two late touchdown passes of his own, capping things off with a 5-yard toss to Jimmy Graham to narrow the deficit to a one-score game before falling just short. Brees finished with 32-of-49 for 419 yards and three touchdowns in the losing effort.
For reaction on tonight's game, visit SB Nation's Saints blog Canal Street Chronicles and Packers blog Acme Packing Company.