By The Associated Press’s Steve Megargee
Green Bay, Wisconsin. Josh Jacobs recorded 107 yards from scrimmage and scored a touchdown for the sixth consecutive game as the Green Bay Packers defeated the unfortunate New Orleans Saints 34-0 on Monday night, securing a postseason berth and recording the NFL season’s first shutout.
Green Bay (11-4) recorded its first shutout since defeating Seattle 17-0 on Nov. 14, 2021, and earned its fifth postseason spot in six years. For the first time since losing 13-0 to San Francisco on November 27, 2022, the Saints (5-10) were blanked.
Running back Alvin Kamara and quarterback Derek Carr were out for the game. Starting, rookie Spencer Rattler went 15 of 30 for 153 yards, including a fumble and an interception.
The Green Bay victory margin was the biggest since the team’s rout of the Chicago Bears on November 9, 2014, by a score of 55–14.
The Packers have only lost to the Detroit Lions, an NFC North foe, in their last 11 games, winning nine of them. They were knocked out of the running for the NFC North title on Sunday, and they will now join the playoffs as a wild card.
On 13 carries, Jacobs gained 69 yards and scored a 1-yard touchdown. For 38 yards, he also caught four passes.
Jordan Love had a 2-yard touchdown pass to Dontayvion Wicks and finished 16 of 28 for 182 yards. Brandon McManus kicked field goals from 55 and 46 yards, and Chris Brooks and Emanuel Wilson also ran for touchdowns from 1 yard.
During the first half of an NFL football game on Monday, December 23, 2024, in Green Bay, Wisconsin, linebacker Pete Werner (20) and cornerback Will Harris (5) of the New Orleans Saints push Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed (11) out of bounds close to the goal line. (Photo by Matt Ludtke/AP)
Despite losing four players due to injuries—safeties Evan Williams and Javon Bullard, cornerback Jaire Alexander, and linebacker and top tackler Quay Walker—Green Bay’s defense made Rattler’s night unpleasant. Security In his first start of the season, Zayne Anderson made an interception.
The Packers’ first three possessions ended in touchdowns.
Love completed the game’s first drive by finding Wicks on third-and-goal. Wicks scored his first touchdown since the game against Houston on October 20 and his fifth of the season.
A 17-play, 96-yard drive that lasted 8:55 was culminated by Jacobs’ touchdown. In terms of plays and time, it was the Packers’ longest possession of the year. The Packers defeated the Los Angeles Rams 24–19, including a 96-yard march.
There were two fourth-down conversions during the drive. To start the second quarter, Love had a 2-yard sneak on fourth-and-1 from the New Orleans 45. On fourth-and-2 from the 35, Love then fired a 14-yard completion to Tucker Kraft.
With six consecutive touchdown rushes, Jacobs is one game away from having the longest streak in Packers history. In 1960, Paul Hornung ran for a touchdown in seven straight games.
On Monday, December 23, 2024, in Green Bay, Wisconsin, during the first half of an NFL football game, wide receiver Kevin Austin Jr. (81) of the New Orleans Saints drops the ball after being struck by cornerback Carrington Valentine of the Green Bay Packers. (Photo by Matt Ludtke/AP)
With 6:28 remaining in the second quarter, Brooks scored his first touchdown of the game, making the score 21-0. In the second half, McManus kicked both of his field goals.
With 2:41 remaining, Wilson completed a drive that backup quarterback Malik Willis had planned.
Injuries
Saints C. After suffering an elbow injury, Erik McCoy left. Lucas Patrick, a linebacker for the Saints, was injured in the last seconds. Christian Watson, WR for the Packers, injured his knee.
Up next
On Sunday, the Saints will host Las Vegas.
Packers: On Sunday, go to Minnesota.
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