Saints vs. Packers: 5 Things to Look for in NFL Season Opener

The New Orleans Saints descend upon Lambeau Field to take on the Green Bay Packers in Week 1. In so doing, they will bless us with the one thing we have been clamoring for all summer: NFL football. 

The NFL has given us the best possible matchup to begin a season. The Saints roll into town with a new arsenal of weapons on offense. 

The Super Bowl champs from a couple of years ago have retooled. But a new season is not all about revival. Sometimes, it is nice to be reminded what was so great about the previous year.

That is where the Green Bay Packers come in.

They have almost exactly the same roster as last year's title squad. They serve as a "previously on" that you would normally see on the TV shows attempting to clear up cliffhangers.

Well, the season premier of the NFL will have a few delights to take note of, and here they are. 

1. Packers Running Game

The Packers have two studs looking to usurp one another.

James Starks is the more athletic back that I believe will win in the end. Ryan Grant is the old faithful that will pound the ball with unrelenting passion.

A running back battle never looked so good.

2. Saints' Young Guns

The New Orleans Saints will unfortunately be without Lance Moore, who is out due to injury. That's fine, as the Saints are flush with options.

My eye will be on youthful tight end Jimmy Graham.

He has been getting more and more love from Drew Brees and should be targeted early and often. 

3. Saints Run Deep

The New Orleans Saints are deep at every position on both sides of the ball. They are able to play an unrelenting form of football, as injury and fatigue will not figure into this stacked squad.

4. Familiar Face

As I mentioned previously, the Packers will have memories of Super Bowl glory flooding back to the forefront of our conscious.

It will be nice to see Clay Matthews lay down some big hits, too.  

5. Gunslinger Duel

Last, but very much not least, this game will feature two of the best quarterbacks in the game.

Drew Brees may very well have to make room for the new sheriff in town. Aaron Rodgers showed last year that he is ready to rule the league as the best arm in the biz.