Saints vs. Packers: Why Green Bay Proved They're NFL's Best

For those looking for an exciting, action-packed opener last night, the opening-night shootout between the Saints and the Packers was no disappointment. 

While the Packers ended up with the W last night, both teams played excellent. However, it was the Packers who were best.

During many preseason Power Rankings, Green Bay ended up somewhere in the top five, but were not always ranked the best.

Well, for anyone looking for proof as to why the Packers are the best team in the NFL right now, here are some reasons from Thursday night.

Offensive Line

Coming out of the preseason, many people, including myself, were doubting the offensive line. Clifton had looked shaky and the line wasn't fantastic.

But Thursday night, the Packers offensive line had their way with the defensive line.

The offensive line, Scott Wells in particular, consistently got to the next level in order to help out the run game and were great all night against the pass-rush.

If the line keeps this type of protection up, the production will also stay up as well.

The Aaron Rodgers Show

Chances are, you knew this slide was coming, so I'll make it short.

Rodgers had no problem distributing the ball to his many weapons and carved up a Saints pass defense that was among the best last season.

The Super Bowl MVP will look to drop the Super Bowl part and replace it with a Season.

Randall Cobb

Fact: Randall Cobb is electric with the ball in his hands.

Though it turns out his two TDs were actually botched plays, the former UK standout proved that his excellent training camp was no fluke.

As it turns out, instead of running a slant route, Cobb was supposed to run another one. Rodgers still hit him and he added in a nice stiff arm at the end.

He wasn't supposed to take the kickoff out, because it turns out that Packer rules say don't take the ball out if you're more than five yards back in the endzone. Still, Cobb did and tied an NFL record.

Since Cobb was so fantastic, special teams coordinator Shawn Slocum may have to think about changing that rule.

No-Huddle Execution

On the first drive of the game, the Packers used the no-huddle offense to drive down the field and score a quick TD.

The no-huddle offense led by Rodgers proved effective like in the preseason.

Because of the sterling execution, look for the no-huddle to play a prominent role in most games this season.

Short-Yardage Defense

The defense was one part I wasn't happy about last night.

Poor tackling, among other things, was a big concern. A missed tackle allowed the opportunity for Tramon Williams to get hurt.

On the other hand, there several short-yardage plays where the Packers held ground and dialed up the pressure.

This was most important on the last play, where the linebackers flew to Mark Ingram like superheroes and ended up making a goal-line stand. 

Morgan Burnett

With all the other Green Bay defenders missing tackles, Burnett got the opportunity to showcase his ability to bring down the ball carrier.

A second-year pro, Burnett recorded 14 tackles and helped bring down Mark Ingram on the final play.

He looked good but not stellar in coverage, as Drew Brees threw for 419 yards against the Green Bay secondary.

Burnett and ILB Desmond Bishop combined for 26 tackles, both making tackles when others were missing.

Great Win Against a Great Team

The New Orleans Saints are one of the best teams in the NFL, and my hat's off to them for not giving up despite being down big early.

The Packers hadn't always shown the ability to close out close games last year. They were never down by more than seven points at any point in any game last season, yet they still ended up with six losses.

This time, the Packers defense essentially played with a bend-but-not-break philosophy in the final minute, and as it turns out, it worked.

Getting an early-season win against a great team should boost a team's confidence that hasn't always gotten off to great starts to the season.

A long week, followed by a matchup with the Panthers in Carolina, is next.