Saints vs Packers: 8 Players Who Were Huge Disappointments

The kickoff of the 2011 NFL season got underway with an impressive game between the Green Bay Packers and New Orleans Saints.

While many expected the teams to put on an exciting offensive showcase, there were few that could've predicted the exciting finish that this one had.

Despite all of the firepower on display between two of the NFL's most talented teams, there were players on both sides that really disappointed in the first action of the new season.

8. Shaun Rogers, Defensive Tackle, New Orleans

The Saints defense was supposed to be a feared one heading into the season, but last night, the collective unit was absolutely shredded by the Packers.

While Green Bay arguably the most prolific offense in the league, I was shocked at how little pressure the Saints were able to get on Aaron Rodgers throughout the night.

Specifically, Shaun Rogers really looked like a shell of his former self. He looked a little out of shape, a little slower on his feet and didn't play with the same fire in his belly that we've seen from him in the past.

That's not a good look for what's supposed to be an imposing defensive line.

7. Tramon Williams, Cornerback, Green Bay

Tramon Williams gave up a long bomb of a touchdown to Robert Meachem early in this one, but it's not the only time that he looked lost on the field.

After looking like a steal as an undrafted free agent over the last few seasons, Williams was burned repeatedly on Thursday, and he just didn't look like the same corner that we're used to seeing in the Packers' secondary.

Unfortunately for Green Bay, Williams also left the game with a shoulder/arm injury that looked rather gruesome, so it may be a while before he's back on the field for the team.

6. Offensive Line, New Orleans

The Saints offensive line didn't look good in this one, but a major area of focus should be on both Jahri Evans and Carl Nicks.

Not only did New Orleans amass just 81 yards on 21 attempts (3.86 YPC), but as a collective unit, the group failed to open up sizable holes for the running backs to get through.

The most troubling part here is that both Evans and Nicks are being counted on in a big way for the Saints to enjoy success, so both need to turn it around rather rapidly.

In 2010-11, Drew Brees was sacked 25 times in 16 games. Last night, he went down three times.

That's not a pattern that the Saints can afford to continue.

5. Donald Driver, Wide Receiver, Green Bay

Driver had a really interesting game, and his final line of four catches for 41 yards doesn't really paint a clear picture of how he fared.

While he looked impressive on some drives, he really looked absent on others, and it's hard to imagine his role doing anything but shrinking as the season moves forward.

It should be interesting to see if he can continue to outproduce James Jones if the team decides not to trade him, as many have pegged Driver as one that's going to see his production decline by the conclusion of the campaign.

4. Mark Ingram, Running Back, New Orleans

Ingram was billed as a rookie who was going to be a big part of the New Orleans offense from the onset, but that didn't look like the case last night.

He may have led the team with 13 carries, but with just 40 yards to show for it (3.1 YPC) and his best carry going for just nine yards, Ingram didn't exactly put an emphatic stamp on his inaugural game as a pro.

The biggest disappointment has to be Ingram's inability to push the pile in some short-yardage situations for his team, as he's been billed as the team's power back.

With Darren Sproles' ability to be a factor in the passing game and Pierre Thomas contributing as well, it will be interesting to see how Ingram's role changes throughout the season.

3. Charles Woodson, Cornerback, Green Bay

Woodson played a fine game on the field, but I can't ignore the bush-league punch that he delivered to David Thomas.

This is not something that we're used to seeing from Woodson, and it's especially odd timing considering that he really rallied the Packers and became somewhat of a vocal leader for the team prior to Green Bay's Super Bowl run.

I don't expect this to be a continuing trend for Woodson or the Packers, but in a close game, that's likely not something that was embraced by the coaching staff.

2. Patrick Robinson, Cornerback, New Orleans

Tramon Williams gave up some plays for Green Bay, but the Packers were all over Patrick Robinson from the beginning of this one, and he just coldn't find a way to keep up.

He got sizzled on a deep route by Jordy Nelson, gave up a back-shoulder touchdown throw from Aaron Rodgers to Greg Jennings and failed to use his impressive athleticism to his advantage in coverage.

It's a disappointing effort for Robinson to say the least, as the coaching staff had been singing his praises throughout the preseason.

If he can't respond with positive play on the field, he shouldn't be seeing as many snaps.

1. James Jones, Wide Receiver, Green Bay

When James Jones decided to re-sign with the Packers, there were many that raised eyebrows considering how deep the team was in its receiving corps already.

Now, Jones may very well be second-guessing his choice.

He's no better than Aaron Rodgers' fourth option behind Greg Jennings, Jermichael Finley and Jordy Nelson, and his final numbers from last night of one catch for a single yard probably isn't what he was expecting.

Jones could soon find himself on the trade block, and it wouldn't be surprising to see a team that has a more pressing need at the position make a strong play for the speedster.