Loss to Green Bay Packers heartbreaking for New Orleans Saints; filled with miscues

Sept 30, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) and New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) meet on the field after the game at Lambeau Field. The Packers beat the Saints 28-27. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-US PRESSWIRE

Quarterback Drew Brees said he felt the New Orleans Saints would come out with a win when they arrived in Lambeau Field and for a moment it seemed like it was going to be possible.  Yet small mistakes led to another heartbreaking loss.

The Saints can’t blame a lack of breaks on the loss either.  While the Green Bay Packers fans were happy at first that the regular game officials were back, that faded late in the game.

Two questionable calls were signaled when tight end Jimmy Graham tried to complete a pass and it appeared to hit the ground while he had it against his hip.  However Graham was ruled to have completed the catch and the booing ensued.

The second was a kick return by running back Darren Sproles and as he was fighting through several tacklers had the ball knocked loose for a clear fumble.  Yet, Sproles was ruled down by contact and the Saints retained possession.

Even after those gifts and the offense playing mistake free, the Saints still couldn’t capitalize in the 28-27 loss that left the team and it’s fans in a state of shock and from some reports, a deflated locker room afterward.

The offense seemed to be back in a rhythm of sorts and you could actually see it on the players and feel it as well.  Brees sailed along with 446 passing yards and three touchdowns.  He threw no interceptions which was the first time he hasn’t in the past four games.

While the passing game was clicking better this time, the run game wasn’t.  The Saints backfield only had 19 carries for a total of 45 yards with the Packers sniffing out the run and forcing the Saints to rely on the air to get positive yards.

The lack of confidence in running the ball may have cost the Saints after they were given a chance to score a touchdown on a penalty while lined up for a field goal.

Packers defensive tackle B.J. Raji was called for a personal foul on the field goal attempt and gave the Saints a first down and goal.  However a short pass to running back Mark Ingram and two incompletions forced the Saints to settle for a field goal that came back to haunt them.