4 takeaways from Saints blowout win vs. Packers in Week 1

The New Orleans Saints looked to be going into a near-impossible game to win with their lack of cornerback depth facing the reigning MVP in Aaron Rodgers.

Well, that’s why they play the game, folks!

The Saints curb-stomped the Packers in a game that never really felt in doubt, especially once the good guys went up 31-3 in the third quarter. It felt pretty over by that point but crazier things have happened, right? Just ask the Falcons.

With the first game in the books, let’s take a look at some quick takeaways from the win.

Juwan Johnson is no longer an unknown

My friends and family got tired of listening to me talk about Juwan Johnson and what he was going to do in the Saints offense this year. Well, now they know why I was so excited to see the former Penn State and Oregon product in action.

Johnson had three catches for 21 yards and two touchdowns in this game, meaning only one of his catches didn’t go for six points. It’s clear that Jameis Winston loves throwing to Johnson and that was proven once again here.

Defense showed up

We knew this Saints defense could be special and what’s more special than shutting down the reigning MVP and an offense that was supposed to be unstoppable?

The Saints limited Rodgers to just 133 yards while picking him off twice. They didn’t let him or Aaron Jones or any of those explosive Packers players eat. It was a special performance and really set the tone for how good this team could be.

Oh and this is considering the Saints didn’t have any cornerbacks on their roster heading into this one. I’d say they managed just fine.

Jameis Winston is the man for the job

Say what you want about Jameis Winston’s lack of passing yards but the man had five touchdowns in this game — FIVE!

Winston was firing on all cylinders and he put a bow on the game with his 55-yard touchdown pass to Deonte Harris in the fourth quarter to make it 38-3.

People were hard on Winston this offseason because of his struggles in Tampa Bay but the guy stepped up and destroyed the Packers defense. He was exactly who the Saints needed him to be and here’s to hoping this version of Jameis Winston is here to stay.

This Team Will Be Better Than People Think

Look — It’s one game. I get that and all of you reading this article get that.

With that said, however, no one was giving the Saints a chance coming into this game.

“They’re playing in Jacksonville, not in New Orleans.” “They have no cornerbacks.” “They’re playing Aaron Rodgers.” Blah, blah, blah. We heard it all week.

Well, guess what?

The Saints didn’t care about any of those things. They put an absolute beatdown on the Packers scoring 38 points and only allowing the reigning MVP to score a measly three points, none of which were a result of his arm or legs.

People counted the Saints out all year because they lost Drew Brees to retirement and the Buccaneers were coming off a Super Bowl win. Well, the Saints dominated their opponent while the Bucs barely squeaked by theirs.

The NFC South isn’t out of reach, my friends.

What takeaways did you have from this game?