Saints, Packers still have a shot

Originally Published: October 25, 2004
By Joe Theismann | ESPN Insider
Joe ponders a handful of questions over his Monday morning cup: Were the Falcons and Giants exposed? What's the problem in Buffalo? Can the Jaguars dethrone the Colts? Who has been more impressive – Reuben Droughns or Mewelde Moore?

Down, but not out

The New Orleans Saints and the Green Bay Packers are the two teams that immediately spring to mind when you talk about four- or five-loss teams that still can recover to make the playoffs.

The Packers are very talented with QB Brett Favre, RB Ahman Green and a set of good receivers, but they are the Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde of the NFL. They've looked great the past two weeks after playing terrible football after their Week 1 victory over the Carolina Panthers. They've been so up and down this season that I wouldn't bet on them with someone else's money.

The Saints are a more talented offense then their record indicates. They've lost some close games that they probably should have won. They have the potential to score a lot of points through the air and on the ground, and because of the running game they can win anywhere. The defense has to continue to grow into itself with the addition of former Packers' CB Mike McKenzie.


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Joe Theismann

Football analyst
Former college and pro football star Joe Theismann has served as an analyst for ESPN's Sunday Night Football since 1988. He also is frequently heard on ESPN Radio, regularly contributes to ESPN.com and has contributed to the NFL Draft.

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