New Orleans Saints will throw young defensive ends into fire against Green Bay Packers
 

New New Orleans Saints defensive end Turk McBride was up for the challenge the last time he faced the Green Bay Packers.

Last December, while starting for the Detroit Lions, McBride sacked Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers, then added two half-sacks against backup quarterback Matt Flynn during a 7-3 upset over the eventual Super Bowl champions.

The Saints will be counting on a repeat performance Thursday night, when McBride will likely start in place of suspended veteran Will Smith.

"Since Will's gonna be out those first two weeks, that's definitely taking a big hit on our defensive line and definitely in our leadership," McBride said. "But guys like myself definitely need to step up. And I believe we will."

New Orleans Saints will throw young defensive ends into fire against Green Bay Packers | NOLA.com

Interesting that the league waited so long to inform anyone abut the suspension.

Sink or swim brother, sink or swim. He'll be fine.

So let me get this right; according to that article, Cameron Jordan is the starter on the other side?

yeah you believe that

Yeah and already talking smack. He better back it up.

That was quite harmless but I kinda like it. Shows the guy is confident.

The Packers O-Line is not great. Rodgers does for it what Brees does for the Saints. Quick decisions and great pocket awareness.

Rodgers is also better outside the pocket than Brees is, but still I wouldn't want to trade QBs with the Packers... or any other team for that matter.

Not feeling confident that our young DEs are going to be a positive in this game. They could very well prove me wrong, but just don't have a good feeling about losing Will Smith and replacing him with... Turk McBride.

Turk starting NFL DE? With a name like Turk, should he be handing out pink slips?

Or live in Turkey...

I'm also not too confident. Jordon wasn't even playin with the 1st team until Brown was released. As for Turk...I'd prob feel more comfortable with Charleston starting. But I just need to trust the coaches here.

I feel the same way. Not having Smith for this game worries me a lot.

Green Bay is over-rated, but opening day at Lambeau after a Superbowl season probably gives them a TD advantage from the start. I'd feel much better if Will Smith was all up in Rodgers grill all game.

We will just have to rely on Ellis, Franklin, & Rodgers to be up in his grill all day!

With those big tackles getting double teamed all day, that should help our ends be able to get pressure, hopefully mask the Smith suspension...

Junyah for the sack fumble!

GW will find ways to pressure Rodgers sure enough. I'm more concerned with our own o line and LBs.

On the other hand, this is already the 3rd season opening game in SP's tenure as the HC, while GB hasn't been in one during that same stretch.

While it doesn't necessarily mean that the Saints have the edge, I would think that it gives them an edge in the preparation department, which might remove that TD advantage you mentioned GB would otherwise have.

Either way, playing in Lambeau... Glad it's early and not late in the season!

Too bad Franklin probably won't play. We can use all the beef we can get.

I'm with you. It could have been december and 30 degrees...

The Saints have been favored by the scheduling gods in that regard, the only cold weather game they play outside is the week 14 game against the Titans.

The mean temperature in Tennessee around that time of year is about 40 F, so the odds are that it won't be too bad. All the other potential cold weather games are in domes, which is nice.

I'm kind of worried about this Thursday with so many inexperienced guys on defense and special teams. I hope we win though.

I think Franklin will play..from what read.

I think the Pack is going to be hyped up and playing hard...but I think their mechanics are going to be off...in addition to being the Champions and all of the distractions that you have from that, there was also the lockout which prevented them from getting focused before camp, and then more distractions in camp with the president and all that...I just don't see them being in rhythm for a few weeks. I can see them being 3-4 going into their bye week before stringing the wins together.

Green Bay is an experienced team that has won it all before. Their hangover won't be nearly as bad as ours. I expect a tough game, but end the end we will eek out a win.

I don't think the defense will suddenly flip the switch and play lights out. A turnover or two or three can and will make the difference. Make some plays and above ALL, make some tackles. We can't miss that 3rd and 4 tackle that should become a punt but ends up a 1st down. We can't drop that pick and allow them to keep the football. We can't dislodge the football and then fail to get on it. Very few mistakes on our side will up our chances for a good road win. If we rush for +110 on +15 carries we win going away.