SmashMouth

Technically, Sunday night's matchup against the Green Bay Packers (5-2) is not a "must-win" game for the New Orleans Saints (2-4). In terms of making the playoffs, next Thursday's game against the Carolina Panthers (3-3-1) means more.

But in terms of soothing hurt wounds and salvaging pride, it means everything. Even more so now that the Saints will be playing their second Sunday night game after losing to the Dallas Cowboys, 38-17, earlier in the season.

"I think it is a prideful thing," said Saints quarterback Drew Brees. "Any time you play on prime time you are the only game on television and it is an honor to be chosen in that slot. You certainly feel like you want to kind of back up the reason for them putting you on."

The Saints know how important this game after stumbling through the first month of the season. It's why the message in the locker room this week was about not giving up when the goal is in reach.

It's why defensive coordinator Rob Ryan looked the media in the eye on Friday and said "this is a big one."

It's why Joe Vitt spent the week obsessively studying tape on the Packers.

"I swear to God this week, I do not think I have seen a guy watch as much tape as I have watched Joe Vitt (watch) this week," Ryan said. "I tell you, you have to appreciate the effort of a guy that has been in the league for 36 years, this means a hell of a lot to everybody."

What else is there to do when one of the hottest teams in the league is coming into town?

The Packers statistics don't show it, but they've been among the best in the league during their four-game win streak, averaging 35.5 points-per-game and 368.75 yards-per-game.

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