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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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jnormand

This game is a "big one". Slipping to 2-5 would be almost impossible to turn around. And a 3-4 record with a win over the Pack would be a huge confidence boost.

I'm excited to watch this but sick to think of a loss.

I can't think of a better game to get this team fired up. If the Saints come out flat then almost all hope is lost.

Maybe we can be what the Rams are to the Saints.

Get em going Payton and Ryan! Let's see what you've got.

xan

This sounds like a team hoping to win rather than a team that expects to win.

This is a much longer season than the lost bounty gate year.

hagan714

with every loss they can keep saying this

Cowboys 'a big one'

Buccaneers 'a big one'

Lions 'a big one'

Packers 'a big one'

Just change the font size to match the BIGNESS of the game.

With a loss to GB i have run out of font sizes as to how HUGE the game is

@Carolina 'a big one'

So yes this is a big game

blackangold

On the bright side:

We can really pull ourselves out of the hole with 2 wins in 5 days which could put us on top of the NFCS.

Exxcalibur

Jeez, we've lost 3 games by a combined total of 6 points?? That's hard on the blood pressure, but suggests we are far from gone and definitely 'up and about', whatever that means 0_o

Anyway...


I'd rate Rodgers the best QB in the game. His last minute drive a few weeks ago Vs Miami was scary. Nothing in the eyes except ice.

If they rip the crap out of our weakened CB white/ Rob duo, it'll sting.

But it's all in what they have for breakfast imo.

If we can fire up, go hard and sustain rage from the get go, then we are a solid bet.

Certainly makes for a fun and dramatic evening. Can feel the tingle in the veins already. Whoooooooooooooooooop!

WHO DAT!

Supertek

You know I have been sticking it out hoping this team would find a way to win and rally to the cause. I have not so much confidence anymore and just am holding on. Are we really this bad or have the stars aligned against us. The team needs to find the emotional trigger to find that something within that makes the difference. Someone needs to make the plays when it counts and against the odds I hope tonight could be a new start. I just remember how the giants did it and hope this team is really tired of losing.