Saints rout Packers in explosive, season-saving effort

In an offensive showdown that featured 67 combined points, the New Orleans Saints came away with a potentially season-saving win against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday night 44-23. The Saints salted away the victory by causing turnovers and committing to the run.

Here's what you need to know ...

• The teams traded first possession touchdowns, with long receptions each, and then second, third and fourth possession field goals.
• Neither team punted the entire game.
• Julius Peppers was featured in the red zone for the Packers, but dropped a sure touchdown.
• Aaron Rodgers threw for 278 yards in the first half. In the second half he threw two interceptions. He finished with 418 yards and a touchdown but was seen grabbing at his left hamstring in the second half and it appeared to affect his play.
• Mark Ingram ran for 172 yards and added a touchdown in a dominant performance.
• Rookie Brandin Cooks had the best game of his short career catching six passes for 94 yards and a touchdown, while adding a rushing touchdown.
• The Saints were plus two in turnovers after a late fumble by Drew Brees.