Sept 30, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) passes during the game against the New Orleans Saints at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-US PRESSWIRE

The Green Bay Packers escaped with a 28-27 win over the New Orleans Saints, despite having to overcome a blown non-call on a fumble, a huge day by Drew Brees and an injury to Aaron Rodgers when the Packers were on the  4 yard line and backup QB Graham Harrell tripped and botched a handoff to Cedric Benson.

Those were the big plays in a game filled with them – and a game when the honeymoon with the return of the regular referees was short-lived.

For a recounting of every play of this game that will surely go down in Packers lore as one of the most exciting to take place in Lambeau Field, read on. It was a brutally intense day that tested the mettle and character of this team that was coming off the infamous “inaccurate reception” game in Seattle.

First quarter

Saints kick off to Packers

Packers start the game going three and out. Pass to James Jones on third down and 3 goes for two

On the Saints first possession, pass to Marques Colston for five: Pierre Thomas goes for four and then Clay Matthews buries Thomas on third and one

Saints punt goes only 28 yards and Packers take over for second possession on own 38.

Packers first possession

On first down, Rodgers throws 15 yards to Jordy Nelson; Benson runs for five yards;

In the hurry-up offense, Rodgers hits Finley on a quick hitter to the sideline for 12 yards.

On second and 10 from 31, Rodgers in the shotgun hits Jordy Nelson with a laser over the middle for 17 yards down to the 12; first and 10 Rodgers hits Finley in the hands, but he juggles and drops it.

On second down, Rodgers scrambles left, stays on his feet after nearly being tripped up and throws a TD pass to James Jones in the left side of the end zone. On the extra point, Bryan Bulago holds and Mason Crosby hits a 30-yard extra point.

Packers 7-0

Packers kick off for touchback

Saints start at the 20 yard line with 9:02 in the first quarter.

Mark Ingram 3 yards; Darren Sproles takes quick hitter, makes a good move and pics up 6; On third and 2, Brees rolls right and hits Jimmie Graham for 5.

First and 10at 34, pass for five toTE  David Thomas; pass to Lance Moore for 10 yards.

Brees has time to throw, but on first down the Saints are called for holding to move ball back to the 41.

Throw over the middle to Graham for 23 yards down to the Packers 36.

On second and 6, Graham again catches a first down pass down to the Packers 19.

A first down run by Thomas is snuffed out by Erik Walden who brings him down for a one yard loss; second and 11, Marques Colston pushes off on Morgan Burnett, but no flag thrown – touchdown Saints. That’s the 47th straight game that Drew Brees has thrown a touchdown, tying him with the late great Johnny Unitas.

Packers fans officially end love affair with regular referees.

Sept. 30, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; New Orleans Saints interim head Aaron Kromer during the first half against the New Orleans Saints at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Mary Langenfeld-US PRESSWIRE

Packers 7 Saints 7

Saints kick off – touchback, Packers take over at 20 yard line.

First and 10 for Packers, Incomplete pass; second and 10, Benson runs left for four yards; third and six, Rodger runs left for the first down – a seven yard gain to the 31.

Quick pass on first down to Randall Cobb for five yards; second and 5, Benson up the middle for seven yards; ball at 43, the Packers run a screen to Benson, but he gets just two yards; Second and 8, Rodgers hits Cobb for 10

First and 10 from the Saints 45; Pass to Finley for 20 yards as Rodgers spreads the ball around.

First and 10, Pass to Donald Driver for four yards.

End of first quarter – Packers 7 Saints 7

Packers with a second and 6 at the Saints 22 yard line; defense in the neutral zone. Second down and 2 – pass to Finley with his third catch (40 yards) for first down.

Bal at 9 yard  line first and goal; Rodgers with all kinds of time hits Jennings in the middle of the end zone for a touchdown – it’s Jennings 50th career TD pass.

Extra point by Mason Crosby

Packers 14 Saints 7

Packers kick off  - Sproles with a 31 yard return out to the 26

Saints possession

First and 10, Brees’s pass to Lance Moore is short of the mark to bring up second and 10. Pass to the left side to Pierre Thomas for three yards; third and 7, Brees to Graham for 10, first down

First and 10 Ingram for 2 yards; from the 42, Colston hauls in 17 yard pass from Brees for first down.

Ball at the Packers 41, hand off to Thomas and he get stoned by A.J. Hawk; second and 10, quick pass attempt to Moore is knocked down by Tramon Williams on a textbook coverage play; third and 9, pass is broken up on good Packers defense.

Saints punt to nine yard line; Cobb fair catch.

Packers get ball back, but lack of a pass rush and zone defense is somewhat of a concern. Brees has been known to pick defenses apart.

Packers at the 8, Benson off left tackle for 4 yards, and on second down a flag for illegal use of hands by Josh Sitton pushes Packers back to the 6; second and 12, Rodgers is pressured out of the pocket to the right and hits Nelson on the sideline for an apparent first down, but it’s called incomplete as Nelson doesn’t maintain control of the ball all the way through the play; Packers head coach Mike McCarthy challenges the call, but loses the timeout when the referees confirm call.

Third and 12 from the 6, pass to Cobb is complete and he leaps for it, but comes up inches short. Packers have to punt.

Packers fake punt, snap it to John Kuhn and he runs for first down

Sept 30, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Randall Cobb (18) is tackled by New Orleans Saints linebacker Martez Wilson (95) and safety Corey White (24) at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-US PRESSWIRE

On first down from the 22, Benson runs for 3 yards off left tackle; Rodgers rolls right and throws down right sideline to Nelson; defensive back caught holding.

First down at the 30, Benson pushes the pile for five; Benson again up the middle for six more – he’s tripped up in the open field.

first and 10 from the 42; Benson runs right for four; Quick pass to Cobb for first down with face mask penalty and 15 yards added.

From the Saints 30, shovel pass to Benson for 10 yards and a first down as he breaks tackles and runs hard.

Ball at the 19, Rodgers hits Benson on the checkdown for five yards; on second and five, Nelson drops a Rodgers fastball over the middle; third and 5, Rodgers hits James Jones for a touchdown, his second of the game to give the Packers a 21-7 lead. Rodgers is pumped and gives the belt for the first time this year.

Packers 21 Saints 7

Packers kick off – touchback.

Saints possession

Saints start at the 20, Brees to Colston for 14 and first down; first and 10 at the 39, pass incomplete to Moore, but penalty on the Saints; first and 15, pass to Devry Henderson for 10; Second and five from the 39 Brees hits Sproles for four; third and 1 and the Saints take first time out – quick pass to Moore for 2 yards.

First and 10, Ingram for 2; second and 8, Packers offside. On second and three Woodson knifes through to stop Thomas at the 2-minute warning.

Third and 1 for the Saints, pass to Graham for first down to the Packers 40; Drew Brees throws incomplete; second and 10, screen to Sproles for 20 yards down to the Packers 20; first and 10; pass to Moore to the Packers 11; pass to Colston to the Packers 6 …

Time out Saints with 33 seconds left

Pass to Sproles for the touchdown; Brees was 9-10 on the drive for 77 yards

Packers 21 Saints 14

Saints kick off and Cobb returns it to the 25

Benson runs out the clock with a one yard run.

Halftime

• TOP PERFORMERS

Passing

Brees

#9 QB

CP/AT	YDS	TD	INT
20/24	195	2	0

Rushing

Benson

#32 RB

ATT	YDS	TD	LG
11	51	0	7

Receiving

Colston

#12 WR

REC	YDS	TD	LG
5	62	1	20

Sept 30, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jordy Nelson (87) catches a pass against New Orleans Saints safety Roman Harper (41) at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-US PRESSWIRE

Packers 

Sept 30, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers running back Cedric Benson (32) is tackled by New Orleans Saints cornerback Jabari Greer (33) at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-US PRESSWIRE

First and 10 from the nine yard line, Brees throws it away; second and 10, ball tipped and inc., Burnett and Williams fight for it and it falls to the ground;

Packers

Passing	CP/AT	YDS	TD	INT
Rodgers	31/41	319	4	1

Saints

Passing	CP/AT	YDS	TD	INT
Brees	35/54	446	3	0

1st Quarter

James Jones 12 yd pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby kick), 9:02 Drive: 7 plays, 62 yards in 2:04
Green Bay 7-0

Marques Colston 20 yd pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 3:33 Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards in 5:29
Tied 7-7

2nd Quarter

Greg Jennings 9 yd pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby kick), 14:15 Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards in 4:18
Green Bay 14-7

James Jones 14 yd pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby kick), 4:50 Drive: 13 plays, 92 yards in 6:08
Green Bay 21-7

Darren Sproles 6 yd pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 0:27 Drive: 12 plays, 80 yards in 4:23
Green Bay 21-14

3rd Quarter

Garrett Hartley 20 yd FG, 9:41 Drive: 15 plays, 72 yards in 5:19
Green Bay 21-17

Joseph Morgan 80 yd pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 3:49 Drive: 4 plays, 92 yards in 1:21
New Orleans 24-21

3rd Quarter

Garrett Hartley 20 yd FG, 9:41 Drive: 15 plays, 72 yards in 5:19
Green Bay 21-17

Joseph Morgan 80 yd pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 3:49 Drive: 4 plays, 92 yards in 1:21
New Orleans 24-21

Saints

Passing	CP/AT	YDS	TD	INT
Brees	35/54	446	3	0

Rushing	ATT	YDS	TD	LG
Sproles	5	20	0	9
Thomas	9	14	0	6
Ingram	5	11	0	3

Receiving	REC	YDS	TD	LG
Colston	9	153	1	27
Graham	7	76	0	24
Moore	7	67	0	19
Sproles	5	44	1	20
Thomas	2	-1	0	3
Morgan	1	80	1	80
Collins	1	12	0	12
Henderson	1	10	0	10
Thomas	1	6	0	6
Ingram	1	-1	0	-1

Packers

Passing	CP/AT	YDS	TD	INT
Rodgers	31/41	319	4	1

Rushing	ATT	YDS	TD	LG
Benson	18	84	0	9
Rodgers	5	13	0	10
Kuhn	1	5	0	5
Harrell	1	0	0	0

Receiving	REC	YDS	TD	LG
Nelson	8	93	1	18
Cobb	7	66	0	17
Jones	5	56	2	20
Finley	4	54	0	20
Benson	4	22	0	11
Crabtree	1	16	0	16
Jennings	1	9	1	9
Driver	1	3	0	3

Fumbles	FUM	LOST	REC-O
Harrell	1	1	0

Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/gameflash/2012/09/30/4952/index.html#ixzz2807SqAl1

Sep 8, 2011; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers fullback John Kuhn (30) spikes the football after scoring a touchdown during the game against the New Orleans Saints at Lambeau Field. The Packers defeated the Saints 42-34. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

Who Dat Dish, the fansided.com fan site for the New Orleans Saints threw us some questions … we obliged and offered our insight into today’s Packers vs. Saints game.

Here we go …

A. I think there will be an “angry” factor, but it’s probably played up more than it really is. All of these guys are professionals and go about their work regardless of what’s occurred in the past. Yes, the players have an added incentive this week to come out and play “angry,” but for true professionals they really shouldn’t need that kind of incentive. That said, I think the “anger” could get them off to a hot start, which could make the difference in this game.

A. The Packers, as it happens so many times, got away from calling any run plays in the first half of the Seahawks game. If a defense knows they are going to pass every play, they can pin the ears back and go. That’s what the Seahawks did. When the Packers figured out they needed to run the ball it worked in the second half as the Packers controlled the tempo and possession with their running game.

A. The Packers secondary has played well in the early going, despite the fact that they’ve got as many as four or five rookies or second year men on the field at any given time. I really like the addition of these young players to the secondary. They bring a new attitude and aggression that should help them match up against the talented Saints receiving corps.

A. We’re still hoping that rookie linebacker Nick Perry starts playing like so many thought he would when he was picked first by the Packers in last April’s draft. When Erik Walden gets on the field, he’s also been playing well. In addition, the Packers like to bring defensive backs on blitzes, but we all know that Drew Brees can pick apart a defense when they blitz, so I’m not sure how often the Packers will bring that kind of pressure.

A. Packers fans have been hoping that’s true. Benson had a solid game against the Seahawks and we are all hoping he can use that game as a springboard for the rest of the season. Aaron Rodgers needs a good running game to take some of the pressure off his shoulders.

A. If the Packers lose, it will be a significant blow to this team. Going back to the end of last season, Aaron Rodgers has lost four of his last five games – a fact that has been ignored in all the preseason hoopla, but a fact that may begin to cast some doubt on his ability to be consistent.

A. I think the Packers will come out fast in this one. Rodgers is due to have a good game and I see him picking apart the Saints defense. Drew Brees will keep the Saints in the game, but I think the Packers will get a turnover that will make the difference.

September 23, 2012; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) looks for a receiver against the Kansas City Chiefs during second half of their game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Kansas City Chiefs defeated the New Orleans Saints 27-24 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-US PRESSWIRE

Gene Higginbotham, the editor of our fansided.com fellow NFL site, Who Dat Dish, took time out of his busy schedule today to answer some questions we had about the Green Bay Packers and New Orleans Saints matchup.

Before the season started, one would have been stunned to think this week four game in Green Bay would feature a winless Saints team marching into Lambeau Field. One would also be surprised to think the Packers would be sitting at 1-2.

This is a huge game for both teams as each looks to get back on track before the season gets along too far.

So, here’s our questions and how Higginbotham sees things:

The Saints say that they are dialed in and have been practicing fast this week.  But they have been saying that since the first week so the proof will be in the pudding.

I think the Saints will try to go back to the run but try to establish a passing game as well.  The Packers secondary to me is pretty solid though, so Brees should proceed with caution.

If the team can ever get into sync on defense they will.  The glaring problem of course seems to be in the pass rush department which the Packers don’t have a problem with.

Two stand out so far as a disappointment and both are first round picks, cornerback Patrick Robinson and running back Mark Ingram.  Defensive end Junior Galette seems to be stepping up more and defensive tackle Akiem Hicks is also looking very promising.

September 9, 2012; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan (94) against the Washington Redskins during the second half of a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Redskins defeated the Saints 40-32. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-US PRESSWIRE

Q. What young players have made a difference for the Saints this season and should be watched?

Defensive end Cameron Jordan is doing better than last year and hopefully will develop further this year.

I think the tempo especially on offense which the Saints are used to controlling should be a difference.

They say it’s not that bad but it obviously is.  Payton had that fire and could get players motivated by getting in their face which interim head coach Aaron Kromer doesn’t seem to possess.  The team has got to find a way to spark some fire from themselves or it won’t happen.

Sep 8, 2011; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Greg Jennings (85) carries the football after catching a pass during the game against the New Orleans Saints at Lambeau Field.

Q. Tell us how you feel this game will go and, of course, provide us with a final score prediction.

This will probably get me some fire from Saints fans but the way they have been playing, I just don’t know if they will be able to turn it around this quickly especially in Lambeau Field.

30-27 Packers

Jeff Triplette will head up the crew that will be working the Green Bay Packers vs. New Orleans Saints game Sunday.

For the first time this season, the Green Bay Packers and New Orleans Saints will have the fortune of playing a game under the watchful eyes of a crew of union members of the referees association.

Heading up the crew that will work the two teams’ Sunday matchup will be Jeff Triplette, the referee whose most notoriety came when he threw a flag against Orlando Brown of the Cleveland Browns on Dec. 19, 2009.

A Wikipedia description of that event is as follows:

On December 19, 1999, Triplette accidentally hit the Cleveland Browns‘ Orlando Brown in the eye with a penalty flag weighed with ball bearings. Video shows that Triplette immediately apologized to Brown, who was then tended to by the medical staff, but a few minutes later, Brown attempted to rejoin the team on the field for the next play, but Triplette prevented him from entering for the next play per NFL rules which stipulate that if a player incurs an injury timeout, they must sit out the next play.

Working the game with Triplette will be his crew:

• Jeff Rice, umpire
• Phil McKinnely, head linesman
• Jeff Bergman, line judge
• Barry Anderson, field judge
• Dave Wyant, side judge
• Steve Freeman, back judge

According to the the football-refs.com, here is the description of Triplette:

Jeff Triplette, B.A., Lt Col USAR (Ret.) is a referee for the National Football League, his number is 42.

Jeff joined the NFL as a field judge in 1996 and became a referee in 1999.

He is Vice President for Risk Management at Duke Energy, a massive energy company headed out of Charlotte, North Carolina.

Jeff is a retired Army Reserve colonel. He was awarded the Bronze Star for actions in the Persian Gulf War while serving in the North Carolina Army National Guard.