Everyone in the stadium could see that Darren Sproles fumbled. The Packers could, the Saints could, the fans could and quarterback Aaron Rodgers could.
But the regular officials - yes those, not the replacements - made the wrong call, ruling the runner down by contact and leaving the Packers to overcome another tough call. The team had no challenges left and had to watch as Garret Hartley missed a 48-yard field goal, costing the Saints a chance to take a lead in the fourth quarter.
"We've probably had to deal with more adversity than most of the teams I've played with, especially early on we've had some interesting games already," Rodgers told the Associated Press. "We're four games in. So, I think the character of this team is very strong. Winning games like this says a lot about the kind of men that we have."
Rodgers threw for 319 yards and four touchdowns as the Packers improved to 2-2 on the season.
"I'm very proud of our football team, especially the week we've endured," Packers coach Mike McCarthy said. "We talk a lot about integrity and character, and I thought today's game had plenty of those types of situations where it showed up big."
Following last Monday's controversial loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Monday Night Football, the Packers were hoping for a little less drama. They found no such thing on Sunday.
Drew Brees led the way for the Saints, throwing for 446 yards and three touchdowns. Brees tied an NFL record with Johnny Unitas by throwing for a touchdown in his 47th straight regular-season game.
"Yeah, it's disappointing," Brees said of the loss. "It stinks. But despite where we're at, right now I think this team's going to do something."
The Saints were leading 27-21 following a Hartley field goal in the fourth quarter when things got really interesting. The Packers drove down the field and took the lead 28-27 following an 11-yard touchdown to Jordy Nelson.
"It's going to hurt when you lose a game like this," Saints interim coach Aaron Kromer said. "But I will not let them get down. We are too close."
On the next drive, Sproles appeared to fumble on the kickoff, but the officials blew the runner down by contact. The video clearly showed that Sproles fumbled before he was down, but The Packers had already used their two challenges, giving the chance for another blown call to possibly beat Green Bay.
Luckily for the Packers, Hartley missed his 48-yard attempt, allowing them to close things out for the win.
"You guys were all happy that the officials were back, and we tried to tell you that they'd still get booed," Nelson said with a laugh.
In the third quarter Rodgers was hit hard and got his eye poked through his facemask by Saints' cornerback Malcolm Jenkins, forcing him to sit out for a play.
"I wanted to stay in the game -- obviously, I don't like coming out for anything," Rodgers said. "Just didn't have any depth perception immediately thereafter and so I figured we were a yard away and we could punch that thing in there. Unfortunately, didn't happen."
The Saints took advantage, forcing backup quarterback Graham Harrell to fumble and recovered the ball, setting up a touchdown to go up 27-21.
Marques Colston had a stellar game for the Saints, catching nine balls for 153 yards and touchdown. New Orleans only mustered 45 yards rushing in the game and gave up two sacks.
According to ESPN.com, the Saints became the sixth team to start 0-4 after winning 13 games the previous season.
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