Green Bay vs. New Orleans "Opening Night Shootout" (2011 Week 1) Green Bay's Greatest Games

In this Packers classic from 2011, the Packers open up their previous season's title defense in a shootout on opening night of the NFL season. The Packers would take a late 42-27 lead, but Brees would rally his team to within 42-34 and had his Saints at the 1 yard line with an untimed down remaining, but the Packers defense stood firm and preserved the victory with a final stand as they stopped Mark Ingram short of the end zone. This game was also famous for the debut of rookie WR Randall Cobb, who caught a touchdown pass and ran back a kick return 108 yards, which would end up being the deciding score in the game.

[@dabbingtoast7743]

Defines Rodgers and Brees careers. Their best years wasted carrying awful defenses and losing in the playoffs.

[@greglastin8469]

the giants ruined everyones season. LOL

[@Dustomatic]

The Green Bay defense has been very good at some points in Aaron’s career, very average at some points, and complete garbage only a couple times. And even this game was sealed with a great defensive stop.

[@Dustomatic]

iRetroEnerqy defense is more than just disallowing points. It’s creating turnovers, stopping an offense at key junctures, and even scoring itself. All of which it did this game. But hey, I wouldn’t expect some doofus like you to understand nuance.

[@Dustomatic]

iRetroEnerqy it makes the defense good enough.

[@bradless123]

@@Dustomatic You have had a bad defense since probably the 2015 season. Slammed with injuries. Bad secondary. Our LB's have always been good. The secondary makes us look terrible. It's a passing league after all. This season is the turning point.

[@thatoneguy43533]

By far my favorite roster ever to play the game, you had Offence : Rodgers, Grant, Starks, Cobb, Nelson, Jennings, Driver, Jones, Finley, TJ Lang and of course John Kuhn Defense : Nick Collins, BJ Raji, Hawk, Woodson, Shields, Williams, Mathews, Bishop, Bush and Burnett Special Teams : Mason Crosby and Tim Masthay Damn was this an All-Star team.

[@edisfoamy]

I miss this roster a lot.

[@CesarPerez-it8xy]

Nick collins going down was the end to our defence. He was the man

[@katorobles823]

That should of been back to back Superbowls I'll always hate those damn Giants smh

[@minotaurroars9181]

Can't forget davante, healthy Eddie Lacy, and good ol David bakhtiari! 😄Back in the days I watch these films and I remember why I'm still a packer!!

[@russellkid117]

God that reciever group is incredible. Would have loved to see them win another big one

[@eddiebenson7006]

Nick Collins last full game 😥

[@uwlwsrpm]

I thought this sieve of a defensive performance was just a one time mulligan b/c of going up against Drew Brees, our defense was so badass last year, it was just a one time bad game right? Little did I know....

[@HeyMrFarley]

HIM GETTING HURT ENDED THE PACKERS SUPERBOWL RUN

[@thatoneguy43533]

@@HeyMrFarley true, we lost arguably the best safety in the NFL

[@Tecumseh4-k2z]

I remember this game. Nick being carried off the field in gurney was a definitely a very bad sign.

[@ryantrudell4686]

If memory serves me correctly, this was Nick Collin's last game at Lambeau Field before he got hurt in Carolina. I truly believe if Nick never got hurt, the Packers would have repeated. He had 4.4 speed, was the fastest guy on our defense, had insane ball-hawking abilities, and could absolutely level people. Green Bay has been trying to replace Nick Collins ever since. If he was able to play another 4-5 years, he would have been up there in the conversation with Ed Reed, Brian Dawkins and Polamalu.

[@CesarPerez-it8xy]

I've always said this to my buddies. Us losing collins we lost our heart on defense. Yes we got roasted vs saints but saints do that. After collins was hurt we where never the same.

[@katorobles823]

He's definitely a legend in my book a big big reason they won the super bowl

[@vksjb]

and we still led the league in INT that year. Too bad 3rd down d and red zone d were trash.

[@silverguard8105]

@@vksjb are you sure redzone defense was the problem. I remember that defense being bend but don't break. They would give up a lot of yards but opponents had trouble finishing drives in the redzone.

[@vksjb]

@@silverguard8105 haha no I’m not sure that’s just statistically speaking. It’s hard to really know how good your D is when the offense was so good but I seem to remember thinking we wouldn’t be able to stop anyone if it was a close game.

[@wiscoben4615]

Darren Sproles vs Randall Cobb. Get your popcorn ready.

[@MDJ-wb1pn]

Packers were primed to repeat that year. Such a shame it didn’t happen.

[@katorobles823]

I'll always hate Eli and the Giants smh

[@ericclaeyborn7008]

@@katorobles823 The Giants has nothing to do with anything the Packers did in 2011. The Packers had the team that could have repeated, but didn't.

[@MrJNEW82]

@@ericclaeyborn7008 Giants literally knocked them out the playoffs even as much as the refs didn't want it to happen 😂 I would say that has a lot to do with why they didn't repeat.

[@jonathonbartos3061]

The loss of Nick Collins absolutely tore the heart from that defense.

[@dallinlaw1605]

@@MrJNEW82 Green Bay could’ve beat the hell out of the Giants that day but decided not to show up

[@danjacobs2423]

I can’t believe how high Woodson got on that final play

[@lightyagami3492]

all those fireworks and it comes down to a run on the one yard line. gotta love football

[@Crusader1815]

Fake the handoff and bootleg right and Drew could have scored.

[@lightyagami3492]

@@Crusader1815 agreed

[@beatlequeen06]

8:00- BART!!!!!!!!!!!! I love the genuine smile on his face. He never stopped rooting for or supporting the Packers and we adore him for it.

[@trishboor5099]

R.I.P ... Bart Starr

[@amanmaratha10]

Aaron Rodgers was a literal god that year

[@bar0nv0nstrubel57]

Aman Maratha 45 TDs to only 6 picks is pretty amazing

[@alexsaab8089]

Amazing and he did it with Marshall Newhouse at LT

[@prestondier7046]

a god every time he suits up. #prayforhealth #noinjuries

[@TheStarflyer1]

until the playoffs when he was hot garbage

[@jonanderson1272]

TheStarflyer1 you mean when his recievers dropped 8 passes in the divisional game 2 of which were tds yeah that was his fault

[@sjwdestroyer6336]

Does anyone else shed a tear knowing this was the offense we once had compared to the garbage now?

[@stevvejobss]

SJW Destroyer they’re not garbage now though

[@frankielymon836]

Dude i know 🤦🏾‍♂️

[@katorobles823]

That offense was legendary it should have been back-to-back Superbowls

[@reapingangels4588]

@@stevvejobss yes they are

[@briancouldntthinkofuser]

Especially today

[@Felixwfyu]

Can’t believe Cobb will be wearing a Cowboys jersey this season 😪

[@cisco01real1]

I remember playing madden 11 and 12 with the packers lol it was just unfair with that offense!

[@katorobles823]

😁

[@AndrewBlechinger]

But did Greg Jennings put the team on his back?

[@gorrow1990]

This was probably the most competitive year for the NFC. 4 legitimate title contenders in the conference that year.

[@TheDoorman55]

And the Giants, the worst by far, won it all. Smh.

[@Matt_Man_94]

I think I spotted about 3 or 4 sacks that would've been flags today. Lol

[@ucheokoroafor8273]

Shame, its unwatchable these days with all the flags and zero defense allowed

[@cadenpresley3674]

This is the game where Cobb really outshine himself.

[@rileyfreeman7122]

I’m a bears fan and Cobb always kills us. Luckily the packers traded him to Dallas

[@cadenpresley3674]

@@rileyfreeman7122 Sorry for the late reply, but yeah. Cobb was definitely one of our guys that had you guys worried a ton. Back then, it's either Cobb or Nelson (in terms of wr) that put in the clutch work. You and the other Bears fans must be happy as hell those two ain't with us anymore. Lol The only strong WR or "go to guy" we got is Adams atm.

[@rileyfreeman7122]

as a bears fan. I’m still shocked that this packers team didn’t win the Super Bowl this year

[@jus3278]

Nick Collins career ending injury and Jennings getting hurt against the Raiders hurt us. I loved watching this team on offense though. Rodgers with those weapons...

[@richardcrais9353]

fantastic game especially​ cobbs classic kickoff return

[@Crusader1815]

Yeah, two spectacular TDs in his first game. Welcome home, Randall.

[@jackriddle4017]

This is when Rodgers used to step into his throws.

[@fosho331]

Why was AJ Hawk a football player? I've been a packers fan for so long and it puzzled me how bad a player he was at MLB

[@ericclaeyborn7008]

You're a terrible judge of football character and talent.

[@kkrummelrhs]

This was my first Packers game and man I caught a great one.

[@theadamblock]

This team would ultimately be doomed by its lack of balance but boy did it make for some wonderful highlights through the season.

[@joejoe6952]

The Packers should have fired McCarthy and Capers after the Super Bowl.

[@TooCynical]

@cpk1994 He's right though

[@mauricedavis1740]

Landon Wright your stupid af, that’s why fans are just fans and nothing more...😆

[@domi4505]

2 of 3 qb gods

[@emmitttraynor8939]

9:09 that seam throw from Brees one of the best throws iv ever seen. Threw it before Colston was ever out of his route and it hit him right between the numbers.

[@ian7487]

The throw at 10:26 is even more insane. I still don’t know how he got that ball in there

[@hlloyd-fs4uf]

There are Packers games, and there are Super Bowl games. Packer games with something on the line, or for no reason whatsoever, are often enough far better than your run of the mill SB. This game was a veritable shootout between two top guns, and came down to the wire with the dramatic stuff for another win by Team GOAT. Doesn't get any better...

[@hlloyd-fs4uf]

Buy yourself a hot air balloon, you could get it to 80,000 feet just by breathing.

[@soulman1324]

Jonathan Vicknair whatever helps you sleep at night baby boy

[@lebron9138]

Good game

[@artmajor1]

Saints' red flag was their defense. It's why they allowed the 49ers and Alex Smith to beat to them in the divisional round.

[@brandonsmoot748]

Nick Collins was a beast. I wish career wasn’t cut short.

[@kim-jong-poon]

I miss Randall Cobb. Not only was he a great player, but he did so much for the Green Bay community. The epitome of what you want in a packer player.

[@PackerBronco]

In this game you could see the good and the bad of the Packer team that year. Amazing offense that could score at almost any time coupled with a porous defense that required the team to score at almost any time. But man what a receiving corps: Jennings, Nelson, Jones, Cobb and Finley and ARod in control. Wow.

[@thatoneguy43533]

Donald Driver

[@Raymond_Rants96]

Awesome video, can you do Cowboys vs Packers 2014 divisional game?

[@obersports]

Toonz I will try and find it, but no guarantees.

[@joeorion6387]

Great game

[@5000jetadam]

Back in the day when we had Jordey Nelson, Donald Driver, Greg Jennings, and Ryan Grant on offense :(....

[@1990Thunderbolt]

Super Bowl 44 Champions vs Super Bowl 45 Champions!

[@patrickbetterearnedthangiv807]

I couldnt believe this game ended on a goal line stand. To this day I am shocked that's how it ended.

[@fosho331]

Jennings and Collins were so GOOD for us! Sad what happened to Collins.

[@juansoto628]

I can’t believe we didn’t do it this year it hurts but not as bad as 2014 fuck definitely super bowl W but this year 18-19 is ours we finally got a solid cover secondary hopefully pass rush improves te position upgraded

[@trevorschu]

Sproles has to be the fastest human I've ever seen

[@jordannoonan3209]

packs for life nfl ill be coming

[@heywannaplay6094]

GO Pack GO!!! 🏈🏈🏈

[@hephzibah8854]

Man Rodgers is just slingin it!!!! DAMN!!!

[@cleanestbestpleasure14]

9:23 Wonder of Graham will do that move this year.

[@raf.alvarey1735]

I miss this so much 😭

[@joeyboone1959]

Man I miss nick Collins

[@frankielymon836]

We were unstoppable

[@trevorkloberdanz2628]

Man I miss Nick Collins so much

[@jonanderson1272]

If only we had a defense that year

[@EdmacZ]

If only Green Bay had a Defense ever. Their D disappeared after Super Bowl XLV and hasn't been back since.

[@thatoneguy43533]

It's because we lost Nick Collins

[@erikstensaas1202]

Our defense has always been 'good enough' aside from the past two years because of o line. This is because if you can score, it takes only one stop to get the chance to score again. We just rely on an ok defense that relies on pity at the end, and it is easy to exploit

[@bradless123]

@@EdmacZ 2015 is really when our defense took a dive.

[@katorobles823]

If they had a defense that could match the talent of the offense the Packers definitely would have won back-to-back super bowls

[@johnstjohn1987]

That last play was like watching Ninja Turtles jump out of the sewer ready to kick some ass haha

[@AndrewBlechinger]

Sing it with me now. Super Bowl Champ Green Bay Packers...

[@liamthomas3666]

This is kind of similar to the packers vs panthers game at the end

[@ten_smudge8514]

The best offense we had with Rodgers. I miss this offense so explosive

[@greg7964]

In my opinion 2014 Packers were better than 2011. Yeah 2011 they went 15-1 and had the #1 offense but this team wasn't balanced. They had the worst defense in the NFL. they didnt have a 1,000 yard rusher. James starks was the leading rusher with only 578 yards. Clay Matthews only had 6 sacks. 2014 was different. The Packers defense was 14th in the NFL. Packers were 6th in offense. Lacy had another 1,000 yard season. Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb made the pro bowl for the first time. Clay Matthews had 11 sacks. 2014 was a better team overall. 2011 had the offense but that was about it

[@gabbyjim8943]

It’s crazy the weapons Rodgers had on offense those early years! Jennings, Jones, Driver, Nelson, Cobb, Finley! Most of those guys could be the number one guy on other offenses!

[@erikstensaas1202]

I think this season is a bit more impressive than the 2020 season. Why? Rodgers won MVP despite having the 32nd worst D and by giving up the most sacks that season...I think

[@chriskay1449]

Sean Payton with the dumbest possible call on the final play of the game. You have Drew Brees, who was throwing the ball all over the place, and you take it out of his hands. Incredbiliy stupid on his part.

[@michaeltveten8458]

See how much “Fun” a game can be, when neither team knows how to “tackle”?

[@AndrewBlechinger]

"Everybody's hittin', nobody's tacklin'!" -Vince Lombardi

[@N0limitJames]

Why the fuck would you run that ball 😂, PA to the FB, I’d understand if they lined up in a pass D formation but Jesus

[@TheDoorman55]

2 AM and it's on NFL network. That Packer offense...

[@Teri_Fiji]

15-1 season.

[@TheDoorman55]

@@Teri_Fiji and should've won another SB...

[@Teri_Fiji]

GenesisSyn yup too cocky and bye week got them rusty. Missed another year vs Brady at SB

[@questionableidentity1]

I'm a big Sam Shields fan but he was getting worked especially in the first half

[@GraniteYeti]

How about that unbelievable play Hawk makes on what should've been last play. Horrible PI call!

[@timothyletch223]

At the time of this game it was the best show on this Earth it was like watching Picture Perfect FootBall

[@nflking7859]

2020

[@Gibsonfan1989]

Wish the packers still had this offense

[@kennylamere8542]

Mike after Cobbs kick return:"that's a good fucking draft pick right there"

[@farism5313]

Hey how about that game vs the bears week 17 to go to the playoffs where rodgers to cobb touchdown dagger at the end ???

[@STsixx]

I was always amazed at how absolutely terrible this defense was at tackling. Just so hard to watch.

[@ericpadilla2454]

Jarret Bush scrubs ass trying to injure Cobb after the Kickoff return.

[@ElvisRose_]

The Saints should not even still be awarded that Super Bowl win. They did not earn it. The bounty system is far and away, the most shameful thing about this era in its history and it was still going on during this season. The idea that the intention was to win by hurting people.

[@kjothomas]

Sticks on the 1st play from gb

[@matthewaleman4401]

I’d pay big bucks to watch this version of arod again he’s still a bad man but not the absolute monster who couldn’t be stopped that he once was

[@beandip9824]

Greg Jennings was a absolute monster such a shame management fucked that up

[@edwardster1120]

How did these defensive coordinators not lose they stuff during this game ?

[@jarranstrzelecki432]

Are the players actually trying. Where is this enthusiasm today?

[@digitalmojave]

The pass interference on the penultimate play in the endzone was horse shit.

[@robinabernathy2829]

Damn that Green Bay offense was LOADED.

[@brandencharles4743]

If the packers had this offense this year our team would be so op

[@prestondier7046]

The running play at the 2:26 mark is incredible. #beastmode And I'm a Packers fan 37 years running....

[@johnnappa]

Looking like this could be the playoff matchup this year. Still in Lambeau. While we don't have as many offensive weapons, hopefully our defense will make up for that and we'll beat them once again.

[@mauricedavis1740]

everyone thought the saints would win but Minnesota took care of business. That’s why they play the games..

[@verlith30]

Man 2011 Rodgers was the best I have ever seen anyone play

[@onan.o2308]

don't do the belt if you are not a packer, it will not do you any good.

[@christate7096]

Jimmy Graham gonna be off the hook this year catching passes from AR12 ;)

[@Packers4life1512]

Nope

[@chrisgarrett9727]

This didn't age well lol

[@gabrielvergarasanmartin5233]

Close enough.

[@marcasieber]

This was an exciting game, but it was the start of the decline of the Dom Capers defense. They were ranked second in the league in scoring the year before, and never got anywhere close to that after.

[@thegreatbambi5674]

This offense was unstoppable.

[@brandencharles4743]

How op our offense was but our defense mediocre

[@stevencastaneda9932]

Packers 42 Saints 34

[@JibbsCompilations]

Man just listen to that crowd

[@joshuaandersen8808]

Damn. Them defenses and special teams

[@gregthebartender6148]

I was at this game 2nd best game I ever saw

[@ONEPLAYK_]

Can't wait for Z and P to get to brees now 👿

[@alfredomartinez06]

Jennings was a far superior WR than Adams but he was a shittier human being.

[@akbarshabazz-jenkins7847]

No.

[@tiffanyshumpert2882]

Teach me how to edit and make videos

[@awkwardgamervrn4827]

Anytime Rodgers and Brees went head to head it was always a damn good game. Not in recent years but Saints vs Packers was always a good match to watch.

[@geminikeiz]

Jimmy Graham did the Rodger's Double Check. lol. Now they are on the same team. Crazy.

[@chrisuncleahmad]

I miss the Reebok unis

[@STsixx]

Jennings was so damn good

[@chairmanofrussia]

1:05 Homer Simpson.

[@GBPackFan62]

Either many NFL defensive players simply don't know how to tackle or they wiff at tackles purposely

[@jonhohensee3258]

Cool to see Cobb as a rookie.

[@anubisincarnate4421]

Effort. That's what the players in today's league are missing. They want to be paid, but not take the risks that come with the game.

[@Javier-ev9jt]

Just checking looking back at what we once were...difficult loss today, for many reasons. First back to back losing seasons since we started this great run in the early 90's. I dont know what the future holds, but I am a lucky fan to have been able to see my team in three super bowls. I hope it's not the end...but than again, hope is the last thing to go.