Rookie QB Hundley impresses, as Packers rout Saints 38-10
GREEN BAY, Wis. -- Based on what he's done this preseason for the Green Bay Packers, rookie Brett Hundley may someday turn into a starting quarterback in the NFL.
The New Orleans Saints would just like to find decent replacements in their depleted secondary before the regular season starts in less than two weeks.
Hundley threw for four scores, Myles White made a case for a spot in the Packers' injury-stricken receiving corps with two touchdowns, and Green Bay finished the preseason with a 38-10 win Thursday night over winless New Orleans.
"He has a lot in front of him," coach Mike McCarthy said about Hundley. "He has a lot to learn."
Hundley will likely get to do it as the third-string quarterback behind NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers and top backup Scott Tolzien.
Hundley connected with Larry Pinkard on a 77-yard catch-and-run touchdown in the third quarter for the Packers (2-2). Pinkard had a highlight-reel play that the roster longshot needed to make an impression with cuts looming, though he later left with a sprained shoulder.
Receiver Jeff Janis also had a touchdown catch. He's among the young players vying to help fill the void left by the season-ending knee injury to top wideout Jordy Nelson.
"We're going to have tough decisions to make," McCarthy said.
The Saints' defense helped make it look easy.
Pinkard's long touchdown came after safety Pierre Warren slipped and cornerback Stanley Jean-Baptiste lost a race to the end zone. Cornerback Kyle Wilson had an interception but was called for two penalties.
"We'll have to watch the tape, but I thought we struggled at corner," Saints coach Sean Payton said.
Cornerback Brandon Browner and safety Jairus Byrd have both been sidelined for all or much of camp with injuries.
Other observations:
BACKING RODGERS
Tolzien, who started on Thursday with Rodgers watching in sweats. He finished 7 of 11 for 41 yards, leaving early in the second quarter.
A fifth-round draft pick out of UCLA, Hundley flashed promise for a second straight game, showing zip on his passes while moving the offense effectively. He was 16 of 23 for 236 yards.
NO LETDOWN
Playing without most of its starters for the majority of the game, the Packers defense shut out the Saints after the first quarter. Tay Glover-Wright and Chris Banjo had interceptions.
INJURIES
Pinkard's 77-yard touchdown was his only catch of the night. He struggled making it up the wall for his first Lambeau Leap.
"I barely had enough gas," Pinkard said.
Like other players on the bubble, Pinkard said he's going to be nervous the next few days. He also said he was going to be fine after his shoulder injury.
"I definitely believe I did grab a few people's attention tonight," Pinkard said.
OFFICIAL TEST
The NFL experimented with a six-man officiating crew for two series in the fourth quarter, with referee Jeff Triplette watching from the sideline. Phil Luckett, the NFL associate supervisor of officials, said it was a test that was supposed to be held at all 16 preseason games on Thursday night.
"Just to get a little experience working six-man, in case it happens during the season," Luckett said.
