NEW ORLEANS SAINTS POSTGAME QUOTES

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS AT GREEN BAY PACKERS

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 30 TH, 2012

Offensive Line/Running Game Coach Aaron Kromer:

(on the outcome of the game) "Obviously I thought we had a chance to win the game, but we didn't make some plays at the end of the game that we needed to make. We looked like the Saints again. Obviously our running game needs to be better. Drew (Brees) had the hot hand and sprinkle some runs in and it was working."

(on the four drops in the game) "I thought today the passing game was good. Protection was very good. The one time Drew did get hit it was a sack from Clay Matthews. Threw a lot of completions and we need to catch some of those better."

(on not being able to make the clutch plays right now) "Let me just say this, we were 53, 54 percent on third down, and most teams would beg for that. There were a lot of catches on those third downs that were outstanding today, there are times you're going to drop the ball, and we understand that, but there were a lot of outstanding catches today."

(on the effort of his team today) "You cannot question our effort. It was an all-out effort. We were coming out to play physical, and we did. We just came up short."

(on the feeling inside the locker room after the game) "Disappointment. But I won't let them get disappointed. I'll let them get hurt, it's going to hurt when you lose a game like this, but we are too close. Two games in a row now we are too close to not winning these games. We had an opportunity to win the game at the end and that's what we're looking for."

Quarterback Drew Brees:

(on the lack of a running game today) "I thought we moved the ball extremely well, so whether it's through the air or on the ground it doesn't matter. I think offensively if we look at the statistics that are important to a game, we won. Statistically when you look at it you should say that's a win, but unfortunately we didn't do quite enough."

(on if the team is improving) "I feel like this was our best performance of the season. Defense got us two turnovers, and we had zero offensively. Unfortunately when you play a great team like the Packers are, a great team, in their venue, you have to be darn near perfect, and we were almost there but not quite."

(on overcoming the 0-4 start) "I'm not going to keep myself busy saying that. It stinks, obviously, but I know the type of guys we have, I know the direction we're headed, and it's all positive."

(on tying Johnny Unitas with 49 straight games with a touchdown) "Obviously I'd love to be sitting here talking about it after a win, but certainly it's significant to even be in the same realm as Johnny Unitas. His career speaks for itself."

(on playing the San Diego Chargers to potentially break the record against his former team) "I don't make the schedule, but it sure is a funny coincidence, isn't it?"

Wide Receiver Joseph Morgan:

(on his 80-yard touchdown catch) "It was pretty much a go route. I just adjusted to how the defense was. He (CB Sam Shields) squatted on me a little bit, so I just read it accordingly and ran the route the best I could. Drew (Brees) pretty much threw me open. It probably shocked him how open the play was."

(on mounting an offensive comeback) "It was great to get the momentum going because you can build on that. Obviously we didn't finish. We need to keep the momentum and finish with it. That is something we will work on throughout the week and going into the next game."

Kicker Garrett Hartley:

(on his fourth quarter field goal miss) "When the ball came off I knew I hit it well. You want to be in that position. I was walking out there with all the confidence in the world and unfortunately it didn't work out this time."

(on where the Saints go from here) "We know what we have to do. With the type of guys that we have in this locker room, I am definitely looking forward to getting back to work tomorrow."

Cornerback Jabari Greer:

(on the loss) "We had a great opportunity to win the game. We didn't make the plays that we needed to make. I didn't make the plays to help the team. There were a lot of things left on the field, but ultimately we fought and never gave up. We have the heart of a team that is progressing, believes in itself and will never quit. I am encouraged by that, very encouraged."

(on the defensive system) "No matter what is called, we have to play and be able to execute. The defense is called to respond no what position we are in in. It is not the system. It is just capitalizing on opportunities when they are presented."

(on WR James Jones' reception to ice the game) "You have to make that play. I pride myself on being able to make that play in big situations. I didn't do it. It hurts. It is something that will motivate me to get better and be the very best I can be. I am never letting that happen."

Wide Receiver Marques Colston:

(on his touchdown catch) "It is a play that is a staple in our offense. It really wasn't open, but Drew just gave me a chance to go up and get it. He put it in a great spot for me."

(on being in rhythm with QB Drew Brees) "Offensively in general we got into a good rhythm early. This was the first time all year that Drew and I have had it going like that. It is a good step in the right direction."