Running back Cedric Benson rushed for 84 yards in the Packers' 28-27 victory over the Saints on Sunday. (US Presswire)

For three games, there were gripes, grumbles, qualms and complaints about the Packers offense. Against three upper crust defenses, the record-wrecking pass attack of 2011 had been MIA, riddled with drops, flimsy blocks and imprecise passes.

Conversely, for three games, there were high fives, high praise and excitement about the much-improved defense, which looked nothing like the 2011 version that allowed the most passing yards in NFL history.

Against the desperate New Orleans Saints (0-4) on Sunday, both units reverted back to last year’s form. The powerful offensive engine roared to life, while the toothless defense was burned by big plays.

Here’s how the Packers (2-2) graded out in their 28-27 victory over the Saints:

Offense: A-

Previous Game's Grade: D

This was more like it. The Packers rolled out 421 yards of total offense and scored 28 points, finally resembling their 2011 averages of 405.1 and 35. QB Aaron Rodgers threw for 319 yards with four touchdowns and one interception, good for a 119.9 passer rating that approached his NFL-record 122.5 rating from last year. His receivers held on to the ball and five players had at least four catches, with WR Jordy Nelson leading the way with eight for 93 yards and a gritty touchdown. Green Bay converted on four of five opportunities in the red zone.

The offensive line, a week after allowing eight in the first half against the Seahawks, did not surrender a single sack on Sunday. They also cleared running lanes for RB Cedric Benson to gain 84 yards on 18 carries (4.7-yard average). That balanced attack was a departure from the pass-first, pass-often offense of last season, but it’s probably essential this year, as teams have figured out how to mitigate the Packers’ big pass plays. Rodgers’ longest completion against the Saints was 20 yards. Backup QB Graham Harrell’s fumble at the Saints’ 1-yard line was a critical mistake that could’ve changed the outcome of the game.

Defense: C

Previous Game's Grade: B+

Bend, don’t break was the oft-repeated mantra of last year’s defense, which was gashed for 300 passing yards a game but went along for the offensive ride en route to a 15-1 regular-season record. Against the Saints and QB Drew Brees, the soft defense was supple again, bending to the tune of 446 passing yards allowed, but not quite breaking. Still, despite Brees’ 54 attempts, Green Bay forced no turnovers and managed just two sacks. They did hold the Saints to a 2.4-yard average on their 19 rushes.

OLB Clay Matthews got one of the sacks, giving him seven on the season, but he constantly battled double teams and his teammates didn’t capitalize in the pass rush. CB Sam Shields, who’d been having a very good season, was beaten deep on an 80-yard touchdown, recalling the big plays he allowed all too often in 2011. CB Tramon Williams and S Morgan Burnett ran into each other as both tried to intercept a fourth-quarter pass that fell incomplete because of the collision.

Special teams: A-

Previous Game's Grade: B+

Long a conservative, subpar group that was often a liability, the Packers’ special teams continued to show they have become strong, well-coached units that have been major assets in both Packers wins. Two games after scoring a touchdown on a flawlessly executed fake field goal run against the Bears, Green Bay again reached into its bag of tricks in the second quarter on Sunday. On fourth-and-1 in their own territory, the Packers were in punt formation. But instead of punting, FB John Kuhn took a direct snap and charged five yards for a first down. The Packers would go on to score a touchdown on the ensuing possession.

P Tim Masthay had another fine game, punting twice for 82 yards. Along with excellent coverage, he kept dangerous Saints returner Darren Sproles at bay, limiting him to one return of four yards. Sproles was more effective on kickoffs, averaging 30 yards on three kick returns. Packers return man Randall Cobb, too, averaged nearly 30 yards on his three kick returns. K Mason Crosby did not attempt a field goal. Two underrated special teams plays were Shields drawing a crucial holding penalty on Saints TE David Thomas, whose hold negated a go-ahead field goal made by K Garrett Hartley. Hartley missed the subsequent attempt, and the Packers held on for a 28-27 win. Earlier in the fourth quarter, OLB Dezman Moses forced a Sproles fumble on a kick return, but the officials had rules Sproles down by contact, and the Packers were out of challenges.

Coaching: B+

Previous Game's Grade: B-

The fake punt call was a gutsy decision. Since it worked, it was shrewd. Kudos to coach Mike McCarthy for his offensive game plan, which called for a steady balance of run and pass plays. Last week, he waited until halftime to adjust his pass-heavy strategy and it cost Green Bay a first half of offensive futility. Against the Saints, the Packers fed Benson early and they did not shy away from the run as the game went along, continuing to use their veteran RB to open up the passing game.

It’s hard to lay too much blame on defensive coordinator Dom Capers for the defensive performance against Drew Brees. Still, it was far too easy for the All-Pro quarterback to march the Saints up and down the field. Just as McCarthy had to adjust his scheme to adapt to new circumstances, Capers, too, must make a proactive change to ensure Sunday’s game was an anomaly and not a regression. There are simply too many dynamic passing attacks in the league to passively just hope players improve.

Follow Packers reporter James Carlton on Twitter: @CBSPackers and @jimmycarlton88.