Sunday, December 09, 2007

End of 3rd quarter: Packers 31 - Raiders 7

A wild third quarter, ending with an interception return for a TD that wasn't, and a 26 yard run by Grant.

But let's start at the beginning. The first drive of the quarter culminated with a 44-yard field goal by Crosby after another drive stalled out on a third-and-one play. This made it 17-7 Packers. The next Packers series was a quick one. An 80-yard TD pass by Brett to Jennings. Packers 24 - Raiders 7. The Raiders eventually got a drive going, aided by a 15-yard blow to the head penalty on Justin Harrell (hey, there he is!). The Raiders missed the 44-yard field goal attempt to keep the score 24-7.

The Packers had to punt on their next series. The returner had the ball stripped by Jason Hunter and Will Blackmon recovered the ball in the endzone for a TD. The referees initially called the player down by contact. The Packers challenged the ruling and -- upon further review! -- the runner was not down when the ball was being fumbled. TD Packers! Score: Pack 31 - Raider 7. By the way, Blackmon became only the fourth player in NFL history to return a punt for a touchdown and return a fumble for a touchdown in the same game. Not a bad way to get your name in the record book.

The next to last play of the quarter was an interception by Atari Bigby after a tip by Nick Collins. Bigby returned it for a TD but a penalty was called on Cullen Jenkins for blindsiding the Raiders QB away from the ball. The Pack kept the ball but lost a TD. The final play of the quarter saw that 26-yard run by Grant mentioned earlier.

Grant has 29 carries for 156 yards.