Packers lose to ViQueens, 28-27

A 52-yard field goal attempt by Mason Crosby that sailed just right with 26 seconds left in the game sealed the Packers fate today. Actually, that's unfair to Crosby. He was 2 of 3 on the day and certainly should have made the kick. But the Packers took a TD off the board in the 4th quarter with a false start penalty on Chad Clifton. That 7 points would have come in handy and turned a loss into a win. Penalties, penalties, penalties was a theme throughout the day, with the Packers flagged 10 times for 80 yards. Aaron Rodgers got battered all day. The offense lagged in time of possession 2-to-1.

Failure to stop the run also was a problem once again. The ViQueens went up 28-27 on a 30-yard TD run by Adrian Peterson. He had 192 rushing yards.

Even with good starting field position on the last drive the Pack couldn't get one final first down to get the ball closer for the kick. The Pack only converted one of 11 third downs today.

The 'Queens and Da Bearz are now tied for first in the NFC North at 5-4, while the Pack drops a game behind to 4-5. The Pack meets Chicago at Lambeau next week in what now is a must-win game...as if it wasn't already. Minnesota travels to Florida to play the 6-3 Buccaneers.

It's doesn't get any easier, folks. Today was a game that was there for the taking. But once again, Packer mistakes -- especially in the form of penalties and inability to stop the run -- led to a Packers' loss.

Pain and misery fill the air.

Post-mortem after the dust settles.