Thursday, November 26, 2009

Final: Packers 34 - Lions 12

The Packers added only one touchdown to their 3rd quarter score in the final 15 minutes of the game, and that came courtesy of a 38-yard interception return for a score by Charles Woodson late in the closing minutes to put the Pack ahead 34-12.

Oh, yeah, at the end of the 3rd quarter the Lions had 7. So...5 more points? Yes, 2 points via a safety on Ryan Grant after the Packers took over on downs at about their own 2-yard line (originally called a TD after a fumble by Grant in the endzone, but overturned on a challenge) and a late field goal to, at that time, put the Lions within 2 scores of the Packers.

The Packers got a final turnover on a pass catch and fumble recovery (via the second successful challenge of the day by coach Mike McCarthy) with just over 2 minutes remaining to give the Packers 5 turnovers on the day, including 4 interceptions of Matthew Stafford with 2 by Charles Woodson.

Packers QB Aaron Rodgers finished 28 of 39 for 348 yards and 3 touchdowns before giving way in the last mop up series to backup Matt Flynn.

It was not a pretty game, especially in the first half, but the Packers got it done. Unless assisted by the opening kickoff fumble which set up the Lions' only TD of the day, and the safety late in the game, the Packers' defense only allowed a field goal.

A win. And very close to my pre-game score prediction of the Packers 34 - Lions 13. Oh...so close.

But more importantly, the Packers go to 7-4 on the season, still in the wildcard playoff hunt, and now have a long rest before their next game on Monday night, December 7, at Lambeau Field versus the Baltimore Ravens.

Rest up for the home stretch, guys. And enjoy all the turkey with trimmings you can eat tonight. You deserve it. Your Lions brunch buffet was just the appetizer.