| 2008 Green Bay Packers season | |
|---|---|
| General manager | Ted Thompson |
| Head coach | Mike McCarthy |
| Home stadium | Lambeau Field |
| Results | |
| Record | 6–10 |
| Division place | 3rdNFC North |
| Playoff finish | Did not qualify |
| Pro Bowlers | |
| All-Pros | 2
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| Uniform | |
 | |
The2008 season was theGreen Bay Packers' 88th season in theNational Football League (NFL), their 90th overall and their 3rd under head coachMike McCarthy. The Packers were aiming to improve their 13–3 record fromlast season, but finished the season with a 6–10 record and missed the playoffs. Until the2017 season, this was the last season in which the Packers did not qualify for the playoffs.
It was the first season since 1991 that quarterbackBrett Favre was not on the team's roster. Favre retired in March, decided to come back over the summer and was ultimately traded to theNew York Jets after the team told Favre playing in Green Bay again was not an option. It was the first season with quarterbackAaron Rodgers as the team's starter.
The Packers held Pick 1–30 in the NFL draft but traded it to theNew York Jets for picks 2–36 and 4–113. In the second round they selected wide receiverJordy Nelson ofKansas State with pick 2–36, quarterbackBrian Brohm ofLouisville with pick 2–56 and cornerbackPat Lee ofAuburn with pick 2–60.
During day 2 of the NFL draft, The Packers started off their day pick tight endJermichael Finley ofTexas with pick 3–91.
In the fourth round, the Packers traded picks 4–113 and 5–162 to theNew York Jets for pick 4–102. They then used that pick to select defensive endJeremy Thompson ofWake Forest. The Packers then traded pick 4–128 to theSt Louis Rams for picks 5–137 and 7–217. They then used pick 4–135 to select offensive guardJosh Sitton of theUCF Knights.
In the 5th round they traded pick 5–137 to theMinnesota Vikings for picks 5–150 and 7–209. With pick 5–150 the Packers selected offensive tackleBreno Giacomini of Louisville.
After waiting for the 6th round to pass in which the Packers did not hold any picks, they finished their draft by selecting quarterbackMatt Flynn ofLSU and wide receiverBrett Swain ofSan Diego State with picks 7–209 and 7–217 respectively. They traded pick 7–237 to theNew Orleans Saints for their 6th round pick of the2009 NFL draft.
| 2008 Green Bay Packers draft | |||||
| Round | Pick | Player | Position | College | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 36 | Jordy Nelson * | WR | Kansas St | |
| 2 | 56 | Brian Brohm | QB | Louisville | |
| 2 | 60 | Pat Lee | CB | Auburn | |
| 3 | 91 | Jermichael Finley | TE | Texas | |
| 4 | 102 | Jeremy Thompson | DE | Wake Forest | |
| 4 | 135 | Josh Sitton * | OG | Central Florida | |
| 5 | 150 | Breno Giacomini | OT | Louisville | |
| 7 | 209 | Matt Flynn | QB | LSU | |
| 7 | 217 | Brett Swain | WR | San Diego St | |
| Made roster † Pro Football Hall of Fame * Made at least onePro Bowl during career | |||||
Following the2008 NFL draft, the Packers signed 11undrafted free agents. They were:
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On May 7, the Packers signed CornerbackCondrew Allen (Portland State), Offensive tackleRyan Considine (Louisiana Tech) and CornerbackKyle Ward (Louisiana-Lafayette) after they attended a minicamp on a tryout basis. On May 22, the Packers also signedEvan Moore (Stanford).
| Position | Player | Free agency tag | Date signed | 2008 team |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| QB | Craig Nall | UFA | November 5 | Houston Texans |
| RB | Ryan Grant | ERFA | August 2 | Green Bay Packers |
| RB | Vernand Morency | RFA | April 4 | Green Bay Packers |
| FB | John Kuhn | ERFA | March 19 | Green Bay Packers |
| WR | Carlyle Holiday | ERFA | February 29 | Released |
| WR | Ruvell Martin | ERFA | March 31 | Green Bay Packers |
| TE | Tory Humphrey | ERFA | March 19 | Green Bay Packers |
| TE | Ryan Krause | UFA | May 19 | Houston Texans |
| G | Tyson Walter | UFA | ||
| DT | Colin Cole | RFA | April 17 | Green Bay Packers |
| DT | Corey Williams | UFA | March 1 | Cleveland Browns |
| LB | Tracy White | UFA | March 25 | Green Bay Packers |
| CB | Frank Walker | UFA | March 13 | Baltimore Ravens |
| SS | Atari Bigby | ERFA | March 20 | Green Bay Packers |
| LS | Rob Davis | UFA | March 26 | Retired |
| RFA:Restricted free agent,UFA:Unrestricted free agent,ERFA: Exclusive rights free agent | ||||
On March 6, 2008, Favre formally announced his retirement.[14][15][16][17] Favre'sagent,James "Bus" Cook, stated "Nobody pushed Brett Favre out the door but then nobody encouraged him not to go out that door either. I don't think he had a lot of encouragement to stay, but nobody told him to leave either."[18] Cook also believed that Favre had not gotten the impression from the Packers that they wanted him back. Although Favre stated that he had been willing to play another year, he felt that another season would only be successful if he led his team to anotherSuper Bowl victory. At his press conference, Favre openly wept about leaving the NFL. He stated that his decision, regardless of what was being said in the media, had nothing to do with what the Packers did or did not do. He said, seemingly contradictory to Cook's statements, that his decision to retire was based on the fact that he did not want to play anymore. He said during the conference, "I know I can play, but I don't think I want to. And that's really what it comes down to." But since he had to make his decision right there and then he felt that he needed to retire. He was eligible for thePro Football Hall of Fame in 2013. The Packers also planned to retire Favre's No. 4 jersey during their regular season opener against theMinnesota Vikings on September 8. Favre appeared on the cover of theMadden NFL 09 video game, released on August 13, 2008.[19]
Favre has stated that if the Packers asked him to return in an emergency situation, that "it would be hard to pass up." He stressed, however, that he would only return if he was in shape.[20]
On July 2, 2008, it was reported that Favre was in contact with the Packers about a possible return to the team.[21] On July 11, 2008, Favre sent a letter to the Packers asking for his unconditional release to allow him to play for another NFL team.[22] Packers general managerTed Thompson announced he would not grant Favre an unconditional release[23] and reaffirmed the organization's commitment toAaron Rodgers as its new quarterback.[24] Complicating matters was Favre's unique contract giving him the leverage to void any potential trade by not reporting to the camp of the team he might be traded to if the Packers elect to go that route.[25]
Favre spoke publicly for the first time about his potential comeback in a July 14, 2008 interview withGreta Van Susteren on theFox News Channel'sOn the Record with Greta Van Susteren. In the interview, Favre said he was "guilty of retiring early," that he was "never fully committed" to retirement, and that he was pressured by the Packers to make a decision before theNFL draft and the start of thefree agent signing period.[26] Favre disputed the notion that he did not want to play for Green Bay and said that while he understands the organization has decided to move on, they should now allow him to do the same. He made clear that he would not return to the Packers as a backup and reiterated his desire to be released rather than traded, which would allow him the freedom to play for a competitive team. Favre also accused the Packers of being dishonest, wishing the team would have been straightforward with him and the public.[27]
In the second part of the interview, which aired on July 15, Favre expressed his frustration with Packer management, spoke of his sympathy for successorAaron Rodgers' predicament, and affirmed he is 100 percent committed to playing football in 2008.[28] On July 16, Favre's agent,James "Bus" Cook, stated Favre has "no definite plans to seek reinstatement" and that "It's [the Packers] move."[29] Cook reasoned that applying for reinstatement at this time would give Green Bay the opportunity to activate Favre, relegate him to a backup role he is unwilling to accept, and fine him $15,000 a day for failing to report to training camp.[29]
FOXSports.com'sJay Glazer reported on July 16, 2008, that the Packers filed tampering charges against theMinnesota Vikings with the league office, alleging improper communication between Vikings offensive coordinatorDarrell Bevell and Favre,[30] although one source suggested that Favre may have been in contact with Vikings head coachBrad Childress.[31] After an investigation, CommissionerRoger Goodell ruled there had been no violation of tampering rules.[32]
Favre formally filed for reinstatement with the NFL on July 29, 2008, and his petition was granted by Commissioner Goodell, effective August 4, 2008.[33] Favre then flew to Green Bay to report to Packers training camp. After a lengthy meeting with head coachMike McCarthy and general manager Ted Thompson, however, both sides agreed it was time for Favre and the organization to part ways.[34] McCarthy sensed Favre was not in "the right mind-set" to resume playing for the Packers, while Favre felt that his relationship with Packer management had deteriorated to the point that a return to the team would be untenable.[34]
After the Packers entered into trade discussions with both theTampa Bay Buccaneers andNew York Jets, Favre was traded to the Jets on August 6, 2008 for a conditional draft pick.[35][36]
The Packers held their training camp sessions atClarke Hinkle Field across the street fromLambeau Field. Practices were moved inside theDon Hutson Center during inclement weather.St. Norbert College served as the team base for all living arrangements for the 51st consecutive season. Players were expected to report on July 27, and practices commenced the following day and continued through August 27. Throughout the thirty one day span, seventeen included public practices. For the third straight year, night practices were again a part of the training camp schedule under Head Coach Mike McCarthy. Seven night practices, all beginning at 6:30 p.m., were scheduled.
During the first day of practice,Brett Favre did not file his reinstatement papers and did not appear at camp. Favre told GMTed Thompson he would give him a couple of days to work out a trade before he reported. The only player on the active roster absent was RBRyan Grant who was going through a contract dispute. All of the 2008 draft class was signed by the start of camp and participated.
After the first day McCarthy stated that he thought the evening practice was sloppy, as the morning practice was. There again were many penalties before the snap. That is no surprise on Day 1, though. "As a whole, I thought the pad level was high on both sides of the ball. I thought the footwork was sloppy. It looked like we were in mud at times. So, we'll look at the film." The pace of the practice was excellent—14 minutes ahead of schedule.[37]
During the evening practice on July 29, the Packers got word thatBrett Favre had submitted him papers for reinstatement.
On Wednesday, July 29,ESPN'sNFL Live was broadcasting from Packers camp. Much of the broadcast circled around Brett Favre's return to football with minor focus onAaron Rodgers performance as well asRyan Grant and his current contract holdout situation.
On Thursday, the Packers did not have a formal practice but the team was addressed in the afternoon by former White House press secretaryAri Fleischer. During the late afternoon, it was reported by ESPN thatBrett Favre had chartered a flight to Green Bay and would arrive later in the day in time to attend camp on Friday. After a series of delays, the flight was canceled and Favre did not fly to Green Bay.
On Saturday, August 2, it was announced thatRyan Grant came to terms with a four-year deal that could be worth as much as $30 million.Ryan Grant was in attendance for the 2008 Family Night scrimmage on Sunday August 3 but did not participate. A few hours before the scrimmage had taken place, quarterbackBrett Favre was officially reinstated byNFL CommissionerRoger Goodell and landed inWisconsin.
On Monday, August 4,Brett Favre was officially added to the Packers active roster and it was announced that he would now compete againstAaron Rodgers for the Packers starting quarterback job. After a long conversation withMike McCarthy over the next couple of days, McCarthy felt that Favre was not committed to the team and they began working out a trade.
After Brett Favre was traded to theNew York Jets, new starting quarterbackAaron Rodgers became the target of heckling by several disgruntled fans at training camp for the next couple of days.
After the Packers preseason game on August 11, it was apparent that second string rookie quarterbackBrian Brohm was in danger of being passed on the depth chart by another rookie quarterback,Matt Flynn due to Brian's lack of success in the preseason contest.
Another camp battle that had emerged is one between rookie offensive guardJosh Sitton,Daryn Colledge andAllen Barbre for the starting left guard spot. Josh Sitton replaced right guardJason Spitz in training camp due to Spitz being moved over to center in place of the injuredScott Wells. Sitton played so well in camp and in the first preseason game that he is now still taking reps with the first string offense at left guard even after the return of center Scott Wells.
On August 3, Lambeau Field held a full pads inter-team scrimmage that was delayed by rain and lightning. The scrimmage finally started around 8:00 p.m. CST in front of 56,600 in attendance.
Head Coach Mike McCarthy has talked about the defense being the starting point and common thread that will run through the team in 2008, and on Sunday night, several members of the secondary made an impact. "As a whole, I thought their production was outstanding," McCarthy said of the defense. "I really thought they flew to the ball. It looked to me, from not studying it, it looked like they did a good job with the bump at the line of scrimmage, disrupting the routes. I thought the defense had a very good night."[38]
Rookie cornerbackPat Lee led the team with four passes defensed, CornerbackTramon Williams, who missed a good part of practice this week with a hip flexor injury, was back on the field and posted two pass breakups, both on third-down plays. SafetyCharlie Peprah made his presence felt with three tackles and a pass breakup, as well as one of the bigger hits of the night. SafetyAaron Rouse posted the lone takeaway of the night when he intercepted a desperation heave by Rodgers to the back of the end zone intended for Jennings as time ticked away in the two-minute drill.[38]
One area that impressed on Sunday night was the punt return game for the Packers. Rookie wide receiver Brett Swain was credited with two returns for 80 yards, including a 66-yarder. He wasn't the only player to post a big play during the special teams work, with cornerback Will Blackmon recording a 56-yard return. Also, PunterJon Ryan averaged 54.8 yards on his four punts.[38]
Most of the team participated with exception of running backRyan Grant, and cornerbacksAl Harris andCharles Woodson. All three were healthy but did not participate.Brett Favre also was not in attendance due to the fact that he was just reinstated back into the NFL earlier in the day.
Six other players did not participate due to injury. This list included defensive tacklesJustin Harrell (knee) andRyan Pickett (back), running backDeShawn Wynn (concussion), cornerbackCondrew Allen (knee), centerScott Wells (trunk) and defensive endKabeer Gbaja-Biamila (knee).[38]
| Green Bay Packers 2008 staff | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Front office
Head coaches
Offensive coaches
| Defensive coaches
Special teams coaches
Strength and conditioning
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| Week | Date | Opponent | Result | Record | Venue | Recap |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | August 11 | Cincinnati Bengals | L 17–20 | 0–1 | Lambeau Field | Recap |
| 2 | August 16 | atSan Francisco 49ers | L 6–34 | 0–2 | Candlestick Park | Recap |
| 3 | August 22 | atDenver Broncos | W 27–24 | 1–2 | Invesco Field at Mile High | Recap |
| 4 | August 28 | Tennessee Titans | L 21–23 | 1–3 | Lambeau Field | Recap |
| Week | Date | Opponent | Result | Record | Vennue | Recap | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | September 8 | Minnesota Vikings | W 24–19 | 1–0 | Lambeau Field | Recap | ||
| 2 | September 14 | atDetroit Lions | W 48–25 | 2–0 | Ford Field | Recap | ||
| 3 | September 21 | Dallas Cowboys | L 16–27 | 2–1 | Lambeau Field | Recap | ||
| 4 | September 28 | atTampa Bay Buccaneers | L 21–30 | 2–2 | Raymond James Stadium | Recap | ||
| 5 | October 5 | Atlanta Falcons | L 24–27 | 2–3 | Lambeau Field | Recap | ||
| 6 | October 12 | atSeattle Seahawks | W 27–17 | 3–3 | Qwest Field | Recap | ||
| 7 | October 19 | Indianapolis Colts | W 34–14 | 4–3 | Lambeau Field | Recap | ||
| 8 | Bye | |||||||
| 9 | November 2 | atTennessee Titans | L 16–19(OT) | 4–4 | LP Field | Recap | ||
| 10 | November 9 | atMinnesota Vikings | L 27–28 | 4–5 | Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome | Recap | ||
| 11 | November 16 | Chicago Bears | W 37–3 | 5–5 | Lambeau Field | Recap | ||
| 12 | November 24 | atNew Orleans Saints | L 29–51 | 5–6 | Louisiana Superdome | Recap | ||
| 13 | November 30 | Carolina Panthers | L 31–35 | 5–7 | Lambeau Field | Recap | ||
| 14 | December 7 | Houston Texans | L 21–24 | 5–8 | Lambeau Field | Recap | ||
| 15 | December 14 | atJacksonville Jaguars | L 16–20 | 5–9 | Jacksonville Municipal Stadium | Recap | ||
| 16 | December 22 | atChicago Bears | L 17–20(OT) | 5–10 | Soldier Field | Recap | ||
| 17 | December 28 | Detroit Lions | W 31–21 | 6–10 | Lambeau Field | Recap | ||
| NFC North | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| W | L | T | PCT | DIV | CONF | PF | PA | STK | |
| (3)Minnesota Vikings | 10 | 6 | 0 | .625 | 4–2 | 8–4 | 379 | 333 | W1 |
| Chicago Bears | 9 | 7 | 0 | .563 | 4–2 | 7–5 | 375 | 350 | L1 |
| Green Bay Packers | 6 | 10 | 0 | .375 | 4–2 | 5–7 | 419 | 380 | W1 |
| Detroit Lions | 0 | 16 | 0 | .000 | 0–6 | 0–12 | 268 | 517 | L16 |
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The Packers began their 2008 campaign at home against their NFC North foe, theMinnesota Vikings, in the first game of 2008'sMonday Night Football doubleheader. Green Bay struggled early to move the ball, but a 56-yardAaron Rodgers pass toGreg Jennings set the Packers up with a 1st and goal at the Vikings 6. The Packers scored 4 plays later on a 3rd down pass from Aaron Rodgers to fullbackKorey Hall. Punt returnerWill Blackmon also scored in the 3rd quarter on a 76-yard punt return to give the Packers a commanding 17–6 lead. Later in the 3rd, the Vikings scored a TD paired with a failed 2-point conversion attempt. The Packers responded with a 57-yard run byRyan Grant to the Minnesota 2 that set up a 1-yard touchdown rush by Aaron Rodgers to make the score 24–12. The VikingsAdrian Peterson scored a 3-yard rushing touchdown on their next drive to bring the Packers lead back to 5 points with 2:43 left in the 4th quarter. The following Vikings onside kick was knocked out of bounds after touching safetyAtari Bigby. The Packers then went three and out and punted the ball back to the Vikings with 2 minutes left. Vikings quarterbackTarvaris Jackson was later intercepted by Atari Bigby which sealed the victory for the Packers as they started out the season at 1–0. Will Blackmon was named NFC Special Teams Player of the Week.
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Coming off an impressive divisional home win over the Vikings, the Packers flew toFord Field for a Week 2 NFC North showdown with theDetroit Lions. In the first quarter, Green Bay got the first strike with QBAaron Rodgers completing a 9-yard TD pass to WRJames Jones. In the second quarter, the Packers increased their lead with Rodgers completing a 2-yard TD pass to WRDonald Driver and a 29-yard TD pass to rookie WRJordy Nelson. The Lions would close out the first half with kickerJason Hanson getting a 38-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, Detroit continued to hack away at Green Bay's lead with Hanson nailing a 49-yard and a 53-yard field goal. The Packers responded with kickerMason Crosby kicking a 25-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, Detroit clawed away at the Pack's lead with QBJon Kitna completing a 38-yard TD pass to WRCalvin Johnson. The Lions closed in as Packers punterDerrick Frost's punt was high, causing it to go through the back of his end zone, giving Detroit a safety. The Lions would take the lead on Kitna's 47-yard TD pass to C. Johnson. Fortunately, Green Bay rebounded with Crosby's 39-yard field goal, RBBrandon Jackson's 19-yard TD run, CBCharles Woodson's 41-yard interception return for a touchdown, and safetyNick Collins' 42-yard interception return for a touchdown. Aaron Rodgers was voted FedEx Air Player of the Week.
With the win, the Packers improved to 2–0.
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The Packers returned home week three for a Sunday night clash against the Dallas Cowboys.
In the first quarter, Green Bay's first possession, RBRyan Grant fumbled the football and it was recovered by Dallas. Green Bay's defense responded by keeping Dallas out of the end zone and they had to settle for a 25-yardNick Folk field goal. Green Bay moved the ball quite effectively the next drive, starting it off with a 26-yard completion toGreg Jennings. The drive ended whenAaron Rodgers was sacked for an 11-yard loss on 3rd down. The Packers settled for aMason Crosby 36-yard field goal. The Cowboys next drive was fueled by a couple of long runs by RBMarion Barber. Dallas moved all the way down to Green Bay's 14, but on 3rd down Cowboy's QBTony Romo threw a pass intended for TEJason Witten and it was intercepted in the end zone by FSNick Collins and returned to the Cowboy's 43-yard line.
In the second quarter, Green Bay started off the quarter with some quick and effective short throws. The Packers managed to move the ball to the Dallas 20 without running the ball once on the drive. An Aaron Rodgers incomplete pass to WRJames Jones on 3rd down set up a 38-yardMason Crosby field goal. The Cowboys managed to get one first down on the next drive, but were stopped on 3rd down the next drive afterAaron Kampman andCullen Jenkins teamed up for the sack onTony Romo. Dallas punted and Green Bay went three and out with a couple of minimal runs byRyan Grant and an incomplete pass toGreg Jennings forcing the Packers to punt. The Cowboys closed out the half with a RBFelix Jones 60-yard touchdown and a 39-yardNick Folk field goal. The Packers were down 13–6 at the half.
In the third quarter, Dallas received the ball first but were forced to punt 6 plays later. Green Bay's first drive of the second half started off with some solid runs by RBBrandon Jackson, but the highlight of the drive was 50-yard pass toDonald Driver on 3rd and 5 that set the Packers up with a 1st and goal at the Dallas 8. Aaron Rodgers was then sacked on 2nd and 3rd down and the Packers yet again were held to anotherMason Crosby field goal. This field goal marked the 3rd time the Packers were shut down in the red zone and had to settle for a field goal in the game. On the Cowboy's next drive,Tony Romo completed a 63-yard pass toMiles Austin which set the Cowboy's up for a 2-yard Marion Barber touchdown extending their lead to 11 points going into the 4th quarter.
In the fourth quarter, Dallas extended their lead to 18 points with a 52-yardMiles Austin catch and touchdown. Later in the 4th, RB Marion Barber fumbled the ball and it was recovered by CBWill Blackmon at the Green Bay 12-yard line. With Dallas playing a prevent style defense, Rodgers completed 8 of 10 passes down to the Dallas 1-yard line. Rodgers sneaked the ball into the end zone for the touchdown bringing the Dallas lead back down to 11 points. After the touchdown the Packers attempted an onside kick which was recovered byTramon Williams but he was flagged for illegal touching and possession was awarded to Dallas along with a 5-yard penalty from the spot of the foul. Dallas moved the ball into field goal range but Romo threw an incomplete pass toTerrell Owens on 3rd down and followed it up with another incomplete pass toJason Witten on 4th down giving the Packers the ball back. The Packers moved the ball slightly, but the drive ended whenBrandon Jackson caught a pass on 4th down and ran out of bounds before the 1st down marker. Dallas took over and ran out the clock with a Romo kneel down.
The Dallas Cowboys defeated the Packers 27–16 as they fell to 2–1.
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After losing to the 2007 NFC East ChampionDallas Cowboys the week before, The Packers headed down south to play the 2007 NFC South ChampionTampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Packers started the game with the ball and scored first on a 25-yardAaron Rodgers pass toGreg Jennings and took the early 7–0 lead into the 2nd quarter.
On the Packers first drive the 2nd quarter, Rodgers pass intended forBrandon Jackson was tipped and intercepted by LBDerrick Brooks. Tampa Bay later tied the game 7–7 with a 9-yard touchdown pass fromBrian Griese to TEAlex Smith. The Packers went three and out and punted, and the Buccaneers took the 10–7 lead on the next drive with a 23-yard field goal. On the next Packers drive was ended whenAaron Rodgers overthrewDonald Driver and Tampa Bay'sBarrett Ruud intercepted the pass. The Buccaneers were held to another field goal and took a 13–7 lead into the half.
Tampa Bay received the ball after the half and drove down into the redzone, but aBrian Griese pass was tipped by a Packers defender and intercepted by Packers CBTramon Williams and returned to the GB 44-yard line. The Packers went 3 and out and the Buccaneers were forced to punt on their next drive.Ryan Grant fumbled on the first play of the Packers next drive and the BuccaneersJermaine Phillips picked up the ball and returned it for a touchdown to take a 20–7 lead. The Packers responded with a 48-yard touchdown pass toGreg Jennings to decrease the lead to 20–14 going into the 4th.Aaron Rodgers left the field in pain after throwing the touchdown pass.Nick Collins picked offBrian Griese close to the end of the 3rd quarter.
The Packers started the fourth quarter with the ball with rookie quarterbackMatt Flynn under center. After going three and out, the Packers were forced to punt. 4 plays later,Charles Woodson interceptedBrian Griese and returned it for a lead changing touchdown, making the score 21–20 with 13:43 left in the 4th. After forcing the Buccaneers to punt again, Matt Flynn lead another uneventful drive and Tampa Bay responded with a field goal to take the 23–21 lead with 6:04 left in the game. After the kickoff,Aaron Rodgers replacedMatt Flynn to lead a hopeful game-winning touchdown drive, but Rodgers forced a ball into coverage and it was intercepted by Tampa Bay. On the next play, Tampa Bay RBEarnest Graham ran the ball all the way down to the 1-yard line and scored a rushing touchdown on the next play to increase their lead to 30–21. With the game out of reach,Matt Flynn replacedAaron Rodgers again and turned over the ball on downs.
The Buccaneers defeated the Packers 30–21.
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After losing two consecutive games, the Packers returned home to face theAtlanta Falcons.
Atlanta started off the game with the ball and their first play from scrimmage was aMatt Ryan 37-yard pass to WRRoddy White to the Packers 44-yard line. The Falcons extended the drive into the red zone but were stopped on 3rd and goal at the 1-yard line. Atlanta decided to go for it on 4th and 1 andMatt Ryan rolled out to his right and completed the pass to TEJustin Peelle for the touchdown.
After an uninspiring 3 and out by the Packers offense, Atlanta started off their second drive of the day with a 22-yard run by RBMichael Turner to the Green Bay 39-yard line. After a couple of short but drive extending plays, Atlanta scored again on a 42-yardJason Elam field goal increasing the lead to 10–0.
The quarter was finished by another 3 and out by the Packers offense and a slight Falcon drive that ended in the early 3rd when FSNick Collins tackledJerious Norwood after a catch for a 2-yard loss.
The Packers first scoring drive of the day would come on their first drive of the 2nd quarter. After starting out at their own 13-yard line, The Packers managed to move the ball to the Atlanta 44-yard line. On 3rd and 1,Aaron Rodgers dropped back to pass and pump faked before delivering a perfect deep pass to WRDonald Driver in the end zone despite double coverage. Driver brought secured the catch to score the Packers first points of the night making the game 10–7 Falcons.
On the next Falcons drive the Packers seemed to have stopped the Falcons but rookie CBPatrick Lee was flagged for defensive pass interference on 3rd down giving the Falcons 20 yards and a 1st down to extend their would-be touchdown drive. On 2nd and 4 on the Packers 22-yard lineMatt Ryan connected yet again with WRRoddy White for another touchdown pass extending their lead to 17–7.
The Packers took over and drove to the Falcons 25-yard line and were forced to attempt a 43-yardMason Crosby field goal with 1:20 left in the half. During the successful attempt, rookie TEJermichael Finley was flagged for holding, which nullified the field goal and push the Packers back 10 yards. Their second attempt of 53 yards was wide right, and the Falcons were awarded the ball. The Packers forced Atlanta to punt on the next drive, and the Packers went into the half down 17–7.
Green Bay started the 2nd half with the ball, but a holding penalty pushed them out of Atlanta territory and were forced to punt after an incomplete pass and a catch short of the first-down marker.
Atlanta moved the ball slightly, but their drive ended with a drop by WRRoddy White on 3rd down. The catch was challenged by Atlanta, but the ruling was upheld, forcing the Falcons to punt, and the ball was downed by the Falcons at the Packers 2-yard line.
Starting their own endzone. the Packers managed to get out of the hole all the way to the Atlanta 32-yard line, which set up a 50-yard successful field goal byMason Crosby to decrease the Falcons lead to only a touchdown at 17–10.
In the early fourth, Atlanta drove down the field on their next drive and were looking to score in the redzone, but the pass into the endzone was intercepted by Packers CBTramon Williams in the endzone for the touchback.
The ball was placed at the Packers 20-yard line andAaron Rodgers completed a 37-yard strike on the first play of the drive to TETory Humphrey to Atlanta's 43-yard line. Three plays laterAaron Rodgers dropped back on 2nd and 5 and completed a 25-yard pass in the end zone to WRGreg Jennings for a game-tying touchdown.
With the momentum looking to be swinging, Atlanta responded with a kickoff return all the way to the Green Bay 48-yard line. Atlanta moved the ball slightly, but had to settle for a 41-yardJason Elam field goal to retake a 20–17 lead.
On the next drive,Aaron Rodgers dropped back on 3rd and 19 at their own 21 and attempted to force a pass to WRRuvell Martin. Atlanta's LBMichael Boley stepped in front of Martin and intercepted the ball and returned it to the Green Bay 19-yard line. Three plays later, RB Michael Turner scored on a 1-yard touchdown run to increase Atlanta's lead to 27–17 with a little less than 4 minutes remaining.
On the Packers' next drive, Rodgers completed two key passes. The first was a 36-yard catch and run play by WRGreg Jennings and the second was a 16-yard catch by TETory Humphrey to the Atlanta 7-yard line. Rodgers dropped back on 3rd and 4 and passed short middle to TEDonald Lee that was taken in for the touchdown. With less than 2 minutes left, Green Bay decreased the lead to only 3 points.
After the touchdown, Mason Crosby and the hands team attempted an onside kick but the ball took a very bad hop and was recovered easily by Atlanta'sErik Coleman. With two timeouts remaining, the Packers stopped the clock on 1st and 2nd down after short runs by Michael Turner but on 3rd down Turner slipped by the Packers defenders and slipped past the 1st down marker. Atlanta then took two kneeldowns and ran out the clock.
With their third-straight loss, the Packers fell to 2–3.
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After losing three consecutive games, the Packers traveled to Seattle to face the 2007 NFC West Division ChampionSeattle Seahawks.
The game started with Seattle in possession of the football but the Packers quickly stopped them 3 and out. On the Packers first drive of the game they seemed to move the ball quite effectively and highlighted the drive with a 17-yard run by struggling RBRyan Grant. However, on 3rd and 9Ryan Grant was tackled for a 3-yard loss and the Packers were forced to punt. The Seahawks second drive of the game was another 3 and out and were again forced to punt. The Packers next drive was highlighted by a 7-yard pass to WRDonald Driver on 2nd and 6 as well as a nice 14-yard catch by rookie WRJordy Nelson on 1st and 15. On 3rd and 10 on Seattle's 20-yard lineAaron Rodgers completed a 9-yard pass toJordy Nelson which was marked a-yard short of the 1st down marker. Green Bay settled for the 29-yardMason Crosby field goal to take a 3–0 lead. Seattle's next drive started off with the pocket collapsing on Seattle's 3rd string QBCharlie Frye andCharles Woodson sneaking in from his CB position for the sack. On the next play, Seahawks WRKoren Robinson who was released by the Packers during the offseason beat CBTramon Williams for a 19-yard gain.
The Seahawks drive continued into the second quarter where they had to settle for a 50-yard field goal to tie the game up at 3–3. On the Packers first drive of the 2nd and third drive of the game,Ryan Grant carried the ball twice on 1st and 2nd downs for 2 and 5 yards respectively but the Packers lost possession of the ball whenAaron Rodgers stepped up into the pocket and was sacked byJulian Peterson forcing a fumble. The ball was recovered by Seattle'sRocky Bernard for no gain at the Packers 32-yard line. With the Seahawks re-gaining possession with a short field, The Packers looked to stop the Seahawks on 3rd and 1 for no gain, but the Seahawks decided to go for it on 4th down on which they gained 9 yards rushing for the first down. The first touchdown in the game was scored when QBCharlie Frye rolled out to the right and passed short to the rookie TEJohn Carlson for a touchdown. The Seahawks touchdown gave the Seahawks the 10–3 lead. With 8:17 remaining in the contest, the Packers next drive was highlighted by a 19-yard reception by WRDonald Driver on 3rd and 7 to the Seattle 44-yard line. After a short pass to TE Donald Lee and two 3 and 6-yard gains for a first down by RBRyan Grant for another 1st down. Rodgers then completed a 7-yard pass to WRDonald Driver on second down paired with a face mask penalty byJordan Babineaux which moved the ball half the distance to the goal to the Seattle 12. After a 5-yard false start penalty and a run byRyan Grant for no gain, Rodgers rushed to the Seattle 11 for a gain of 6. On Third and 9 Rodgers passed to WRGreg Jennings for his first and only catch of the half for 9 yards and a first down. On first and goal from the 2,Ryan Grant rushed the ball up the middle for a gain of a yard. The offense then came out in a 4 wide receiver set with only QBAaron Rodgers in the backfield. Rodgers took the snap and rushed forward through the pile toward the goal line. The initial call on the field was no touchdown but after a review from the booth it was clear that Rodgers forward progress was not stopped and his knees did not contact the ground before the ball crossed the goal line. The play was ruled a touchdown which tied the game at 10–10 going into the half.
Green Bay received the ball after the half but couldn't get the ball moving and had tp punt after going 3 and out. On the second play of the Seahawks first drive of the half, RBJulius Jones broke through the middle of the offensive line for a 51-yard gain but the play was called back after a holding penalty on former Packer offensive linemanMike Wahle. The Seahawks couldn't move the ball and were forced to punt. The Packers next drive was highlighted by an 8-yard pass to WRGreg Jennings on 3rd and 6. The drive came to a halt when Rodgers completed a pass toDonald Driver on 3rd and 11 for 8 yards. Seattle responded unsuccessfully with and incomplete pass, a completion for no gain and a second incomplete pass which forced them to punt. The biggest play of the game took place on the Packers next possession. On 3rd and 6 at the Seattle 45, Rodgers dropped back to pass while WRGreg Jennings sprinted past CBMarcus Trufant on the right side of the field. Rodgers through deep down field to Jennings who hauled the pass in at the 5-yard line and fell into the endzone for the lead taking touchdown. The Packers were now ahead 17–10 with a little less than 6 minutes left in the 3rd. Seattle took over possession but still could not move the ball. On 3rd andCharlie Frye dropped back to pass and DEAaron Kampman sacked him for an 8-yard loss. The Packers next drive started at the Green Bay 16. on 3rd and 6 at the 20, Rodgers passed toGreg Jennings for 8 and a 1st down. Jennings caught his second pass of the drive on 2nd down to the Green Bay 42 for 14 yards. On 2nd and 8 Rodgers rolled to his right but no one was open. Rodgers pulled the ball down and ran up the sideline to the Seattle 40 for 16 yards. CBMarcus Trufant was also called for defensive holding on the play and 5 yards were tacked onto the end of the run.
The Packers drive continued into the 4th with a nice pass toDonald Driver for a gain of 8 on 3rd and 5 to the Seattle 22-yard line. Grant rushed for 7 yards on first down and 1-yard on 3rd setting up a 10-yard pass toJordy Nelson to the Seattle 4-yard line. After a no huddle two-yard gain byRyan Grant, Rodgers dropped back to pass on 2nd down and tossed to ball to FBJohn Kuhn who caught the ball on his knees for the touchdown. The Packers extended their lead to 24–10. With Seattle in a 14-point hole with 11:23 left in the game,Charlie Frye dropped back to pass on the 3rd play of the drive at Seattle's 33-yard line. Charles Woodson who was covering a wide receiver up the sideline let his receiver go and stepped in front of the crossing TE John Carlson for his 4th interception of the season. The Packers ran the ball for no gain and Rodgers was sacked on 2nd down. 3rd down was a completed to running backDeShawn Wynn for 7 yards but he couldn't reach the 1st down marker.Mason Crosby then kicked a 51-yard field goal to increase the Packers lead to 27–10 with 8:41 in the game remaining. On the next driveCharlie Frye trying to lead an improbable comeback threw deep toKoren Robinson streaking down the left sideline. The ball was slightly under thrown and CBTramon Williams intercepted the ball at the Packers 9-yard line. Tramon returned the ball to the Packers 24-yard line for 15 yards. With the Packers trying to run out the rest of the clock, Ryan Grant rushed the ball twice for −1 on 1st down and 3 yards 2nd down. Rodgers pass toRuvell Martin was incomplete on 3rd down and the Packers punted. With 5:15 left in the game, The Seahawks managed to move the ball effectively against the Packers prevent style defense and managed to score their second touchdown of the day at 3:17 with aCharlie Frye 5-yard pass to WRKeary Colbert to narrow the Packers lead to 27–17. The Seahawks down by 10 with 3:14 left in the game attempted an onside kick which was recovered by CBJarrett Bush at the Seattle 43-yard line.Ryan Grant secured the victory with a 5-yard gain on 3rd and 4. Ryan Grant ran the ball for a 6-yard gain on first down and Rodgers finished the game with two kneel-downs to run out the clock.
With the win, the Packers improved to 3–3.
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After snapping their three-game losing streak against theSeattle Seahawks the weekend before, the Packers returned home to face their first AFC opponent of the season, the 2007 AFC South ChampionIndianapolis Colts.
The game started with the Packers in possession and the Packers started off the game with a nice 14-yard run by RBRyan Grant for a first down. On the first third down of the drive,Aaron Rodgers completed his first pass of the day to TEDonald Lee for an 11-yard gain. Colts CBMarlin Jackson was flagged for unnecessary roughness after the play and the Colts were penalized 15 yards for the Packers 49 down to the Colts 36-yard line. After a 1-yard run and an incomplete pass on 1st and second downs, Rodgers completed a 6-yard pass to TE Donald Lee on 3rd and 9 but was nullified when Colts CBTim Jennings was flagged for defensive holding on WRGreg Jennings during the play resulting in a 5-yard penalty and a 1st down. The next play was a run by RBRyan Grant for 4 yards. Grant fumbled the ball on the play and it looked to be recovered by the Colts, but the ball slipped past the defenders and FBKorey Hall dove onto the ball and recovered the fumble for the Packers. Grant then followed up the play with a 5-yard gain on 2nd down and a surprise hand off to FBJohn Kuhn on 3rd down and 1 for 3 yards secured another 1st down for the Packers at the Colts 18-yard line. The drive ended with an incomplete pass the WRRuvell Martin on 3rd down and the Packers were forced to settle for aMason Crosby 31-yard field goal to take the early 3–0 lead.
After the field goal, The Packers attempted to onside kick but the ball went out of bounds after 15 yards. On the retry,Mason Crosby kicked the ball out of bounds again but this time it was much farther down field. The ball was then placed at the Colts 45-yard line but an unnecessary roughness penalty moved the ball back to the Colts 30-yard line. On the Colts first drive, they seemed to be able to move the ball very well with runs by the injured starterJoseph Addai's replacementDominic Rhodes paired with a 9-yard pass to TEDallas Clark. After a 15-yard unnecessary roughness penalty on CBTramon Williams on 3rd and 1 at the Colts 39, QBPeyton Manning connected with WRReggie Wayne for a 15-yard gain on the next 3rd down to the GB 16-yard line. RBDominic Rhodes rushed the ball four consecutive times and capped the drive with a 3-yard rush for the touchdown. The Colts took the 7–3 lead with 4:06 left in the 1st.
The Packers second drive of the game started with anAaron Rodgers pass left toGreg Jennings for 14 yards under soft coverage. Ryan Grant continued rushing the ball better with a nice 7-yard gain on the next play to the Green Bay 41-yard line. Rodgers failed to connect on a pass deep toGreg Jennings on the next play but CBTim Jennings was flagged for pass interference resulting in a 25-yard penalty down to the Colts 34-yard line. After a couple of short runs byRyan Grant, Rodgers completed a 7-yard pass toGreg Jennings on 3rd and 6 for the first down. After a Colts neutral zone infraction penalty and a couple more short rush attempts byRyan Grant, The Packers first touchdown of the game was scored on a 12-yard pass to TE Donald Lee. With a little more than 14 minutes left in the 2nd quarter, the Packers took the 10–7 lead.
The Colts continued to attempt to move the ball on their next drive with runs and short passes to the running backs and tight ends but their drive stalled near midfield whenPeyton Manning completed a pass to WRMarvin Harrison a-yard short of the first down. It appeared that the Colts were going to keep their offense on the field and go for it on fourth down and 1 but Colts coachTony Dungy thought otherwise andPeyton Manning left the field with a look of disagreement with his coaches decision.
After the punt the Packers offense started their third drive of the day at the Green Bay 11. The Packers quickly got out of the shadows of the goal post with a 24-yard pass to WRDonald Driver to the 35-yard line. After a short 3-yard gain byRyan Grant and two 3-yard receptions byDonald Driver, the Packers were faced with a 4 and 1 at their own 44-yard line much like the Colts on their previous drive. Instead of punting like the Colts did, the Packers kept their offense on the field a managed to get the first down on a nice 7-yard rush byRyan Grant. The Packers moved the ball down to the Colts 33-yard line with a few short runs byRyan Grant mixed with a short pass to RBBrandon Jackson for 9 yards. On 2nd a 7 Rodgers dropped back to pass and looked to throw to WRGreg Jennings but decided to dump the ball off theBrandon Jackson for the second time on the drive but he was tackled for a 1-yard loss. During the play a flag was thrown for illegal use of the hands on CBTim Jennings who was coveringGreg Jennings on the play. After a rush for no gain on 1st down at the Colts 28, Rodgers connected with WRRuvell Martin for 17 yards to the Colts 11-yard line. The Packers scored their second touchdown of the day on the next play with an 11-yard rush byRyan Grant. The Packers now held a 17–7 lead with 2:53 left in the half.
Now in a ten-point hole, The Colts offense took the field again but could not manage to get a first down. DTRyan Pickett batted down the pass intended forMarvin Harrison on 3rd down and forced the Colts to punt.
With 1:54 remaining in the half the Packers started their final drive of the half on their own 33-yard line. The drive featured many short passes to RBBrandon Jackson for decent gains along with a Rodgers scramble down the middle of the field for a 9-yard gain. The Packers moved the ball down to the Colts 18-yard line and took a time out with 9 seconds left.Mason Crosby attempted a 36-yard field goal but the kick was pushed wide left. The half ended withPeyton Manning taking a knee and the Packers went in the half with a 17–7 lead.
The Colts started the second half with possession and managed to move the ball to the Packers 48-yard line, but a pass toReggie Wayne on 3rd and 6 went through his hands and popped up into the air. FSNick Collins who was a couple yards behind Wayne was in perfect position to intercept the ball and returned it 62 yards for the touchdown to take the commanding 24–7 lead early in the 3rd.
After the interception return the Colts offense took the field and managed to move the ball down to the Packers 28-yard line with a 29-yard pass to TEDallas Clark. After a 1-yard rush and two incomplete passes the Colt'sAdam Vinatieri attempted a 45-yard field goal but it was blocked by DTJohnny Jolly.
The Packers took over possession but failed to move the ball and was forced to punt. During the punt, ColtsTim Jennings was flagged for defensive delay of game and the Packers were awarded 5 yards and a 1st down. The Packers then managed to move the ball down to the Colts 11 with some short gains on the ground byRyan Grant. The highlight of the drive took place when FBKorey Hall received a pass fromAaron Rodgers and hurdled over the oncoming defender. The drive ended whenRyan Grant couldn't get past the 1st down marker on 3rd down and they had to settle for a successful 29-yard field goal byMason Crosby to extend the lead to 27–7.
The Colts managed to get a first down off an illegal contact penalty on 3rd down, but the drive ended with three incomplete passes byPeyton Manning. The Colts punted and the Packers ended the 3rd quarter with 2 rushes byRyan Grant. The first play of the 4th was an incomplete pass to TETory Humphrey and the Packers were forced to punt for the first time of the contest.
The Colts again couldn't move the ball on their next possession and were forced to punt, The Packers took over and gain one first down on a pass toBrandon Jackson, but they failed to break into Colts territory and punted for the second time of the contest.
With time not on the Colts side, the Colts drove down all the way to the Packers 5-yard line and were looking to score. Manning forced a throw into triple coverage in the end zone toDallas Clark earlier in the drive and it was almost intercepted byCharles Woodson but SAaron Rouse batted the ball down before Woodson could secure the pick. Rouse made up for it though 3 plays later when he stepped in front of WRAnthony Gonzalez at the 1-yard line and intercepted the pass. Rouse returned the ball 99 yards for the Packers second interception for a touchdown in the game and 5th of the season. With the score the Packers increased their lead to 34–7 with about 4:30 remaining in the game.
In a prevent style defense, the Packers allowed the Colts offense to move down the field to the Green Bay 15. Peyton Manning threw the ball toAnthony Gonzalez at the goal line and he looked to be in for the score. The booth reviewed the catch and the call on the field was reversed. On the next play, Manning completed another pass toDallas Clark and he dove for the pylon for the score. The booth reviewed the touchdown and again the touchdown wasn't awarded but the ball was placed at the 1-yard line. RBDominic Rhodes rushed 1-yard for the touchdown to decrease the Packers lead to 34–14.
The Colts lined up in an onside kick formation but kickerAdam Vinatieri instead kicked the ball shallow and it was easily caught byCharles Woodson.Ryan Grant rushed for 9 yards on 1st down to put him over the 100-yard mark for the first time this season and twoAaron Rodgers kneel downs sealed the dominating victory.
With the win, theGreen Bay Packers improved their record to 4–3 going into the bye week.
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Coming off their bye week, the Packers flew toLP Field for a Week 9 interconference duel with the unbeatenTennessee Titans. In the first quarter, Green Bay trailed early as Titans kickerRob Bironas got a 31-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Pack continued to trail as Bironas made a 25-yard field goal. The Packers responded with kickerMason Crosby getting a 23-yard field goal, along with QBAaron Rodgers completing a 5-yard TD pass to WRDonald Driver. Tennessee ended the half with RBChris Johnson getting a 3-yard TD run.
In the third quarter, the Titans increased their with Bironas getting a 22-yard field goal. Green Bay would respond with Crosby getting a 25-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, the Pack tied the game with Crosby making a 38-yard field goal. However, in overtime, Tennessee emerged the victor as Bironas nailed the game-winning 41-yard field goal.
With the loss, the Packers fell to 4–4.
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Hoping to rebound from their overtime loss to the Titans, the Packers flew to theHubert H. Humphrey Metrodome for a Week 10 NFC North rematch with theMinnesota Vikings. In the first quarter, Green Bay trailed early as Vikings QBGus Frerotte completed a 3-yard TD pass to WRSidney Rice. The Pack would respond with RBRyan Grant getting a 1-yard TD run. In the second quarter, Minnesota answered with former Packer kickerRyan Longwell getting a 54-yard field goal, along with back-to-back safeties. The first one came when QBAaron Rodgers committed intentional grounding in his own endzone, while the second one came when Rodgers was sacked by Viking DEJared Allen. Green Bay closed out the half with kickerMason Crosby getting a 47-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, Minnesota increased their lead as Frerotte completed a 47-yard TD pass to RBChester Taylor. Afterwards, the Packers took the lead as safetyNick Collins returned an interception 59 yards for a touchdown, along with CB–KRWill Blackmon returning a punt 65 yards for a touchdown. In the fourth quarter, Crosby increased the Pack's lead with a 40-yard field goal. However, the Vikings got the lead as RBAdrian Peterson got a 29-yard TD run. Green Bay tried to make a comeback, but Crosby's 52-yard field goal attempt sailed wide right.
With the loss, the Packers fell to 4–5.
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Trying to snap a two-game losing skid, the Packers went home for a Week 11 NFC North duel with their hated rival, theChicago Bears. In the first quarter, the Pack drew first blood as QBAaron Rodgers completed a 3-yard TD pass to WRGreg Jennings. In the second quarter, the Bears responded with kickerRobbie Gould getting a 35-yard field goal. The Packers answered with RBRyan Grant getting a 4-yard TD run, along with kickerMason Crosby getting a 53-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, Green Bay continued its assault as Rodgers completed a 5-yard TD pass to TEDonald Lee. In the fourth quarter, the Pack ended its rout with Crosby making a 33-yard field goal, DEJason Hunter returning a fumble 54 yards for a touchdown, and Crosby nailing a 45-yard field goal.
With the win, the Packers improved to 5–5.
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Coming off their dominating divisional home win over the Bears, the Packers flew to theLouisiana Superdome for a Week 12 MNF duel with theNew Orleans Saints. In the first quarter, Green Bay struck first when FBJohn Kuhn scored on a 1-yard TD run. The Saints responded with QBDrew Brees completing a 70-yard TD pass to WRLance Moore. The Saints then took the lead when RBPierre Thomas scored on a 4-yard TD run. In the second quarter, the Packers responded with QBAaron Rodgers completing a 7-yard TD pass to WRGreg Jennings to tie the score. New Orleans respond yet again when Brees hooked up with Moore for the second time on a 14-yard TD pass. The Pack struck back and tied when Rodgers scored on a 10-yard TD run. The Saints would retake the lead prior to halftime when kickerGarrett Hartley made a 30-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, New Orleans took over the game. Brees started the scoring with a completed a 16-yard TD pass to TEBilly Miller. Later, RBDeuce McAllister scored on a 3-yard TD run, and Brees finished the quarter's scoring by completing a 70-yard TD pass to WRMarques Colston. In the fourth quarter, Green Bay tried to rally as Rodgers completed a 4-yard TD pass and a 2-point conversion pass to WRRuvell Martin. However, the Saints pulled away when Thomas scored on a 31-yard TD run (with a failed 2-point conversion).
With the loss, the Packers fell to 5–6.
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Hoping to rebound from their embarrassing MNF drubbing at the hands of the Saints, the Packers went home for a Week 13 battle with theCarolina Panthers. In the first quarter, Green Bay trailed early as Panthers RBDeAngelo Williams scored on a 1-yard TD run. In the second quarter, the Packers got on the board with kickerMason Crosby converting a 32-yard field goal, but Carolina answered with QBJake Delhomme scoring on a 1-yard TD run. Green Bay responded with QBAaron Rodgers completing a 6-yard TD pass to WRDonald Driver, yet the Panthers closed out the half with Williams rushing for another 1-yard TD run.
In the third quarter, the Packers tied the game with Crosby converting a 44-yard field goal, while Rodgers completed a 5-yard TD pass to TEDonald Lee (along with a successful 2-point conversion pass to WRGreg Jennings). In the fourth quarter, Green Bay took the lead as Rodgers hooked up with Jennings on 21-yard TD pass, yet Carolina replied with Williams scored on yet another 1-yard TD run. The Packers would regain the lead as Crosby nailed a 19-yard field goal, but the Panthers pulled away as Williams scored on his fourth 1-yard TD run.
With the loss, Green Bay fell to 5–7.
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Hoping to snap a two-game skid, the Packers stayed at home for a Week 14 interconference duel with theHouston Texans. Green Bay trailed early in the first quarter as Texans QBMatt Schaub completed a 58-yard touchdown pass to wide receiverKevin Walter. The Packers would respond in the second quarter as QBAaron Rodgers completed a 20-yard TD pass to TEDonald Lee, yet Houston answered by having kickerKris Brown close out the half with a 30-yard field goal.
Green Bay's deficit increased in the third quarter as Brown gave the Texans a 41-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, the Packers took the lead as RBRyan Grant got a 6-yard touchdown run. However, the Texans replied with Schaub completing an 11-yard touchdown pass and a 2-point conversion pass to wide receiverAndre Johnson. Green Bay would tie the game as Rodgers completed a 9-yard touchdown pass to wide receiverJordy Nelson, yet Houston pulled away as Brown nailed a 40-yard field goal as time ran out.
With the loss, the Packers fell to 5–8 on the season and 0–4 at home against teams from Houston.
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After losing three straight contests, the Packers looked to break their skid with a victory against the 4–9Jacksonville Jaguars.
Jacksonville started the scoring on their first drive whenDavid Garrard connected withDennis Northcutt for a 30-yard TD pass. The Packers settled with a kickerMason Crosby connecting on a 22-yard field goal.
In the second quarter, the Packers took the lead whenAaron Rodgers completed a 4-yard pass toGreg Jennings in the end zone for a TD. The Packers later increased their lead going into the half to 6 when Crosby converted on a 23-yard field goal.
After a scoreless third quarter, the Jaguars regained the lead when running backMaurice Jones-Drew scored a TD on a 14-yard catch and run pass from Garrard. The Packers regained the lead when Crosby converted his third field goal of the day. Jones-Drew scored his second TD of the game on a 2-yard run to take the lead back for the Jaguars. After a failed two-point conversion, the Packers took over with less than 2 minutes on the clock. Aaron Rodgers slightly overthrew TEDonald Lee and his pass was intercepted by Jaguars SafetyReggie Nelson to seal the victory for Jacksonville.
With the loss, the Packers fell to 5–9 and were officially eliminated from playoff contention.
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After losing now four straight contests, the Packers looked to end their losing streak against theChicago Bears atSoldier Field on MNF.
After a scoreless 1st quarter, The Packers put the first points on the board in the 2nd quarter whenAaron Rodgers completed a 7-yard pass toGreg Jennings just inside the goal line for a touchdown. Later in the quarter, the BearsRobbie Gould successfully converted a 31-yard field goal to bring the Packers lead to 7–3. Towards the end of the half, the Packers scored again on a 17-yard screen pass from Rodgers toRyan Grant to increase their lead to 14–3 going into the half.
In the third quarter, the Bears scored their first touchdown of the day on a 3-yard pass fromKyle Orton toGreg Olsen to decrease the Packers lead to 14–10.
In the fourth quarter,Mason Crosby made a 28-yard field goal to extend the Packers lead to 17–10, but later in the quarter the Bears tied the game on a 3-yard run for a touchdown byMatt Forte. With less than a minute left, Mason Crosby attempted a field goal to take the lead 20–17 for the Packers but the kick was blocked by the Bears.
In overtime, the Bears won the coin toss and moved the ball down inside field goal range and Bears kickerRobbie Gould converted a 38-yard field goal for the 20–17 overtime win.
With the loss, the Packers fell to 5–10.
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After losing now five straight contests, the Packers looked to end the season with a win against the 0–15Detroit Lions.
In the first quarter, RBDeShawn Wynn put the first points of the day on the board with a 73-yard run for a touchdown. The Packers also scored later in the quarter on a 3-yard pass fromAaron Rodgers to rookie TEJermichael Finley for a touchdown.
In the second quarter, the Lions put their first points on the board with a 9-yard pass fromDan Orlovsky toCalvin Johnson. At the end of the half, PRWill Blackmon fair caught the Lions punt at the Packers 41-yard line with no time remaining.Mason Crosby then attempted a 69-yard free kick but the ball fell just short of the cross bar.
In the third quarter, the Lions tied the game with another touchdown pass fromDan Orlovsky toCalvin Johnson, this time for 14 yards.
In the fourth quarter, the Packers regained the lead whenMason Crosby converted a 36-yard field goal. The Packers then extended their lead to 10 points with a 5-yard touchdown pass from Rodgers to FBJohn Kuhn. On the Lions' next drive, they quickly responded with a touchdown score of their own by capping the drive with a 9-yard rush for a touchdown by RBKevin Smith. On the first play of the Packers next drive, Rodgers connected with WRDonald Driver deep down the right sideline for a 71-yard touchdown pass.
With the win, the Packers finished the season with a 6–10 record. The Packers also ended the chances of the Lions winning a game in 2008, as they finished 0–16.
| Player(s) | Value | NFL Rank | NFC Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Passing Yards | Aaron Rodgers | 4,038 Yards | 4th | 3rd |
| Passing Touchdowns | Aaron Rodgers | 28 TDs | 4th | 3rd |
| Rushing Yards | Ryan Grant | 1,203 Yards | 9th | 6th |
| Rushing Touchdowns | Ryan Grant &Aaron Rodgers | 4 TDs | T-36th | T-17th |
| Receiving Yards | Greg Jennings | 1,292 Yards | 6th | 5th |
| Receiving Touchdowns | Greg Jennings | 9 TDs | 8th | 6th |
| Points | Mason Crosby | 127 Points | T-7th | T-6th |
| Kickoff Return Yards | Will Blackmon | 1,157 Yards | 11th | 6th |
| Punt Return Yards | Will Blackmon | 398 Yards | 4th | 3rd |
| Tackles | A. J. Hawk | 86 Tackles | T-66th | T-38th |
| Sacks | Aaron Kampman | 9.5 Sacks | 13th | 7th |
| Interceptions | Nick Collins &Charles Woodson | 7 INTs | T-2nd | T-1st |
The Packers2009 Pro Bowl selections were announced on December 16 at 3pm CST on a specialNFL Total Access 2009 NFL Pro Bowl Selection Show onNFL Network.
| Position | Player | Team |
|---|---|---|
| FS | Nick Collins | Starter |
| CB | Al Harrisb | Reserve |
| CB | Charles Woodsona | Starter |
Notes:
The following is a list of players that were named to theAssociated Press2008 All-Pro Team.
| Position | Player | Team |
|---|---|---|
| FS | Nick Collins | Second |
| CB | Charles Woodson | Second |
In 2008, the following players were inducted into theGreen Bay Packers Hall of Fame.
| Position | Player | Years Played |
|---|---|---|
| DT | Gilbert Brown | 1993–99 and 2001–03 |
| C | Frank Winters | 1992-02 |
The month-long saga has finally come to an end, with the Packers agreeing to trade their future Hall-of-Fame quarterback to the New York Jets, FOXSports.com has learned.
