The Green Bay Packers made a late defensive stand to secure a 26-21 victory over the New England Patriots in their NFL clash at Lambeau Field.
The Packers started the game well as Eddie Lacy reeled off two huge runs through the middle of the line to put his side into the red zone. However, the Patriots held firm against Aaron Rodgers and forced Mason Crosby to kick a 32-yard field goal.
Green Bay benefited from penalty calls on the Patriots defense to move into the red zone, but once again Rodgers failed to connect with his receivers. Crosby nailed a 35-yard field goal to put his side six points ahead.
Mike McCarthy's men pushed themselves further into the lead when Rodgers fired deep downfield for his tight end Richard Rodgers, who made the catch for the 32-yard touchdown to put his side in control in the first quarter.
New England hit back immediately when Tom Brady fired a deep completion to Rob Gronkowski over the middle of the field, and that paved the way for Brandon Bolden to power into the endzone with a six-yard score.
The Packers had the chance to take a 13-point lead when they reached the red zone again, but they were held to a field goal by the Patriots' defense as Crosby was forced to kick over from 33 yards.
Bill Belichick's side brought themselves right back into the match just before the break when Brady found Brandon LaFell on a quick out in the endzone for a two-yard touchdown.
However, the Packers hit the Patriots with a surprise play seconds before the interval as Rodgers found Nelson in the middle of the field on a slant route for a 45-yard touchdown.
Neither side was able to get on the scoreboard in the third quarter as both teams played solid defense, with Rodgers being sacked by Jamie Collins, while the Packers provided a good rush on Brady.
The Patriots brought themselves within two points as Brady completed several passes and LeGarrette Blount ripped off a couple of big runs to put them in the red zone, before Brady then hit LaFell for his second score of the game.
Davante Adams had the chance to kill the game off when Rodgers fired the ball to him on a slant route on third down, but the receiver dropped the sure touchdown.
The missed opportunity kept the Patriots alive in the game and Brady marched his side downfield into the red zone, but on third down he was sacked by Mike Neal and that forced a 47-yard field goal attempt, which was missed by Stephen Gostkowski.
The home side were able to finish the game on offense as Rodgers drilled a pass to Randall Cobb, which allowed them to kneel out.
The win moves them to the top of the NFC North with a 9-3 record, while the Patriots still hold the number one seed in the AFC conference.
Simon Sinclair
