Packers rally to defeat Falcons

Week 14
December 8, 2013 - 12:00 p.m. - FOX
Lambeau Field
Green Bay, Wisconsin

Packers 22 - Falcons 21

The Packers finally got back into the win column with a second half comeback victory over the lowly Atlanta Falcons led by Matt Flynn, Eddie Lacy, and the defense.

Photo credit: packers.com

This football game started the same way the previous four games did for the Packers; the offense was non-existent and the defense was pathetic.  The Packers, led by Matt Flynn, scored a touchdown on their first possession thanks to a drive saving defensive penalty on a unsuccessful third down play.  Eddie Lacy finished the drive off with a 1-yard touchdown at the end of the first quarter.  Lacy continues to shine despite not much offensive line blocking and average quarterback play.  From this point forward, the Falcons controlled the remainder of the first half.  Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan connected with Drew Davis and Tony Gonzalez early in the second quarter to give the Falcons the lead.  With the Packers driving for some points just before halftime and trailing 14-10, Flynn became the subject of one of the weirdest interceptions.  A short pass from Flynn to John Kuhn was deflected, kicked, and intercepted by Falcons linebacker Sean Weatherspoon and returned 71 yards for a touchdown.  The play was weird as it appeared the ball hit the ground, but replay showed otherwise.  A loud roar of boos came down on the Packers as they exited the field for halftime.

The Packers appeared to be a different team in the second half.  And it started with the defense.  The Falcons had six possessions in the second half and scored zero points (punt, punt, fumble, missed field goal, downs, interception).  The defense finally stepped up.  After a couple of Mason Crosby field goals, the Packers forced a Matt Ryan fumble deep in Falcons territory.  The Packers capitalized with a Andrew Quarless touchdown from Matt Flynn that turned out to be the decisive victorious score.  The defense shut down the Falcons on their final two drives with an opportunity to take the lead.  Jarrett Bush finished off the Falcons by intercepting Matt Ryan with seconds remaining to seal the victory.

Matt Flynn threw for 258 yards and a touchdown.  Flynn, however, also had an interception and a fumble lost.  Eddie Lacy finished the day with 65 tough rushing yards and a touchdown.  The rookie is closing in on a 1,000 yard rushing year (887 rushing yards).  Jordy Nelson had a nice day catching four balls for 85 yards.  And Andrew Quarless had a fine day with six receptions for 66 yards and a touchdown.

Lambeau Field lived up to one of its nicknames on this Sunday afternoon as the tundra was frozen.  Game time conditions included temperatures in the teens, wind chills in the negatives, and snow showers.

With the Detroit Lions losing to the Philadelphia Eagles, the Packers have moved to within a half game of first place in the NFC North with three games remaining.

Photo credit: packers.com

Congratulations to Dave Robinson as he was honored at halftime for his enshrinement into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.  Robinson received his Hall of Fame ring and had his name unveiled in the bowl of Lambeau Field.

Detroit Lions  7-6
Chicago Bears  7-6
Green Bay Packers  6-6-1
Minnesota Vikings  3-9-1

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