The Packers defeated their division rival the Detroit Lions 27-15 on Thanksgiving Day to remain perfect and reach the 11-0 milestone for the first time in franchise history.
"I felt it was an excellent character win for our football team," Packers Head Coach Mike McCarthy said following the game. "Very proud of our football team to fight through adversity. Big road win. Division wins are always the biggest. The stadium was electric. Great atmosphere. We feel good about ourselves today."
Perhaps the biggest news for Packer fans is the defense. The secondary is finally settling down and playing like they did in their Super Bowl run a year ago. In the past three games, the Pack have held opponents to an average 269 passing yards per game, which is 19 yards better than the season average. In addition, the defense has held opponents to an average of 16 points per game, improving from the unsettling 40.3 in the first eight games of the season.
Green Bay stopped Detroit from reaching the end zone for the first three quarters of play. It was not until running back Keiland Williams scampered 16 yards for a touchdown early in the fourth quarter that the Lions would get their first points.
Detroit would get the two-point conversion and another touchdown and extra point to bring their total to 15 points on the day.
Green Bay scored in each of the last three quarters. Their first score came ten minutes into the second quarter when Aaron Rodgers found Greg Jennings for a three-yard touchdown pass on an out route.
The Pack continued their momentum into the second half scoring three times in the third quarter. Fullback John Kuhn barreled his way into the end zone from one yard out to cap off an 11 play, 77 yard drive. Rodgers did what he does best on the ensuing drive. Fooling the Lions' strong safety Chris Harris on the play action, Rodgers fired a 66 yard catch and run to receiver James Jones for six points.
Rodgers finished the day with 307 yards passing, two touchdowns, 116.6 passer rating, and a Galloping Gobbler trophy to add to his shelf.
Kicker Mason Crosby was good from 35 yards and 32 yards in the third and fourth quarter, respectively, to improve the lead and keep the pressure on the Lions. Crosby is now 18 for 19 on the year after muffing a chip shot from 25 yards out two games ago against Tampa.
Ndamukong Suh was ejected in the third quarter after a stomping incident with Green Bay's offensive lineman Evan Dietrich-Smith. Despite clear video evidence of the situation, Suh was quick to defend himself in post-game press conferences saying, "I removed myself from the situation the best way I felt, with me being held down." The NFL has yet to making any ruling on Suh's actions.
The Packers will play the Lions again in Green Bay on New Year's Day, which will prove to be a huge game in wild card and playoff circumstances.
The remaining schedule includes the impressive Giants team in New York, the AFC west leaders Oakland at home, the dismal Chiefs in Kansas City, and divisional foes the Bears and Lions at home for the last two games of the regular season.
If the Packers keep with their motto of "One," and play one game at a time, there is no reason why they should not win the division and get the number one seed in the NFC. An undefeated season would be the cherry on top of a playoff run and a second consecutive championship.
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