Packers hold on for 24-22 vs the Browns on Christmas Day
The Packers spread some Christmas cheer and improved to 12-3 after their 24-22 home victory vs the Cleveland Browns.
The Browns scored first to take a 6-0 lead, missing the extra point attempt. The Packers responded after a Baker Mayfield interception and scored on a touchdown pass to Allen Lazard, setting a new franchise record for TD passes now held by Aaron Rodgers. Brett Favre, the old record holder, congratulated Rodgers via a message on the video board. After another Browns’ interception, Rodgers went back to work again, connecting with Davante Adams on a TD. The Browns scored a TD of their own but missed on a 2-point attempt. Rodgers and Adams connected again right before halftime and after another interception by Mayfield. The Packers took a 21-12 lead into halftime. They only scored 3 points after the half though and held on after Mayfield threw another interception, his fourth of the game.
Thoughts about this win:
The franchise record books were rewritten on this day. Rodgers not only broke the Packers’ record for TD passes, but he connected with Adams on touchdowns twice, breaking the team record for a QB-WR duo, previously held by Rodgers and Jordy Nelson.
It was a rough day for Baker Mayfield. He missed many throws, was sacked 5 times, and threw 4 interceptions, the first 3 coming in the first half and all led to Packer touchdowns. The last interception ended the game.
Rasul Douglas continues to pay dividends for the Packers. He had two more interceptions, including the one that ended the game. It was a controversial one though as he appeared to get away with holding on the play. The Packers will take it though as they almost let this game slip away.
The Packers had to settle for a field goal to open the second half. After that, not much went right for them on offense. Adams even had two crucial drops on the Packers’ drive right before Cleveland’s final drive that ended with the interception.
The Packers also had problems stopping the run as well. The Browns rushed for 219 yards. If the Packers didn’t get those interceptions, they probably lose this game. Great teams find ways to get it done though, even when they aren’t playing at their best.
The one bright spot is the special teams for the Packers. They didn’t allow the Browns to consistently get great field position, Corey Bojorquez got off some nice punts, and Mason Crosby had no problems with his XP attempts or his lone FG attempt. The Browns did miss an XP on their first TD and then went for 2 points down 14-12 in the second quarter. Those missed points came into play late in the game.
The Packers still got the win and still hold the top seed in the NFC. They have an extra day to review this game and try to fix their mistakes. Next up for them is their final home game of the regular season vs the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday Night Football. Enjoy this win Packer fans and enjoy this wonderful time of the year!
Go Pack Go!
@DieHardPackrFan #DHPF #GregGoshaw @gg901
