Blogs

News now! Packers win on Rodgers-to-Rodgers Hail Mary

DETROIT — The Packers are back!

A last-play, 61-yard, Hail Mary pass from Aaron Rodgers to Richard Rodgers lifted the Packers to a 27-23 win over the Lions, capping one of the greatest comebacks in Packers history.

Lions Coach Jim Caldwell made a big gamble on fourth-and-2. The Lions converted with a short pass, and it led to a 42-yard field goal by Matt Prater that staked the Lions to a 9-point lead with 7:06 to play in the game.

The Packers responded with one of their best drives in recent weeks. They moved 84 yards for a touchdown, Aaron Rodgers scoring on a 17-yard scramble on a third-and-11 play. With 3:04 to play, the Packers trailed, 23-21.

Packers Coach Mike McCarthy elected not to attempt an onside kick, putting the Packers’ hope of a rally in the hands of his defense.

Detroit quickly faced a third-and-12 with 2:54 to play. Matt Stafford converted with a 29-yard completion to the Lions 47. Now, at the two-minute warning, the Packers were out of times out and the Lions were second-and-10.

The Lions were forced to punt with 30 seconds to play. Green Bay had the ball at its 21 with :23 left.

An incompletion for Randall Cobb left :16. An incompletion for Jared Abbrederis left :06. A multiple lateral play resulted in a facemask penalty against the Lions that gave the Packers an untimed down.

Touchdown! Richard Rodgers caught a Hail Mary.