The Green Bay Packers finally pulled out a close game and in doing so, ended the curse of Brett Favre, beating the Minnesota Vikings 28-24.
The Packers sit in a tie with the Chicago Bears atop the NFC North with the Chicago Bears at 4-3.
Although the Packers defense gave up plenty of yards — Favre threw for 212 and Adrian Peterson rushed for 131 — they came up with three interceptions and stopped the Vikings on fourth down on the Vikings final possession.
The Packers got just enough pressure on Favre to force the interceptions, one of which was returned 32 yards for a touchdown by Desmond Bishop. Defensive end Jarius Wynn recorded the only sack for the Packers, but Clay Matthews generated steady pressure all night, even though he was consistently double teamed.
Bishop, who also had eight tackles, played his second solid game and rookie C.J. Wilson, who filled in for the injured Ryan Pickett, was impressive. Wilson finished with eight tackles and was generally the Packers most active defensive linemen.
The defense also did a good job of taking away Randy Moss. Moss was held to three catches for 30 yards.
The Packers offensive line played a tremendous game, holding the Vikings sackless. Left tackle Chad Clifton handled Vikings defensive end Jared Allen with no help. Allen finished with only one tackle. A week after getting pushed around and looking like a rookie, right tackle Bryan Bulaga rebounded with a nice game.
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers wasn’t particularly sharp, throwing two interceptions in the red zone. He was, however, good enough to get the Favre monkey off his back, finishing with 295 yards and two scores. Rodgers was in sync with Greg Jennings all night. Jennings finished with six catches for 74 yards and a score. James Jones also had a big game with four receptions for 107 yards.
Unfortunately, Donald Driver was a non-factor and his team-record consecutive games with a reception streak came to an end. Driver was clearly bothered by the quad injury that’s been nagging him the past week.
The most important streak that was broken today was the losing streak against Minnesota and Favre, though. The Vikings are 2-4.
Skol Vikings!
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