The Green Bay Packers improved to 12-0 Sunday as they beat the New York Giants, 38-35. After the Giants (6-6) tied the game with a late touchdown and 2-point conversion, Aaron Rodgers completed four passes in the final minute and Mason Crosby nailed a 30-yard field goal as time expired. The kick extended the Packers winning streak to 18 games.
The contest was an entertaining back-and-forth affair. Rodgers hit Jermichael Finley with a 12-yard touchdown pass to tie the game at seven in the first quarter. After the Giants grabbed a three point lead, linebacker Clay Matthews returned an interception 38 yards in the first ten seconds of the second quarter, giving the Packers a 14-10 advantage. New York regained the lead with a touchdown, only to see the Packers come up with 14 straight on scoring catches by Donald Driver and Greg Jennings. Ten consecutive points by the Giants cut their defecit to one, but with under four minutes to play, Driver came up with his second touchdown reception of the day giving the Packers an eight point lead and setting up the final fireworks.
Rodgers completed 28 of 46 passes for 369 yards and four touchdowns and he was intercepted once. Rodgers was also the Packers leading rusher with 32 yards on four carries. Jennings hauled in seven passes for 94 yards and a score. Finley had six receptions for 87 yards and a touchdown. Jordy Nelson caught four passes for 94 yards. Defensively, Matthews not only had the interception return for a touchdown, he also had a sack and a forced fumble.
Running back James Starks (ankle), corner Charles Woodson (head) and tightend Andrew Quarless (leg) all left the game with injuries and did not return.
With the win and the Lions loss at New Orleans, the Packers clinched the NFC North title. The Packers will host the Oakland Raiders (7-5) Sunday. Kickoff at Lambeau Field has been moved to 3:15.
