The Korea Herald

소아쌤

Packers improve to perfect 10-0

By Korea Herald

Published : Nov. 21, 2011 - 19:24

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GREEN BAY, Wisconsin (AP) ― Aaron Rodgers missed a few more throws than he usually does, and even threw an interception with the game still in doubt.

He just wasn’t at his best against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday ― until he absolutely had to be.

With the Packers clinging to a two-point lead and trying to fend off a late rally, Rodgers threw a 40-yard touchdown to Jordy Nelson with 2:55 left and the Packers survived a scare from the Buccaneers for a 35-26 victory.

With a 10-0 record going into a Thanksgiving Day game at Detroit, the Packers remain perfect, even if their quarterback walked away expecting much more from himself. Rodgers threw for 299 yards with three touchdowns, including a pair to Nelson, but wasn’t happy with the way he played.

“I’m just frustrated,” Rodgers said. “I didn’t throw the ball very well. I’m not trying to be ridiculously humble right now, I’m just frustrated. The ball wasn’t coming out the way I wanted it to today.”

The Packers’ defense also had trouble stopping quarterback Josh Freeman and tackling running back LeGarrette Blount, giving Packers coach Mike McCarthy plenty of mistakes to point out going into what will be a much-hyped matchup with the Lions.

“I think it was great for us,” McCarthy said. “Adversity is awesome. We’re getting ready to play a big game on national TV on Thanksgiving, and adversity (offers) healthy situations to learn from. Especially when you overcome it.”

Freeman threw for 342 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions for the Buccaneers (4-6), who have lost four straight but didn’t back down against the reigning Super Bowl champions.

Blount had 107 yards rushing for Tampa Bay, including a rambling 54-yard touchdown run in the second quarter where he broke at least six tackles.

Tampa Bay was penalized nine times for 55 yards, but Buccaneers coach Raheem Morris wasn’t using it as an excuse.

“Penalties are what they are, they are judgment calls and the judgment went against us a lot of times,” Morris said. “It is what it is.”

Tight end Tom Crabtree caught a touchdown from Rodgers and John Kuhn added a touchdown rushing from Green Bay.

Raiders 27, Vikings 21

Dolphins 35, Bills 8

Browns 14, Jaguars 10

Cowboys 27, Redskins 24

Lions 49, Panthers 35

49ers 23, Cardinals 7

Seahawks 24, Rams 7

Bears 31, Chargers 20

Falcons 23, Titans 17

Eagles 17, Giants 10