(Green Bay) Aaron Rodgers endured the pain of a toe injury, even finding the strength to carry the ball for a touchdown, in addition to throwing two assists into the end zone in a Green Bay Packers victory 36 -28 on the Los Angeles Rams.
The Rams dominated the fourth quarter 11-0, but it was too little too late, as their hopes for a comeback were dashed when Adrian Amos recovered a short kick with 17 seconds remaining on the clock.
Rodgers completed 28 passes on 45 attempts for 307 yards and the Packers rebounded a week after suffering a 34-31 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Last season’s MVP threw seven-yard touchdowns to Randall Cobb and five-yard touchdowns to AJ Dillon.
The Packers (9-3) have never lost two games in a row in a single season since Matt LaFleur took on the role of head coach. With this gain, the Packers will be able to enjoy their week off with a 3.5 game lead at the top of the North section of the National conference.
“We just need to keep racking up the wins and building on this good momentum,” said defensive tackle Kenny Clark.
Rodgers, who had not trained for the week, says he suffered from a broken little toe. Due to this injury, he only participated in one training session in two weeks. But none of this can be used as an excuse in the eyes of the veteran quarterback.
“When I jump on the court, I expect excellence,” said Rodgers, who said he injured his toe while training at home while recovering from COVID-19.
Anyone who prides themselves on being a great competitor thinks the same. I’m not looking for excuses like not working out or having a little toe injury.
Aaron Rodgers
“It’s definitely not the ideal scenario that I can’t train with the team,” Rodgers said. But if I can do my mental preparation, study the game plan, and feel confident. Once I find myself on the pitch, I just have to trust my instincts. The beauty of the game is that it is played eleven against eleven and I really feel that our offensive line allows me to just settle down. ”
In the case of the Rams (7-4), they suffered a third straight loss. They multiplied the errors, continuously providing scoring opportunities for the Packers, who generated 16 points following turnovers by the Rams.
Matthew Stafford completed 21 of his 38 passes for gains of 302 yards. He had three touchdown passes. In return, he was found guilty of a loss of the ball which eventually led to a Packers touchdown. He also saw one of his intercepted passes returned to the end zone.
“The explanation is pretty obvious, it’s a bit of the same story repeating itself,” dropped Rams head coach Sean McVay. We give way too many turnovers. You can’t find yourself in deficit against a football team like this. But I liked seeing our men continue to fight. ”
In his second game with the Rams, Odell Beckham Jr. caught five passes and tallied 81 yards. He notably scored a major on a 54-yard play. The Packers were also interested in retaining Beckham’s services following his release from the Browns, but the receiver preferred to join the Rams.
Rodgers broke the ice and gave the Packers the lead on a one-yard run. The Packers never lost control of the board afterwards.
Rashan Gary had a sack that caused a loss of the ball, recovered by the Packers at the Rams six-line. Soon after, Rodgers crossed the goal line himself.
Before the game, a moment of silence was observed in tribute to the victims of a driver who mowed down many participants of a Christmas parade in Waukesha, a suburb of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Six people lost their lives and 60 others suffered injuries.
The Packers also honored former defensive back Charles Woodson in a halftime ceremony. Woodson’s name was added to Lambeau Field’s honor facade to mark his induction into the Football Hall of Fame.