Game 13 - Win by the Lake

Citgo series Packer Hat 1996   dwm photo

The 27 - 21 overtime escape by Green Bay over the winless Cleveland Browns was not pretty, but it was the biggest win this season.

After both teams scored on their opening drives, only Cleveland found the end zone again in the first half.

After halftime, the Packer defense forced a quick punt and Green Bay marched down the field. They were stopped at Cleveland's 10 yard line with a yard to to.

Coach McCarthy chose to go for it.  He wanted to tie the game and take control of momentum.

It's a good decision, if you make it.

I agree with his call, but when it came up short on a botched play and the Browns responded with a touchdown to take a 14 point lead, it didn't look good.

As the game went to the last 15 minutes, it marked the first time all season the Browns had a 4th quarter lead, but the Packers were driving.

Rookie running back Jamaal Williams scored from a yard out to cut the deficit to 7 with 12:50 left.

Our defense did its part, keeping Cleveland from scoring, but when the Packer's next drive came up empty it looked bleak.

The Browns were forced to punt and it was time for the punt return to ream to be special.

Returner and wide receiver Trevor Davis caught the ball at the Green Bay 10.  He danced back and forth a bit before cutting toward the left sideline and following his blocks 65 yards to the Browns 25 yard line with 2:37 to play.

It is interesting that while Hundley has frequently looked like a duck out of water during much of his indoctrination by fire these past seven games, he performs well at crunch time.

A Hundley run up the middle came up just short of the goal line with 23 second left.  On the next play, he found DaVante Adams open for the touchdown.  Mason Crosby tied it with the extra point and for the second straight week the Packers played extra time.

Cleveland won the coin toss, so they got the first opportunity to win the game.  On 3rd down, Packer linebacker Clay Matthews got pressure on the Cleveland QB, hitting his arm as he started his throw.  The fluttering kick landed in the arms of rookie safety Josh Jones at the Browns 42 yard line.

A few plays later, Green Bay was at the 25 yard line with six yards to go from the 25 for first down yardage.  Since a field goal would win the game, I thought we would look for a sure thing or kick for the win.

Hundley connected with Adams on a short pass.  He picked up a couple blocks, broke a tackle and hustled in for the winning margin.

The victory keeps Green Bay's playoff hopes alive.  Aaron Rodgers appears ready to face the the Carolina Panthers next week.  Carolina is one of several teams standing between the Pack and the post-season.

I agree with pundits who suggest Green Bay needs three more wins and some help to get there.

So, you're telling me there's a chance!

7 - 6 Go Pack, Go!

Catch up on the Packer season here.