Frozen Fumble

The Aaron Rodgers-led Packers romped the New York Giants in a playoff clash at Lambeau Field. Rodgers unleashed four touchdown passes and threw for 404 yards to keep Green Bay’s playoff hopes alive in a 45-17 New York thrashing. The Packers’ offense shredded New York’s defense for a season high 515 yards as the Giants fell to 9-6. New York has an outside chance of making the post-season but they will have to do so through the backdoor. Big Blue failed in their attempt for win-and-you’re-in Sunday afternoon at the frozen tundra. The Giants couldn’t stop Rodgers or hold on to the ball. Eli Manning threw four interceptions as his turnover numbers continue to climb to epic proportions. Green Bay entered Sunday’s game needing two games to make the playoffs. The Packers host Chicago in the final regular-season game next week. New York must beat the Redskins and hope the Packers lose next week or the Saints lose their final two games.
Green Bay raced out to a 14-0 lead and were the only team to score in the opening quarter. Jordy Nelson outran the Giants secondary for an 80 yard touchdown on the Pack’s second possession of the game. James Jones’ three yard reception from Rodgers gave Green Bay a two touchdown edge with less than two minutes left in the first quarter. The G men finally hit the end zone when Hakeem Nicks hauled in a 36 yard touchdown pass from Manning to cut the Green Bay lead in half. The Giants’ quarterback was 17-for-33 in the loss, with a pair of touchdown passes and 301 yards. After the Giants recovered a Nelson fumble in the red zone, Manning found Mario Manningham five minutes before halftime to tie the game at 14-14. The 85 yard play was the longest of Manning’s career, but the splendor would be thwarted on the next Packer drive. Green Bay fullback, John Kuhn, turned a 79 yard drive into a seven point Packers’ lead with an eight yard run up the middle. The Giants went into the locker room down by a touchdown.
Mason Crosby’s 31 yard field goal made it 24-14 in favor of the home team. Lawrence Tynes kicked a 38 yarder through the uprights as the Giants and Packers traded field goals to begin the second half. Rodgers tossed two more touchdown passes in the final two quarters to give Green Bay a sizable lead. Rodgers hit Donald Lee from one yard out and Kuhn with a five yard dish as the Pack overpowered Big Blue. Kuhn finished the Sunday scoring with another touchdown run with 4:20 left in regulation to lift the Packers 45-17. Green Bay scored 24 points off the Giants’ six turnovers. Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs lost fumbles as New York added to their 36 turnovers this season. Greg Jennings caught seven passes for 142 yards for Green Bay. Manningham caught four passes for 132 yards to lead New York receivers.

Parting Points: Playoff clinchers so far-New England, Pittsburgh, Kansas City, Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York (Jets), Chicago,& Atlanta