Flying high off of their victory last week against the Bears, the Packers layed an egg at Lambeau Field on Sunday in their 23-20 loss to the Atlanta Falcons.
Brett Favre threw three interceptions and fumbled twice in a less than spectacular outing. Not only did the Packers lose the game, but they lost Leroy Butler to a season ending injury in the second quarter.
Things started out bad for the Packers on their first series, as Favre threw his first interception of the day giving the Falcons the ball at the 44. However, they were unable to move the ball and punted. Atlanta did get on the board first however, later in the quarter. The drive started at the 46. Chandler passed to Maurice Smith for a gain of 18. Bob Christian would gain 13 yards down to the 16 on a draw play. From there the drive stalled, and Jay Feely came in and kicked a 26 yard field goal to make it 3-0. On the Packers next series, Favre would fumble as he scrambled for yardage. Shane Dronett recovered for the Falcons at the 26. The Packer defense hung tough, forcing Atlanta to settle for a 39 yard field goal from Feely to make it 6-0. The Packers would strike back on their next possession. Faced with a third and eight, Favre rolled right and passed down field to Corey Bradford for a 51 yard gain. Ahmann Green would then gain eight yards on two carries, before the Packers eventually settled for a 39 yard field goal from Longwell to make it 6-3 as the first quarter ended.
The Falcons would extend the lead early in the second quarter. Chandler passed to Brian Kozloski for a gain of 27. An apparent touchdown was wiped out on a holding penalty. Two plays later, Chandler passed to Bob Christain who eluded two Packer defenders on his way to the endzone for the touchdown. Feely added the extra point, and Atlanta led 13-3. The teams traded punts on each of their next series. The Packers next drive started at the 39. Favre rolled out to the right and passed down field for Schroeder, but Ray Buchannon stepped up and made the interception at the 46. Chandler passed to Ray Buchannon for a gain of 18. On the play, Leroy Butler was injured trying to make the tackle. Later Chandler hit Jefferson for a gain of 23 down to the 11. The drive stalled from there, and Feely came in to kick a 32 yard field goal to make it 16-3 with just under five minutes left in the half. The Packers would fight back and score their first touchdown of the day on the next drive. Favre threw to Green for a gain of 15. Later, Favre struck big as he conected with Bradford for 56 yards, giving Green Bay a first and goal at the three. Two plays later, Favre tossed a four yard pass to Schroeder for the touchdown. Longwell added the point after, capping off a 7 play-- 76 yard drive to make the score 16-10 at halftime.
The Packers would intercept Chandler on the Falcons first possession of the second half and take over at the 12. Favre handed off to Green for a gain of 22. He passed to Schroeder for a gain of 15. The drive stalled when Favre was sacked for a loss of 11. Longwell came in to kick a 45 yard field goal and get the Packers within a field goal at 16-13 as the third quarter drew to a close.
In the fourth quarter, Benardo Harris would intercept a pass from Chandler, but the Packers went three and out.
Atlanta regained control at the 22. Chandler was called for intentional grounding. Also on the series, Chris Akens got caught in a big mess, which saw him get penalized for unnecessary roughness and taken out of the game,he was then reprimanded by Mike Sherman on the sidelines, and he was seen yelling back. The penalty allowed Atlanta to keep the drive alive and eventually score a touchdown to make it 23-13 with 8:50 left.
Favre and the Packers came back again. Helped by a pass interference call, the Packers had a first down at the 49. Favre threw to Bradford for ten yards. On first down at the 39, Favre audibled a play to Freeman, who beat his man in one on one coverage and scored on a 39 yard touchdown pass. Longwell added the extra point and it was a game again at 23-20.
The Packer defense held Atlanta in check the remainder of the way, even sacking Chandler a few times. Unfortunatly the offense just couldn't get the job done. The Packers had a chance late. Favre passed to Schroeder for an eighteen yard gain down to the 45. On the next play, he threw down field for Shroeder near the goal line, but it was intercepted by Ashley Ambrose. From there all the Falcons had to do was run out the clock and run out of Lambeau with an upset victory of 23-20.
With the loss the Packers are now at 6-3.
Next Game: THANKSGIVING DAY at Detroit
This merchandising site sponsored by
Interactive Data. All
orders will be provided with a money back guarantee. If you
are not completely satisfied, return your purchase within 30 days
of purchase for a full refund (Shipping Excluded). If you have any questions
or comments, regarding this www site, please send them to
sales@idata.com.
PackerTime Green Bay Packers Merchandise
