NFL: Aaron Rodgers edged Brett Favre in touchdowns for the Packers and the Green Bay Troop defeated the Cleveland Browns 24-22 on Saturday.
Rodgers completed 24 of his 34 passes for overhead gains of 202 yards with three touchdown passes, bringing his career tally to 445. Favre threw 508 touchdown passes in the NFL, including 442 in the Packers' uniform.
However, it was the Packers' defense (12-3) that stole the show by making four interceptions and five sacks at the expense of Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield.
All three of the Packers' touchdowns came from an interception at Mayfield's expense. The Green Bay side sealed the outcome of the game when Rasul Douglas managed his second theft of the game with only 43 seconds remaining.
“We have to do a better job of closing the books,” Rodgers said. Our defense has done it several times. Last week she stopped a two-point convert attempt and this time Rasul had a big interception. It makes you nervous, but it's hard to win in this league. "
Mayfield completed 21 of 36 passes for gains of 222 yards, with two touchdown passes. He left the COVID-19 reserve list after missing the Browns' 16-14 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday night.
“It was some missed passes and it hurt the team,” said Mayfield. That's what's more frustrating for me because our defense played really well against a great offense. When you do turnovers in your turf, it gives you extra opportunities and they'll take advantage of it. "
Nick Chubb had 126 rushing yards and a major for the Browns, who rushed for 219 rushing yards to stay in the game.
Without the services of at least eight regulars due to COVID-19, the Browns were trailing 24-12 in the third quarter, but they almost completed their comeback.
The Browns (7-8) closed the lead to 24-22 when Mayfield joined Anthony Schwartz for a five-yard touchdown with 4:31 to go. After a clearance, they got the ball back at their 25-line with 2:05 left and three timeouts. On the third down, Douglas intercepted a pass from Mayfield to end the debate.
Darnell Savage and Chandon Sullivan also had an interception for the Packers. Rashan Gary had two of his team's five sacks.
Before the Cleveland troops began to threaten in the second half, the day belonged to Rodgers. He edged out Favre with an 11-yard touchdown pass to Allen Lazard in the first quarter.
“Aaron is breaking so many records,” Lazard said. Every week it seems like I take to Instagram and someone posts that Aaron has broken another record. For us, it's like another day at the office. Obviously, this record is bigger. "
Rodgers spent his first three seasons in the NFL as a substitute for Favre before taking the torch in 2008. Favre left a video message that was featured on the Lambeau Field scoreboard.
“Congratulations on breaking my touchdown record,” said Favre. I have only one request. Go get us another Super Bowl."
“It definitely brought tears to my eyes on the bench,” said Rodgers. It was a moment that I will never forget. I am grateful to have received this message from Favre and to have received a standing ovation from the crowd."
Rodgers then threw two touchdown passes to Davante Adams, who caught 10 balls for 114 yards. Adams made at least 10 catches for 100 yards and two touchdowns for the eighth career time, setting a record in NFL history.
Adams caught 67 touchdown passes from Rodgers, which is a team record. Rodgers threw 65 touchdown passes to Jordy Nelson.
The Packers were already assured of the title of the North section of the National Association and they are now aiming for the top of the National. They haven't been to the Super Bowl since 2010, when they won top honors.
