Aaron Rodgers passed for two touchdowns and ran for another to lead the Green Bay Packers (2-1) to a 36-17 win over the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis.
The Packers started slow, with three first quarter possessions in Rams territory leading to Mason Crosby field goals. But the Packers picked up the pace in the second quarter as John Kuhn (pictured) scored one of his two touchdowns and Donald Driver hauled in a 21-yard touchdown pass from Rodgers.
The Packers got 99 yards rushing from Ryan Grant as the Packers successfully became more balanced in the victory. Aaron Rodgers, who was sacked twice in the first quarter, also got in on the act, rushing 8 times for 38 yards and a touchdown. Rodgers scrambling may have been a direct result of the two early sacks, but it bought him more time to complete passes down field.
AUDIO: Aaron Rodgers is glad they stuck with the run. :21
Rodgers had success with the deep ball as well, completing passes of 50 and 53 yards to Greg Jennings and 49 yards to Donald Driver. Rodgers was frustrated early, missing an easy touchdown pass to Driver in the end zone, a short pass that he hurried and overthrew.
AUDIO: Aaron Rodgers on being frustrated with missed opportunities :20
The Packers defense had three more take/aways on Sunday and pushed their league leading take/away total to a +8. That same defense gave up 117 rushing yards to Stephen Jackson, but when it came time to make the big play, the defense was there to do it.
Aaron Kampman had his first sack in three games as an outside linebacker. He hit QB Marc Bulger and forced a fumble, which was recovered by Johnny Jolly. Jolly also blocked a field goal early on as he continues to play well.
The Rams lost their 13th straight game, which is currently the longest active losing streak in the NFL. The Detroit Lions saw their 19-game losing streak come to an end on Sunday.
The Packers now prepare for the long awaited battle with Brett Favre and the Minnesota Vikings at the Metrodome next Monday night.
(UPI Photo / Bill Greenblatt)
