File Photo: Dean Lowry
The Green Bay Packers stayed in the NFC playoff picture by knocking off the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 26-20 in overtime on Sunday, snapping a three-game Lambeau Field losing streak.
The Packers improved to 6-6 and will face winless Cleveland on Sunday with the potential return of quarterback Aaron Rodgers for the final three games of the regular season.
The Packers used a couple of big plays to help their cause. Linebacker Kyler Fackrell blocked a punt that allowed the Packers to take over at the Tampa Bay 45. Jamaal Williams later scored on a 1-yard touchdown run to give the Packers a 10-7 lead.
On the very next Tampa Bay possession, Green Bay defensive tackle Kenny Clark stripped the ball from quarterback Jameis Winston and the ball was scooped up in mid-air by Dean Lowry who returned the fumble 62 yards for a touchdown and a 17-7 Packers lead.
The Packers have struggled to get pressure on quarterbacks this season, but they made up for lost time on Sunday. Clay Matthews returned to the lineup and recorded 2 1/2 sacks. Kenny Clark added two sacks, the first two of his career, helping the Packers to a seven sack day. The seven sacks was one short of the team record set against the Philadelphia Eagles in 2004. [Read more…]
