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Packers clinch No. 1 seed
Source: Agencies |
December 27, 2011, Tuesday
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GREEN Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers threw five touchdown passes for the first time in his career to help the Packers beat Chicago 35-21 on Christmas Day, clinching the No.1 seed in their conference and knocking the Bears out of the NFL playoff chase.
Rodgers threw a pair of touchdowns to Jordy Nelson, another two to James Jones, and found tight end Jermichael Finley for a score as the Packers also took another round of bragging rights in the NFL's most storied rivalry.
Clay Matthews made a key first-half interception for the Packers (14-1), who needed the win to tie down home-field advantage in the NFC playoffs.
The loss eliminated the Bears (7-8) from playoff contention and put the Atlanta Falcons into the postseason as at least a wildcard.
The victory was the Packers' fourth over the Bears in 2011. Green Bay beat Chicago in the 2010 regular-season finale, the NFC Championship game, and at Soldier Field on September 25.
Third-string running back Kahlil Bell rushed for 121 yards for the Bears, who trailed by only four early in the third quarter. But Rodgers drove the Packers for touchdowns on their next three possessions to put the game out of reach.
Rodgers was 21 of 29 for 283 yards and five touchdowns with no interceptions when backup Matt Flynn took over with 7:54 left.
Chicago came into the game on a four-game losing streak and beset by injuries.
But the Bears were able to stay in the game with solid defense and tough running by Bell, who started because of injuries to Matt Forte and Marion Barber.
Rodgers threw a pair of touchdowns to Jordy Nelson, another two to James Jones, and found tight end Jermichael Finley for a score as the Packers also took another round of bragging rights in the NFL's most storied rivalry.
Clay Matthews made a key first-half interception for the Packers (14-1), who needed the win to tie down home-field advantage in the NFC playoffs.
The loss eliminated the Bears (7-8) from playoff contention and put the Atlanta Falcons into the postseason as at least a wildcard.
The victory was the Packers' fourth over the Bears in 2011. Green Bay beat Chicago in the 2010 regular-season finale, the NFC Championship game, and at Soldier Field on September 25.
Third-string running back Kahlil Bell rushed for 121 yards for the Bears, who trailed by only four early in the third quarter. But Rodgers drove the Packers for touchdowns on their next three possessions to put the game out of reach.
Rodgers was 21 of 29 for 283 yards and five touchdowns with no interceptions when backup Matt Flynn took over with 7:54 left.
Chicago came into the game on a four-game losing streak and beset by injuries.
But the Bears were able to stay in the game with solid defense and tough running by Bell, who started because of injuries to Matt Forte and Marion Barber.
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