Packers 22 Lions 9: Defense, James Jones leads Packers to victory

Three second half Mason Crosby field goals and an 83-yard touchdown pass from Aaron Rodgers to James Jones – coupled with a swarming defense that dominated the line of scrimmage and sacked Matthew Stafford 5 times – highlighted the Green Bay Packers’ hard-fought 22-9 decision at Lambeau Field today over the Detroit Lions.

Detroit Lions running back Reggie Bush (21) is tackled by Green Bay Packers linebacker A.J. Hawk (50) in the second quarter at Lambeau Field. The Packers defense came to play today. Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

The Lions, coming into the game at the top of the NFC North Division, were dominated from the get-go as the Packers deferred the opening kickoff and then held Detroit without many offensive opportunities in all of the succeeding possessions. It wasn’t until the second half that the Packers offense came alive with a solid mix of pass and run. The Packers finally broke through with the turning point touchdown midway through the third quarter when Rodgers got plenty of time to find Jones streaking down the left sideline – hitting him in stride to give the Packers a 13-3 lead – one the Lions would never overcome. Rodgers was 20-of-30 for 274 yards and the TD to Jones; Eddie Lacy was 23-for-99 yards, but had a long run called back at the end of the game that would have put him way over 100; and Jordy Nelson led the receiving side of the ledger with five catches for 82 yard, including another of his patented sideline tip-toe receptions. A.J. Hawk led the team with 7 tackles and two assists. Getting sacks today were Nick Perry (2), Clay Matthews, Mike Neal, and Datone Jones.

First half “highlights”

Not much other than defense took place in a first half that saw more early success by the Green Bay Packers. There was little scoring and not much to talk about. While everyone was expecting a track meet in this one, the first half was far from it … On the leg of Mason Crosby, whose second field goal was from 52 yards, the Packers led 6-3. The Lions’ David Akers hit a 53-yard field goal to close out the first half. Aaron Rodgers was hot and cold in that first half and couldn’t get the team in the end zone once again; rookie running back Eddie Lacy was effective; the Packers defense came to play and stopped Reggie Bush in his tracks.

• First Half Scoring Summary and stats

1st Quarter

Mason Crosby 26 yard field goal, 1:24 Drive: 15 plays, 72 yards in 7:50 Green Bay 3-0

2nd Quarter

Mason Crosby 52 yard field goal, 11:19 Drive: 12 plays, 36 yards in 3:55 Green Bay 6-0

David Akers 53 yard field goal, 0:15 Drive: 13 plays, 54 yards in 3:32 Green Bay 6-3

Packers

Lions

Packers

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Final statistics

James Jones caught an 89-yard touchdown pass Sunday against the Detroit Lions. The Packers won 22-9 to improve to 2-2. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports photograph

3rd Quarter

Mason Crosby 31 yd FG, 5:04 Drive: 5 plays, 76 yards in 2:20 Green Bay 9-3

James Jones 83 yd pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby kick), 3:12 Drive: 2 plays, 78 yards in 0:54 Green Bay 16-3

4th Quarter

Mason Crosby 42 yd FG, 10:16 Drive: 9 plays, 56 yards in 4:35 Green Bay 19-3

Mason Crosby 45 yd FG, 3:50 Drive: 7 plays, 43 yards in 3:11 Green Bay 22-3

Packers

Lions

Packers

Lions

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