Green Bay's defence stepped up on a milestone day for Aaron Rodgers as the Packers held off the fast-finishing Cleveland Browns 24-22 on Christmas Day.
After Nick Chubb opened the scoring for Cleveland with a 1-yard touchdown run, Rodgers found Allen Lazard in the end zone to overtake Brett Favre as Green Bay’s all-time leader in touchdown passes with 443.
Rodgers was Favre's backup over his first three seasons (2005-07), when he saw action in just seven games total.
It did not take Rodgers long to add to that tally – opening the second quarter with a nine-yard pass to Davante Adams to extend the Packers’ lead to 14-6.
It's a gift to watch the @AaronRodgers12 & @tae15adams connection. #GoPackGo
— NFL (@NFL) December 25, 2021
📺: #CLEvsGB on NFLN/FOX/PRIME VIDEO
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Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield hit back by connecting with Harrison Bryant on a 1-yard touchdown reception, but that marked the last time Cleveland came anywhere near scoring until the end of the third quarter.
Green Bay doubled up the Browns 24-12 before the visitors were able to improve their position, this time through a 37-yard field goal from Chris Naggar.
Anthony Schwartz’s five-yard touchdown reception put Cleveland on the brink of a remarkable comeback in the fourth quarter, but Rasul Douglas picked off Mayfield - his fourth interception of the game - in the dying seconds to seal the result for Green Bay.
"I got to sit behind a legend for three years and see what greatness looked like."@AaronRodgers12 reflects on becoming the @packers all-time TD pass leader. 👏 #CLEvsGB pic.twitter.com/zjQ1ktA12Q
— NFL (@NFL) December 26, 2021
Meanwhile, the Indianapolis Colts overcame the Arizona Cardinals 22-16 to secure their third-straight win.
Colts quarterback Carson Wentz threw for 225 yards and two touchdowns as Indianapolis (9-6) kept their late charge for a play-off spot alive.
Jonathan Taylor also rushed for 108 yards on 27 carries.
Cardinals QB Kyler Murray completed 27 of 43 pass attempts for 245 yards with a touchdown and no interceptions. He rushed for 74 yards on four carries.
Arizona's Matt Prater missed field goals of 51 yards and 41 yards and an extra-point attempt with holder Andy Lee, the punter, out because of Covid-19 protocols.
The Cardinals (10-5) have now lost three consecutive games, failing to clinch a spot in the NFC playoffs with each loss, but have two games remaining and should still do so.
INCREDIBLE THROW.@cj_wentz puts the @Colts up 22-13! #ForTheShoe
— NFL (@NFL) December 26, 2021
📺: #INDvsAZ on @NFLNetwork
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