Zach Heilprin’s 2-minute drill

Taking a closer look at Packers-Lions

Game Balls

Offense: Randall Cobb

Quarterback Aaron Rodgers threw for 173 yards – and Cobb, who caught the game-winning TD pass from Rodgers in Detroit on Nov. 18, accounted for 102 of them. Of his game-high seven catches, the most notable ones came in the second half. The first was a diving 24-yard catch that set the Packers up at the Lions 26, though kicker Mason Crosby would eventually miss a 51-yard field goal. The other came on third-and-11, with Green Bay clinging to a 24-17 lead in the middle of the fourth quarter. Detroit dropped eight into coverage, which allowed Cobb to find a hole in the defense and for Rodgers to find him for 38 yards. The catch and run set up Crosby’s 41-yard field goal that essentially sealed the game for Green Bay.

Defense: Mike Daniels

You could go a couple different ways here. Tramon Williams and the Packers secondary did as good of job as could be expected on Lions’ receiver Calvin Johnson. But Daniels scooping up Matthew Stafford’s fumble and rumbling 43 yards for the touchdown was the play of the game for Green Bay. He was also part of a four-man rotation along the defensive line and said afterwards he’s never played as many snaps as he did against the Lions on Sunday night.

Special Teams: Sam Shields

Shields made his presence felt on the defensive side of the ball in his first game since getting injured against the Houston Texans on Oct. 14. But it was a play on special teams that showcased Shields’ unmatched speed. Green Bay had just gotten on the board and trailed 14-3 in the second quarter when Stefan Logan caught the ensuing kickoff at his own 7-yard line. He started out left before reversing field. It appeared he had the corner and was poised for a big return before Shields closed quickly and chased him down, limiting the return to 20 yards.

Tweet of the Game

Syndicated radio talk show host Jim Rome, on the Lions’ early lead:

Remember when the Lions jumped on the Packers 14-0 and it was going to be a blowout?Neither do I.
— Jim Rome (@jimrome) December 10, 2012

Quote of the Day

“He just has unique agility, I think. He's able to make those jump cuts, which I can only dream about. It’s pretty impressive to watch him in practice. I think he’s obviously got to learn the playbook more to get in some plays where hes’ not running so teams don’t know when he comes in that we’re going to run it. I think he has an opportunity to get some more playing time as the season goes on.”

-- Rodgers, on former practice-squad running back DuJuan Harris, who scored what would end up being the game-winning touchdown.

In Case You Missed It

Rodgers’ streak of consecutive home games with a touchdown pass ended at 35 games, which was an NFL record. The last time Rodgers hadn’t thrown a touchdown in a game at Lambeau Field came on Sept. 21, 2008 against the Dallas Cowboys.

There was a change in the replay official for Sunday night’s game. Howard Slavin, the replay official who upheld Seattle receiver Golden Tate’s touchdown in the “Fail Mary” game earlier this season, is normally with the crew that worked the Lions’ game. However, this week Slavin had his assignment swapped and was in Indianapolis working the Colts and Tennessee Titans game as part of Pete Morelli’s crew, while Morelli’s normal replay official, Tommy Moore, was in Green Bay with Tony Corrente’s crew.

The Packers’ T.J. Lang was questionable entering the game with an ankle injury. Although he was active for the game, and warmed up, he didn’t play. In his place at right tackle was rookie free agent Don Barclay, who was making his NFL start.

Will Ferrell, of Anchorman fame, introduced the song/dance “Roll Out the Barrel” in the fourth quarter.

Inside the Numbers

28 – The number of times punter Tim Masthay has pinned the opponent inside their own 20-yard line this season. That’s tied for second in franchise history with Craig Hentrich (1996) and two behind Sean Landeta (30 in 1998)

22 – The number of consecutive victories by the Packers over the Lions in Wisconsin. They haven’t lost to Detroit in the state since 1991.

11 – The number of consecutive victories the Packers have against divisional opponents. That’s a franchise record and the longest current streak in the NFL.

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