#TBT to the last Patriots-Packers matchup
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| Matthew J. Lee | Boston Globe |
*This article is part of a weekly feature that will include a short recap, highlights and stats of the last time the New England Patriots played their upcoming opponent.
LAST TIME OUT
In one of the few times these teams have met in recent years, the Green Pay Packers pulled away with a 26-21, down-to-the-wire victory over the New England Patriots on November 30, 2014.
This meeting was just the first, and only time so far, that Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers had faced each other as starters.
New England was within two (23-21) early in the fourth quarter after Brady connected with Brandon LaFell for a 15-yard score. Then Mason Crosby hit a 28-yarder with 8:41 left in the game to make it a five-point lead (26-21).
The Patriots had a comeback brewing late in the fourth quarter, but it was stalled after Brady was sacked on third down for a 9-yard loss. Kicker Stephen Gostkowski sent his 47-yard field goal wide right, and the score remained 26-21.
The deal was done for the Packers and the game after they converted on a third-and-4 with New England out of timeouts.
NOTEWORTHY
The Patriots’ loss to the Packers was their last loss of the season en route to the Super Bowl XLIX title.
THE STATS
Tom Brady was 22-of-35 for 245 yards and two scores, while Aaron Rodgers was 24-of-38 with 368 yards and two touchdowns, as well.
LeGarrette Blount led the way for the Patriots on the ground with 10 carries for 58 yards. Brandon Bolden had three rushes for 17 yards and one score.
For the Packers, it was Eddie Lacy who led the way, with 21 carries for 98 yards.
For New England’s receiving efforts, Rob Gronkowski and Julian Edelman had seven receptions each, for 98 and 48 yards, respectively. Brandon LaFell had five catches for 38 yards and two scores.
Davante Adams led the way for Green Bay’s receivers with six catches for 121 yards. Randall Cobb also had a strong showing with seven receptions for 85 yards. Jordy Nelson and Richard Rodgers had the two receiving scores for the Packers.
Jamie Collins Sr. led the way for New England, defensively, with 13 total tackles, including seven solo and one sack. Dont’a Hightower posted 10 total tackles, four solo and one sack; while Chris Jones contributed with two solo tackles and one sack.
Green Bay’s defense was led by Tramon Williams who had nine total tackles, including eight solo on the day. Mike Daniels and Mike Neal both recorded a half sack on the all-important play late in the fourth quarter to stop the Patriots on a third down.
AND NOW
The Green Bay Packers will travel to Gillette Stadium for a Sunday Night Football matchup with the New England Patriots on November 4, 2018. Game time is set for 8:20pm.
Follow Megan on Twitter: @carnahanmegan
