Rodgers strikes early as NFL Packers hold off charging Lions
Aaron Rodgers tossed four touchdown passes in the first half as the Green Bay Packers compiled a huge lead then held on for a 34-27 NFL victory over the Detroit Lions on Sunday.
Rodgers's hot start helped the Packers build a 28-point cushion but they needed every bit of it as the Lions roared back with some precision passing of their own from quarterback Matthew Stafford.
The Packers bounced back from a loss to the Minnesota Vikings in week two of the NFL regular season.
Rodgers's first half numbers were superb as he completed 12-of-18 passes for 174 yards and four scores at Lambeau Field. He had just 31 yards passing in the second half for a total of 205.
Stafford went to work in the second half, taking advantage of a shorthanded Green Bay defence. Stafford found Marvin Jones for a 35-yard touchdown with 3:34 remaining to get the Lions within 34-27.
Jones had six catches for 205 yards and two touchdowns, including the touchdown from Stafford to make it a seven-point contest.
With just over three minutes left in regulation, Rodgers ran left for an 11-yard gain. Eddie Lacy then ran for another first down at the two-minute warning to spoil Detroit's hopes of a comeback. Lacy finished with 103 yards rushing.
Packers wide receiver Jordy Nelson, who missed 2015 with a knee injury, finished with six catches for 101 yards and two touchdowns.