GREEN BAY, Wis. — The New England Patriots came into a hostile environment and played a solid game, but it wasn’t enough to beat the surging Green Bay Packers.
The Packers were able to sack Patriots quarterback Tom Brady on third and long late in the fourth quarter, and a first down pass from Aaron Rodgers to Randall Cobb sealed the game. The Patriots now stand at 9-3 as they get ready to finish the season at the San Diego Chargers, at home against the Buffalo Bills, at the New York Jets and against the Miami Dolphins at home.
It certainly wasn’t all bad for the Patriots. Check out which players stood out:
DONT’A HIGHTOWER
The Patriots linebacker left the game with what appeared to be a shoulder injury midway through the fourth quarter and returned to the game. A long-term injury could have been devastating for the Patriots.
Hightower made a big impact early, stuffing the middle of the field and sacking Aaron Rodgers in the first half. Hightower has been playing at an All-Pro level. He finished the game with nine tackles, a sack and two tackles for loss.
BRANDON LAFELL
LaFell scored his sixth and seventh touchdown passes of the season from quarterback Tom Brady. LaFell came to New England as a new player, and the Carolina Panthers, and their fans, likely are kicking themselves for letting him go.
BRANDON BROWNER
Darrelle Revis allowed a 45-yard touchdown to Packers wideout Jordy Nelson but otherwise played great. Browner shut down Nelson and fellow receiver Davante Adams. He made a huge third-quarter pass breakup on a target to Nelson.
Browner played one of his better games as a member of the Patriots.
TOM BRADY
Brady did all he could, completing 23 of 35 passes for 245 yards with two touchdowns. He wasn’t able to match Aaron Rodgers’ production, but the Patriots QB had a solid game.
JAMIE COLLINS
Collins, like Hightower, was all over the field for the Patriots, recording a sack and 13 tackles. Collins has really improved his play as the season has gone along. It seems like he needed some time to adjust to increased responsibility and a new role with Jerod Mayo out for the season.
Photo via Tom Lynn/Associated Press
