Rodgers Throws 3 TDs, Packers Outlast Saints 42-34
GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) -- Aaron Rodgers came out on top in a memorable opening-night duel with Drew Brees and the Green Bay Packers came up with a goal-line stand on the final play of the game to beat the New Orleans Saints 42-34 on Thursday night.
Packers rookie Randall Cobb caught a touchdown from Rodgers and ran a kickoff back 108 yards for a score in the third quarter -- tying an NFL record for the longest kickoff return in history.
Rodgers threw for 312 yards and three touchdowns. Brees threw for 419 yards and three touchdowns, including a late touchdown to Jimmy Graham that cut the lead to 8 with 2:15 left.
After a Green Bay punt, Brees marched the Saints to the Packers 9-yard line and spiked the ball with 3 seconds left. Green Bay's A.J. Hawk was called for pass interference and the ball was placed at the 1.
The Packers swarmed rookie Mark Ingram, and the game was over.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
