But in a season full of tough breaks in Green Bay, the 26-26
draw Sunday may not be so bad.
Backup quarterback Matt Flynn
threw for 218 yards in helping spark the rally. A winless streak
without injured starter Aaron Rodgers stretched to four games,
but the Packers remain just a half-game behind the Bears and
Lions heading into a Thanksgiving Day showdown in Detroit.
"There you go — it's all in front of us. I think we've just
got to get that victory and we'll be OK," Matthews said.
"Obviously we're going to need a little help on the other end
with other teams, but ... it's a big game this weekend."
Chicago and Detroit, tied for first at 6-5, both lost Sunday.
Perhaps the quick turnaround will help the Packers (5-5-1) get
over the unusual tie.
The Vikings (2-8-1) will have to wait the full week with the
Bears next at home.
"I view it as a loss, personally. We gave up a 16-point lead
in the fourth quarter," defensive end Jared Allen said. "I don't
have a sister, but I'm going to say it's like going to prom with
your sister."
Five things we learned after the first tie in the NFL since
the Rams and 49ers ended 24-24 on Nov. 11, 2012.
IN A KNOT: Game-time temperatures in Green Bay hovered in the
upper teens. At least the 77,000-plus frigid fans got to witness
a bit of history. This was first game to end in a tie under the
new overtime rule instituted last year that continues the extra
period if both teams open it with field goals. A touchdown by
either team would have ended the game.
Jacksonville and Houston both kicked field goals to open OT
in a game on Nov. 18, 2012, then the Texans won it with a
touchdown.
"It's an empty feeling. You go out there and didn't lose the
game," Packers coach Mike McCarthy said. "But you feel like you
didn't accomplish what you set out to do."
IN LIKE FLYNN: Rodgers hurt his left collarbone in the 27-20
loss to the Bears on Nov. 4. Since then, it's been a carousel at
quarterback for the Packers.
On Sunday, Flynn entered in relief of the ineffective Scott
Tolzien to rally the Packers from a 23-7 deficit with 14:22
left. Flynn, Rodgers' former backup who was re-signed a couple
weeks ago, finished 21 of 36, including a 6-yard touchdown pass
to Jarrett Boykin with 3:30 left that got Green Bay within
three. Mason Crosby's 27-yard field goal with 46 seconds in
regulation tied the game at 23.
