Rodgers' return sparks Packers' record rally vs. Bears

[September 10, 2018]  The Packers overcame a franchise-record, 17-point fourth-quarter deficit after quarterback Aaron Rodgers revived the offense and guided Green Bay to a 24-23 win over the visiting Chicago Bears in both teams' season opener on Sunday night.

Rodgers, who briefly left the game due to a leg injury, finished 20 of 30 for 286 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions.

The Packers pumped the life back into Lambeau Field on a 75-yard touchdown from Rodgers to Randall Cobb with 2:13 left to complete a rally and push Green Bay ahead 24-23.

The Bears led 20-0 early in the third quarter.

Green Bay's defense tightened in the second half and closed out the Bears' final drive when Nick Perry drilled quarterback Mitchell Trubisky with 58 ticks left.

After Rodgers found Davante Adams for a 12-yard score to trim the deficit to 20-17 with 9:01 left in the fourth quarter, the Bears marched downfield to add a Cody Parkey 32-yard field goal with 2:39 to play.

Rodgers left the game in the second quarter, unable to put his body weight on his left leg. After Rodgers was sacked, he was replaced by DeShone Kizer.

Kizer was stripped of the ball on his opening drive by linebacker Khalil Mack. On the Packers' next possession, Mack intercepted a Kizer pass and scored on a 27-yard return, giving Chicago a 17-0 halftime lead.

Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) gets pressure from Chicago Bears linebacker Leonard Floyd (94) in the first quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

But Rodgers, who left the sideline on a motorized cart, was back on the field for Green Bay's opening drive in the second half.

He found Geronimo Allison streaking down the right sideline for a 39-yard touchdown to pull the Packers within 20-10.

Cobb caught nine passes for 142 yards.

Trubisky completed 23 of 35 passes for 171 yards. Bears running back Jordan Howard gained 82 yards on 15 carries.

--Field Level Media

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