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It was a duel between Commanders backup quarterback Taylor Heinicke and Packers legend Aaron Rodgers. And Heinicke prevailed.
Heinicke completed 20 of 31 passes for 200 yards, with two touchdowns and an interception, as the Commanders defeated the Packers 23-21. Heinicke made some particularly big plays late in the game as the Commanders took the lead from behind in the third quarter and then held onto the win in the fourth quarter.
Rodgers wasn’t good, averaging just 4.7 yards per pass while completing 21 of 32 passes for 151 yards. He had two touchdowns, no interceptions and no sacks, but he played football so cautiously that he barely gave the Packers a chance.
The loss drops the Packers to 3-4 and raises serious questions about when — and if — they can turn things around. If they don’t start playing better quickly, this season could be a waste of their last, best chance to win a title with Rodgers.
The Commanders are also 3-4 and they must be feeling awfully good about it. After losing starting quarterback Carson Wentz, it would have been easy for them to pack up and give up. Instead, they played inspired football and Heinicke outplayed Rodgers.