Rodgers lights up Lambeau

Green Bay begin post-Favre era on positive note

Last updated: 9th September 2008

Aaron Rodgers Green Bay Packers v Minnesota Vikings NFL Sep 08

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Aaron Rodgers threw one touchdown and rushed for another to ensure the Green Bay Packers started life after Brett Favre with a 24-19 victory over the Minnesota Vikings on Monday evening.

Rodgers, who spent three seasons as Favre's back-up, entered the end zone under his own steam from one yard to put the Packers 24-12 up with just over six minutes remaining at Lambeau Field.

And although Vikings running back Adrian Peterson scored from three yards to trim the deficit to five points with more than two minutes still to play, the Packers comfortably held on for the win.

Ryan Longwell's 37-yard field goal had opened the scoring for the visitors early in the second quarter before Rodgers took his side on a five-play, 62-yard drive culminating in a one-yard touchdown pass to Korey Hall.

Mason Crosby added a 42-yard field goal to extend the Packers' half-time advantage to 10-3.

Longwell was on target from 27 yards to get Minnesota back within four points early in the third quarter.

But shortly afterwards Green Bay special teamer Will Blackmon returned a punt 76 yards for a touchdown to give the hosts breathing space.

Vikings quarterback Tarvaris Jackson successfully located Sidney Rice on a 23-yard pass at the start of the fourth quarter, but Rodgers had the final say.

"A lot of people forgot about the Green Bay Packers season last year, how good we were, said Rodgers.

"We got the job done tonight (on offence) and the defence held on."