Patriots Beat Packers On Big Plays

Connolly's KO return helps Pats beat Packers 31-27

AP Sports Writer
      FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) – Dan Connolly rumbled 71 yards with what
is believed to be the longest kickoff return by an offensive
lineman in NFL history, and Tom Brady threw two touchdown passes as
the New England Patriots edged the Green Bay Packers 31-27 for
their sixth straight win Sunday night.
      The Patriots, who had outscored their previous two opponents
81-10, had their hands full even with Packers quarterback Aaron
Rodgers missing the game with a concussion. Matt Flynn threw his
first three pro touchdown passes in his place.
      The game went down to the final play when Flynn, with the ball
at the Patriots 15-yard line, lost it and Vince Wilfork recovered
for New England (12-2). Green Bay (8-6) trails Chicago by one game
in the NFC North.
      The return by the 313-pound Connolly set up Brady's 2-yard
scoring pass to Aaron Hernandez, cutting Green Bay's lead at
halftime to 17-14.
      
      (Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)