Packers beat Miami to revive NFL playoff hopes

Veteran Aaron Rodgers threw for 238 yards and a touchdown this Sunday in the Green Bay Packers’ 26-20 win over the Miami Dolphins that brings them closer to the American Football League (NFL) playoffs.

The victory improves the Packers’ record to 7-8, the same as Seattle and Detroit, and a half game behind Washington for the final playoff spot in the NFC.

Green Bay’s defense was key, drawing three interceptions in the fourth quarter from Tua Tagovailoa, the Dolphins’ young quarterback.

“It was a special day for us. Our defense has played wonderfully,” the questioned Aaron Rodgers congratulated himself. “We trailed 20-10 and we scored the last 16 points. Offensively we’ve had problems in the end zone, but this was special,” he said.

The Tagovailoa Dolphins, who finished 16 of 25 for 310 yards and a touchdown, went scoreless throughout the second half.

Miami (8-7) suffered its fourth straight loss but will try to hold on to the final AFC playoff spot with just one game ahead of four opponents with two games to play.

Green Bay, on the other hand, capitalized with this result on Saturday’s losses to rivals Detroit, Seattle and Washington.

“Everything that we needed to happen this weekend happened,” Rodgers said. “I’m very proud of our team. We found a way to win and the way our defense stepped up on those last few drives was outstanding.”