FINAL: Packers 27, Patriots 24 (OT) - New England nearly pulls up huge upset as Zappe pressed into service

GREEN BAY, Wis. — Man, the Patriots deserved better than that.

Down to their third-string quarterback after backup Brian Hoyer was knocked out of the game early, the Patriots went toe to toe with the Packers and had them on the ropes in overtime with the ball at the Green Bay 45 facing 2nd and 5. But an outside zone run went for no gain, Bailey Zappe threw incomplete on third down and the Patriots punted.

They didn't get the ball back, as the Packers drove for the game-winning field goal to beat the Patriots 27-24 at Lambeau Field.

Credit where credit is due: Matt Patricia called a hell of game, especially in the second half. He saw the Patriots had a huge advantage with their offensive line, and he did a great job of mixing power and zone runs, and then calling playaction at the same time.

Zappe played well in relief of Hoyer, completing 10 of 15 passes for 99 yards, including a 25-yard touchdown to DeVante Parker.

The defense also largely played well, as they did a nice job against the running game and clamped down on the Packers' short passing game.

Rookie CB Jack Jones, starting for injured Jalen Mills, had a forced fumble and a pick-six.

Regular-season Game #4: Patriots (1-2) at Green Bay Packers, 4:25 p.m.
Location: Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wis.
TV: WBZ-4. Jim Nantz (play-by-play), Tony Romo (color), Tracy Wolfson (sideline).
Radio: 98.5-FM The SportsHub in Boston. **Bedard will be on the postgame show approximately one hour after the game.**
Online: Live Box | Packers media notes | Patriots media notes | Flipcard
BetOnline.ag Latest Line: Packers -9.5, 40 o/u.
AccuWeather forecast: Cloudy and cool.

LAST WEEK

Packers 14, Bucs 12: Only the fourth time Green Bay has won a game with Aaron Rodgers as the starting QB when scoring 14 or fewer points (9-0 win at Jets in 2010 / 10-3 win vs. Bears in 2010 / 10-3 win at Bears in 2019). On the first three drives of Week 3, the Packers posted 206 total yards. It was the most that Tampa Bay had allowed on the opening three drives of a game since Oct. 14, 2018, at Atlanta (219 yards).

Ravens 37, Patriots 26: New England had three crucial second-half turnovers to lose an upset bid against Lamar Jackson, who had five touchdowns (four passing).

STATS

FOOTBALLOUTSIDERS.COM BREAKDOWN

ROSTER MOVES

• Patriots promoted OT Marcus Cannon from the practice squad.

INJURY REPORT

PREGAME READING/LISTENING

NFL Notebook: Mac Jones needs to strike right balance coming back from injury to Patriots
Bedard: If Patriots are to upset the Packers, they have to dominate on both lines - Jones ruled out
Completed Q&A: Bedard on Ravens aftermath, Patriots-Packers, NFL 09.30.22
Bedard: Regardless of when Mac Jones returns, the Patriots need to and should stay afloat
Bedard's Breakdown: With Humphrey, Patriots coaches think they're winning a battle - they're losing the war
Bedard: Three play to an L - Questionable playcalling, decisions leave Mac Jones, Patriots at a loss

HOW THE PATRIOTS WIN & BEDARD'S GAME PICK