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Final score: Detroit 22, Green Bay 14

Navies
Green Bay Packers' linebacker Hannibal Navies (50) forces Detroit Lions' running back Shawn Bryson (24) to fumble in the second quarter in Detroit, Thursday, Nov. 27, 2003. Detroit recovered the fumble. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)


Sports Network

Detroit, MI (Sports Network) - Jason Hanson kicked five field goals to help Detroit snap a six-game losing streak against division-rival Green Bay, as the Lions posted a 22-14 victory over the Packers in a Thanksgiving Day game at Ford Field.

Hanson kicked field goals of 28, 32, 42, 46 and 49 yards as the Lions (4-8) snapped a two-game losing streak. Dre' Bly intercepted two passes and forced a fumble in the win.

Joey Harrington was efficient behind center for the Lions, completing 21-of-32 passes for 183 yards to help Detroit improve to 33-29-2 all-time during its annual Thanksgiving Day game.

Brett Favre threw for 296 yards and two touchdowns for the Packers, who turned the ball over four times in the fourth quarter. Favre tossed two of his three interceptions and lost a fumble in the final period.

Green Bay (6-6) had its upstart running attack slowed down considerably in this one, as Ahman Green finished with just 57 yards on 13 carries. Green came into the contest with four straight 100-yard rushing games.

Javon Walker hauled in three receptions for 93 yards and a touchdown in defeat. He lost a costly fumble in the fourth quarter, as the Packers had a two-game winning streak come to an end.

The Packers took their first lead of the contest when Favre connected deep downfield with Walker for a 45-yard touchdown pass. Walker powered past cornerback Otis Smith and outraced Lions safety Corey Harris to the ball, resulting in the touchdown catch which gave Green Bay a 14-13 advantage with 3:48 to play in the third quarter.

Favre and Walker hooked up for a big scoring play for the second straight week, as Walker hauled in a 66-yard touchdown reception during a 20-10 win over San Francisco last week.

The glory didn't last long, though, for Walker, as he quickly went from a hero to a goat when he fumbled after catching a pass in his own territory. Detroit recovered at the Packers' 31-yard line and, despite losing a yard over the next three plays, regained the lead on a 49-yard field goal by Hanson early in the fourth quarter.

Green Bay then punted before the two teams traded turnovers, setting up Hanson's fourth field goal of the contest, this one from 46 yards out, that make it a 19-14 game with just over nine minutes left in the game.

Only minutes later on a 3rd-and-5, Favre was picked off by Bly near midfield. Eight plays and 41 yards later, Hanson split the uprights one more time with a 32-yarder with 3:34 left in the game to create the final margin.

Green Bay had two more chances to tie it with a touchdown and two-point conversion, but the first opportunity ended with another Favre interception. The Packers' final attempt fell short when Favre's last-minute desperation heave fell harmlessly to the ground.

The Packers' signal-caller finished the game with 23 completions on 37 attempts.

Following a three and out by Green Bay to start the game, Harrington and Shawn Bryson led the Lions on a 10-play scoring march. Harrington completed two of his three passes for 23 yards, while Bryson totaled 30 yards and eventually culminated the drive with a six-yard touchdown scamper to the left edge.

Detroit added to its lead after forcing another punt from the Packers. Harrington moved the Lions into field-goal range when he lofted a perfectly placed touch pass over a Green Bay defender and into the hands of Mikhael Ricks, allowing the fleet-footed tight end to race down the right sideline for a 38-yard gain.

The big play by Ricks brought the ball down to the Green Bay 32, but the Lions still had to settle for a 10-0 lead when Hanson hit a 42-yard field goal with 33 seconds remaining in the opening quarter.

Favre then proceeded to reduce the deficit, completing all four of his passes during an eight-play, 84-yard touchdown drive, including a beautifully placed pass to Bubba Franks in the corner of the end zone for a five-yard touchdown, trimming the margin to three.

The Lions' offense, though, continued to click, as it immediately embarked on a lengthy 14-play, 62-yard drive that ended with another Hanson field goal. The veteran placekicker booted a 28-yarder to give Detroit a 13-7 advantage with just under three minutes left in the half.

A quick drive by the Packers offered Detroit another quality opportunity to add to its advantage. However, after receiving the ball near midfield, the Lions wasted the opportunity, punting after just three plays. Detroit still went into the locker room with the six-point edge.

Green Bay was shorthanded defensively, forced to play without their top two tacklers due to injuries. Linebacker Nick Barnett (ankle) and safety Darren Sharper (chest) were listed as questionable for the contest, but were unable to suit up. Both players were on the team's inactive list for the contest.

Game Notes

Detroit improved to 14-2 when Hanson kicks four or more field goals...The Lions are now 4-2 at home this season...Favre played in his 187th consecutive game, tying Forrest Gregg for the club record. The future Hall of Famer had thrown just three interceptions during the six-game winning streak versus the Lions.


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