Packers' offense gave the defense the rest it needed

GREEN BAY – The Packers' defense was exhausted and needed a break. The offense provided it.

The Falcons had just driven 94 yards in 20 plays covering 10 minutes, 36 seconds, but settled for a field goal midway through the second quarter of Monday night's game.

The last thing Green Bay's defense wanted to do was go right back out there to protect a small lead, and the offense made sure it didn't have to.

Driving 75 yards in 11 plays for a touchdown, the Packers established a two-score advantage it held the rest of the way in the 30-16 triumph, and the important response is the Chevy Drive of the Week.

With Green Bay leading 7-3, the possession started with QB Aaron Rodgers hitting WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling for 17 yards over the middle. A short completion to RB Tyler Ervin picked up the next first down, and then Rodgers found Valdes-Scantling again on third-and-10, good for 14 to get across midfield.

From there, RB Jamaal Williams had a 3-yard run and 15-yard reception before getting tackled for a 4-yard loss. Then on third-and-14 from the Atlanta 19, Rodgers connected with TE Robert Tonyan for the first of his three TD receptions in the game.

The Packers led, 13-3, with the drive consuming 5:10 and allowing a rested defense to get a three-and-out on the ensuing series, capped by S Raven Greene's third-down sack, which set up another Green Bay score before halftime.