25. Packers 21, Eagles 16 (2011)

Green Bay had to win its last two to even get in the playoffs, but once the Packers were in, they quickly became the team nobody wanted to play. The Green and Gold had already won in Philadelphia earlier in the season, but this meeting was different. Philadelphia was being led by Michael Vick, who nearly brought the Eagles back to win against the Packers in week one. After Green Bay made the playoffs, it became a trendy pick to win on Wild Card weekend. After starting out 10-4, Philadelphia lost its last two games (both at home) and were trending downward. There were many similarities between the two meetings between the two teams during the 2010 season. Green Bay jumped out to a two score lead in the first half and held on with a defensive stop in the closing minutes to secure the win. In this win, Philadelphia was driving, but Vick threw a pass into the end zone intended for Riley Cooper, but Tramon Williams picked it off in the end zone to send the Packers to the Divisional Round in Atlanta.

The Packers tried to send a message early in the game, as Vick was sacked by Desmond Bishop on the first play of the game, and the Packers forced a three-and-out on Philadelphia’s first drive. However, Brandon Underwood muffed the punt and the Eagles recovered. The Eagles would drive to the Green Bay 23, but the usually reliable David Akers pushed a 41-yard field goal attempt to the right, keeping it scoreless.

After a pair of punts, Green Bay was able to drive down the field and put the game’s first points on the board. In the season opening win over Philadelphia, the Packers lost Ryan Grant for the season. In this game, the Green and Gold unleashed its newest weapon, running back James Starks. He would rush for 27 yards on the second play of the drive to move the ball into Eagles territory. The Packers would drive down the field for the touchdown on the strength of Aaron Rodgers’ arm and Starks’ legs. The touchdown came on a short Rodgers pass to tight end Tom Crabtree to give the Packers the 7-0 lead.

The Eagles punted on their next possession and the Packers offense went back to work. Starks ran effectively again, rushing four times for 15 yards on the touchdown drive. The Green Bay offense converted three third downs on the drive, leading to a Rodgers touchdown pass to James Jones to give the Green and Gold a 14-0 lead.

Philadelphia was able to answer with a field goal before the first half ended, but the Packers had a chance to deliver the knockout punch in the final minute of the half, but it went right through their hands. On a first down from the 37, Rodgers found an open Jones down the right side. Jones had a step on the defender and Rodgers threw a perfect pass, but Jones dropped what would have most likely been a touchdown to put the Packers up 21-3 at the half. But Green Bay had to settle for the 14-3 halftime lead.

The momentum shifted toward Philadelphia on the opening drive of the second half, as Rodgers was sacked and fumbled and the Eagles recovered. Two plays later, Vick found an open Jason Avant over the middle for a 24-yard touchdown and the Eagles were right back in the game.

Green Bay would respond, though. James Starks would once again make an impact, rushing five times for 32 yards on an 11-play, 80-yard drive. Rodgers would throw for 58 yards on the drive, including the touchdown, a screen pass to Brandon Jackson from 16 yards out and the Packers re-gained the 11-point lead. It would stay 21-10 at the end of the third.

Akers would miss another field goal early in the fourth that would have made it a one score game. But Philadelphia would make its move late in the game. The Eagles would have a 13-play drive that would result in a touchdown to cut into the Packers lead. Vick would throw for 68 yards of the 75 yards on the drive. He would also score the touchdown on a quarterback sneak on 4th-and-Goal. The two-point conversion was no good, so the Eagles were still down 21-16.

After a Packers punt, the Eagles had one last chance. Philadelphia took over on its own 34 and on the first play, Vick threw short to DeSean Jackson. The big-play wide receiver made a man miss immediately and another one miss just across midfield before being tripped up at the 38 by Desmond Bishop. That play by Bishop would be a game-saver. After a reception for a first down on 3rd-and-10 by Cooper, Vick went back to him. However, Williams had blanket coverage on him in the end zone and he picked it off to seal the game.

Green Bay was the first, and to this date, only No. 6 seed in the NFC to win (or even make) the Super Bowl. It all started with this win in the City of Brotherly Love.