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Rodgers dazzles as Packers tip Broncos

Aug 23, 2008 - 4:16 AM DENVER (Ticker) -- Aaron Rodgers looks ready to take over in Green Bay.

Brett Favre's former understudy completed 18-of-22 passes for 198 yards as the Green Bay Packers beat the Denver Broncos, 27-24, at Invesco Field on Friday.

Rodgers, who played all of the first half and one series in the third quarter, threw a 10-yard touchdown pass to Donald Driver to start the game, capping an 80-yard drive in eight plays. He also ran for a 1-yard touchdown, giving the Packers a 20-17 lead in the third quarter.

Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler looked shaky to start the game, often overthrowing his receivers. He started the game 1-for-7 for 14 yards, but finally settled down to finish 6-of-13 for 115 yards and two touchdowns, including a 49-yard score to Brandon Marshall.

Denver's running game made up for the early passing problems. Led by the backfield combination of Selvin Young and Andre Hall, Denver rushed for 131 yards. Young finished with 42 yards on six carries while Hall added 46 yards on nine rushes.

While the Broncos defense did hold the Green Bay running game to 31 yards in the first half, they were not able to get significant pressure on Rodgers, who completed passes to nine different receivers.

The Broncos took the lead in the fourth quarter when backup quarterback Patrick Ramsey threw a 9-yard touchdown pass to Michael Pittman. However, the Packers put the game away with a 1-yard touchdown run by Kregg Lumpkin, which was set up by Tracy White's interception that gave the Packers the ball at Denver's 10-yard line.

Green Bay placekicker Mason Crosby, who spent his college days at nearby Colorado, hit 2-of-3 field goals, missing on a 53-yard attempt.