The 2011 Green Bay Packers season was the franchise's 91st season in the National Football League, the 93rd season overall and the sixth under head coach Mike McCarthy.
They were the defending Super Bowl 45 champions after they won against the Steelers 31-25. They not only improved from their 10-6 record but also became the sixth team to win at least 15 games. Like the 2009 Saints, 2005 Colts, and the 1998 Broncos, they won the first 13 games of the season and lost the next game. The 2009 Saints and the 1998 Broncos won their Super Bowls at that time.
Even though they had a 15-1 record, they did not repeat, because they lost to the New York Giants 37-20 in the divisional rounds.[1]
After finishing the 2010 regular season with a 10–6 record, the Packers went 4–0 in the postseason en route to winning Super Bowl XLV. As a result, the Packers received the final selection (32nd) in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft.
- On July 28, WR Diondre Borel, S Anthony Bratton, G/T Ray Dominguez, WR Tori Gurley, S M.D. Jennings, LB Ricky Elmore, C Sampson Genus, WR Shaky Smithson, FB Jon Hoese, LB Jamari Lattimore, DE Eli Joseph, LB Vic So'oto, CB Brandian Ross, RB Brandon Saine, and WR Kerry Taylor were signed to a contract as undrafted free agents.
- On July 29, LB Elijah Joseph and NT Chris Donaldson were signed to contract as undrafted free agents.
- On August 3, LB K.C. Asiodu was signed to a contract.
- On September 4, QB Graham Harrell, RB Brandon Saine, WR Diondre Borel, WR Chastin West, G/T Ray Dominguez, CB Brandian Ross, C Sampson Genus and WR Tori Gurley were signed to the practice squad a day after they were all cut from the active roster and cleared waivers.
- On March 2, LB A. J. Hawk, TE Donald Lee and S Derrick Martin were released. Hawk was resigned the following day.
- On July 27, LB Nick Barnett, LB Brandon Chillar, DE Justin Harrell, LB Brady Poppinga and T Mark Tauscher were released. S Michael Greco and LB Curtis Young were waived.
- On August 15, LB Diyral Briggs was released.
- On August 28, TE Spencer Havner, WR Brett Swain, and T Theo Sherman were released.
- On August 30, WR Antonio Robinson, LB K.C. Asiodu, and G Adrian Battles were released.
- On September 3, WR Diondre Borel, S Anthony Bratton, T Chris Campbell, G/T Ray Dominguez, NT Chris Donaldson, WR Tori Gurley, S Anthony Levine, LB Ricky Elmore, C Sampson Genus, CB Josh Gordy, QB Graham Harrell, FB Jon Hoese, LB Cardia Jackson, DE Eli Joseph, LB Elijah Joseph, C/G Nick McDonald, RB Dimitri Nance, CB Brandian Ross, NT Jay Ross, RB Brandon Saine, WR Kerry Taylor, WR Chastin West, and S/CB Brandon Underwood were released.
- On September 3, FB Quinn Johnson was traded to the Tennessee Titans for an undisclosed draft pick.
- On September 3, G Caleb Schlauderaff was traded to the New York Jets for an undisclosed draft pick.
Training Camp and Preseason Injuries
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- On February 11, Wide receivers coach Jimmy Robinson was signed by the Dallas Cowboys to become their Assistant head coach and wide receivers coach.
- On February 21, Assistant strength and conditioning coach Dave Redding retired.
- On February 22, Zac Woodfin was named Assistant strength and conditioning coach.
- On February 25, Running backs coach Edgar Bennett was moved to Wide receiver coach, Offensive line assistant Jerry Fontenot was promoted to Running backs coach, offensive quality control coach John Rushing was promoted to a combined role of assistant wide receivers coach-special teams coach and hired Joel Hilgenberg as offensive quality control coach.[2]
Regular Season Transactions
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- On September 20, WR Chastin West was signed off the practice squad by the Jacksonville Jaguars.
- On September 21, NT/DE Johnny Jones was signed to the practice squad.
- On October 12, G/T Ray Dominguez was signed to the active roster from the practice squad and S Nick Collins was placed on injured reserve.
- On October 13, C/G Cecil Newton was signed to the practice squad.
- On October 31, RB Brandon Saine was signed to the active roster from the practice squad, RB Alex Green was placed on injured reserve, C/G Cecil Newton was released from the practice squad, and S Anthony Levine and C/G Paul Fenaroli were signed to the practice squad.
- On November 8, T Chris Campbell was signed to the practice squad and C/G Paul Fenaroli was released from the practice squad.
- On December 7, QB Graham Harrell was signed to the active roster from the practice squad, TE Andrew Quarless was placed on injured reserve, and G Jake Vermiglio was signed to the practice squad.
- On December 15, FB Jon Hoese was signed to the practice squad and G Jake Vermiglio was released from the practice squad.
- On December 22, T Herb Taylor was signed and T Derek Sherrod was placed on injured reserve.
Starters on Defense and Special Teams
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Week 1: vs. New Orleans Saints
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Game information
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- First quarter
- Second quarter
- Third quarter
- Fourth quarter
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- Top passers
- Top rushers
- Top receivers
- Top tacklers
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The Packers started their 2011 season by taking on the Saints, the Super Bowl 44 champions. Randall Cobb not only caught his first career touchdown pass in the first quarter, but also returned a kickoff 108 yards for a touchdown. Aaron Rodgers has completed 27 of 35 pass attempts for 312 yards, 3 touchdown passes, no interceptions, and a passer rating of 132.1. With the Packers win, they began 1-0.
Week 2: at Carolina Panthers
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Game information
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- First quarter
- Second quarter
- Third quarter
- Fourth quarter
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- Top passers
- Top rushers
- Top receivers
- Top tacklers
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|
|
Week 3: at Chicago Bears
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Game information
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- First quarter
- Second quarter
- Third quarter
- Fourth quarter
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- Top passers
- Top rushers
- Top receivers
- Top tacklers
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Week 4: vs. Denver Broncos
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Week Four: Denver Broncos at Green Bay Packers – Game summary |
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1
|
2
|
3
|
4 |
Total |
Broncos
|
3
|
14
|
0
|
6 |
23 |
Packers
|
14
|
14
|
14
|
7 |
49 |
at Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin
|
Game information
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- First quarter
- Second quarter
- Third quarter
- Fourth quarter
|
- Top passers
- Top rushers
- Top receivers
- Top tacklers
|
|
|
Week 5: at Atlanta Falcons
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Week Five: Green Bay Packers at Atlanta Falcons – Game summary |
|
1
|
2
|
3
|
4 |
Total |
Packers
|
0
|
6
|
9
|
10 |
25 |
Falcons
|
7
|
7
|
0
|
0 |
14 |
at Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia
|
Game information
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- First quarter
- Second quarter
- Third quarter
- Fourth quarter
|
- Top passers
- Top rushers
- Top receivers
- Top tacklers
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|
Week 6: vs. St. Louis Rams
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Week Six: St. Louis Rams at Green Bay Packers – Game summary |
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1
|
2
|
3
|
4 |
Total |
Rams
|
0
|
3
|
0
|
0 |
3 |
Packers
|
3
|
21
|
0
|
0 |
24 |
at Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin
|
Game information
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- First quarter
- Second quarter
- Third quarter
- Fourth quarter
|
- Top passers
- Top rushers
- Top receivers
- Top tacklers
|
|
|
Week 7: at Minnesota Vikings
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Game information
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- First quarter
- Second quarter
- Third quarter
- Fourth quarter
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- Top passers
- Top rushers
- Top receivers
- Top tacklers
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|
|
Week 9: at San Diego Chargers
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Game information
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- First quarter
- Second quarter
- Third quarter
- Fourth quarter
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- Top passers
- Top rushers
- Top receivers
- Top tacklers
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|
|
Week 10: vs. Minnesota Vikings
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Week Ten: Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers – Game summary |
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1
|
2
|
3
|
4 |
Total |
Vikings
|
0
|
0
|
7
|
0 |
7 |
Packers
|
14
|
3
|
14
|
14 |
45 |
at Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin
|
Game information
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- First quarter
- Second quarter
- Third quarter
- Fourth quarter
|
- Top passers
- Top rushers
- Top receivers
- Top tacklers
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|
|
Week 11: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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Week Eleven: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Green Bay Packers – Game summary |
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1
|
2
|
3
|
4 |
Total |
Buccaneers
|
0
|
10
|
3
|
13 |
26 |
Packers
|
7
|
14
|
0
|
14 |
35 |
at Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin
|
Game information
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- First quarter
- Second quarter
- Third quarter
- Fourth quarter
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- Top passers
- Top rushers
- Top receivers
- Top tacklers
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|
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Week 12: at Detroit Lions
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Thanksgiving Classic
Week Twelve: Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions – Game summary |
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1
|
2
|
3
|
4 |
Total |
Packers
|
0
|
7
|
17
|
3 |
27 |
Lions
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
15 |
15 |
at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan
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Game information
|
- First quarter
No Scoring
- Second quarter
- Third quarter
- GB – John Kuhn 1 yd run, James Jones, Mason Crosby XP is good, 9:12 (GB 14–0)
- GB – James Jones 65 yd TD pass from Aaron Rodgers, Mason Crosby XP is good, 5:36 (GB 21–0)
- GB – Mason Crosby 35-yard FG is good, 1:14 (GB 24–0)
- Fourth quarter
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- Top passers
- Top rushers
- Top receivers
- Top tacklers
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Week 13: at New York Giants
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Game information
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- First quarter
- Second quarter
- Third quarter
- Fourth quarter
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- Top passers
- Top rushers
- Top receivers
- Top tacklers
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In a close win 38-35, the Packers improved to 12-0 as Mason Crosby kicked a game winning field goal with 3 seconds left.
Week 14: vs. Oakland Raiders
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Week Fourteen: Oakland Raiders at Green Bay Packers – Game summary |
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1
|
2
|
3
|
4 |
Total |
Raiders
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0
|
0
|
7
|
9 |
16 |
Packers
|
14
|
17
|
12
|
3 |
46 |
at Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin
|
Game information
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- First quarter
- Second quarter
- Third quarter
- Fourth quarter
|
- Top passers
- Top rushers
- Top receivers
- Top tacklers
|
|
|
Week 15: at Kansas City Chiefs
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Game information
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- First quarter
- Second quarter
- Third quarter
- Fourth quarter
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- Top passers
- Top rushers
- Top receivers
- Top tacklers
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|
|
The Chiefs stopped the Packers perfect season run in an upset win for Kansas City, making the Packers fall to 13-1.[4]
Week 16: vs. Chicago Bears
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Christmas Day
Week Sixteen: Chicago Bears at Green Bay Packers – Game summary |
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1
|
2
|
3
|
4 |
Total |
Bears
|
0
|
3
|
7
|
11 |
21 |
Packers
|
7
|
7
|
14
|
7 |
35 |
at Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin
|
Game information
|
- First quarter
- Second quarter
- Third quarter
- Fourth quarter
|
- Top passers
- Top rushers
- Top receivers
- Top tacklers
|
|
|
Week 17: vs. Detroit Lions
change
Week Seventeen: Detroit Lions at Green Bay Packers – Game summary |
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1
|
2
|
3
|
4 |
Total |
Lions
|
9
|
10
|
15
|
7 |
41 |
Packers
|
10
|
14
|
7
|
14 |
45 |
at Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin
|
Game information
|
- First quarter
- Second quarter
- Third quarter
- Fourth quarter
|
- Top passers
- Top rushers
- Top receivers
- Top tacklers
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|
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Aaron Rodgers was not playing in the game, as he was rested. Brad Jones restrained a fan running on the field during the game.[5]
Playoff Round |
Date |
Kickoff |
Opponent (seed) |
Result |
Game Site |
NFL Recap |
TV
|
Wild Card
|
First-round bye
|
Divisional
|
January 15
|
3:15 CDT
|
New York Giants (4)
|
L 20-37
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Lambeau Field
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Recap
|
Fox
|
NFC Divisional Round: vs. New York Giants
change
Divisional Round: New York Giants at Green Bay Packers – Game summary |
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1
|
2
|
3
|
4 |
Total |
Giants
|
10
|
10
|
0
|
17 |
37 |
Packers
|
3
|
7
|
3
|
7 |
20 |
at Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin
|
Game information
|
- See scoring summary below
|
- Top passers
- Top rushers
- Top receivers
- Top tacklers
|
|
|
Regular season statistical leaders
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|
Player(s) |
Value |
NFL Rank |
NFC Rank
|
Passing Yards |
Aaron Rodgers |
4643 Yards |
5th |
4th
|
Passing Touchdowns |
Aaron Rodgers |
45 TDs |
2nd |
2nd
|
Rushing Yards |
James Starks |
578 Yards |
38th |
18th
|
Rushing Touchdowns |
John Kuhn |
4 TDs |
T-31st |
T-16th
|
Receiving Yards |
Jordy Nelson |
1263 Yards |
9th |
7th
|
Receiving Touchdowns |
Jordy Nelson |
15 TDs |
3rd |
2nd
|
Points |
Mason Crosby |
140 Points |
4th |
3rd
|
Kickoff Return Yards |
Randall Cobb |
941 Yards |
7th |
4th
|
Punt Return Yards |
Randall Cobb |
295 Yards |
18th |
8th
|
Tackles |
Desmond Bishop |
115 Tackles |
T-13th |
T-7th
|
Sacks |
Clay Matthews |
6 Sacks |
T-48th |
T-26th
|
Interceptions |
Charles Woodson |
7 INTs |
T-1st |
1st
|
stats values are correct through Week 17.
stats are correct through Week 17.
Statistical league rankings
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- Total Offense (YPG): 3rd
- Passing (YPG): 3rd
- Rushing (YPG): 27th
- Points (PPG): 1st
- Total Defense (YPG): 32nd
- Passing (YPG): 32nd
- Rushing (YPG): 14th
- Points (PPG): 19th
Stats correct through week 17.
- QB Aaron Rodgers was named NFC Offensive Player of the Week for games played on Week 1. (vs. Saints)
- WR Randall Cobb was named NFL's Pepsi Rookie of the Week for games played on Week 1. (vs. Saints)
- OLB Clay Matthews was named GMC Never Say Never Moment of the Week for his contributions to the goal line stand on Week 1. (vs. Saints)
- QB Aaron Rodgers was named FedEx Air Player of the Week for games played on Week 4. (vs. Broncos)
- QB Aaron Rodgers was named NFC Offensive Player of the Week for games played on Week 5. (vs. Falcons)
- QB Aaron Rodgers was named FedEx Air Player of the Week for games played on Week 5. (vs. Falcons)
- K Mason Crosby was named NFC Special Teams Player of the Week for games played on Week 5. (vs. Falcons)
- QB Aaron Rodgers was named FedEx Air Player of the Week for games played on Week 6. (vs. Rams)
- K Mason Crosby was named NFC Special Teams Player of the Week for games played on Week 7. (vs. Vikings)
- QB Aaron Rodgers was named FedEx Air Player of the Week for games played on Week 7. (vs. Vikings)
- QB Aaron Rodgers was named NFC Offensive Player of the Week for games played on Week 9. (vs. Chargers)
- QB Aaron Rodgers was named FedEx Air Player of the Week for games played on Week 9. (vs. Chargers)
- QB Aaron Rodgers was named FedEx Air Player of the Week for games played on Week 13. (vs. Giants)
- QB Aaron Rodgers was named GMC Never Say Never Moment of the Week for his contributions to the game winning drive on Week 13. (vs. Giants)
- P Tim Masthay was named NFC Special Teams Player of the Week for games played on Week 13. (vs. Giants)
- QB Matt Flynn was named NFC Offensive Player of the Week for games played on Week 17. (vs. Lions)
- QB Matt Flynn was named FedEx Air Player of the Week for games played on Week 17. (vs. Lions)
- QB Matt Flynn was named GMC Never Say Never Moment of the Week for his contributions to his record setting performance in relief of Aaron Rodgers on Week 17. (vs. Lions)
- QB Aaron Rodgers was named NFC Offensive Player of the Month for the month of September.
- QB Aaron Rodgers was named NFC Offensive Player of the Month for the month of October.
- QB Aaron Rodgers was named NFC Offensive Player of the Month for the month of November.
QB Aaron Rodgers was named AP Most Valuable Player
- Packers record for Most Consecutive Games Won with 19 (Wk 15 2010 - Wk 14 2011) passing the previous best marks of 11 in 1928-29 and 1961-62.
- Packers record for Most Consecutive Games Won, Season with 13 (Wk 1 - Wk 14) passing the previous best mark of 10 in 1929 and 1962.
- Packers record for Most Games Won, Regular Season with 15 passing the previous best mark of 13 in 1962, 1996, 1997 and 2007.
- Packers record for Most Consecutive Games Won, Start of Season with 13 passing the previous best mark of 10 in 1929 and 1962.
- Packers record for Most Consecutive Games Without Defeat, Season with 13 (13 wins, 0 ties) passing the previous best mark of 13 (12 wins, 1 tie) in 1929.
- Packers record for Most Consecutive Games Without Defeat, Start of Season with 13 (13 wins, 0 ties) passing the previous best mark of 13 (12 wins, 1 tie) in 1929.
- Packers record for Most Points, Season with 560 points passing the previous best mark of 461 in 2009.
- Packers record for Most Overall Touchdowns, Season with 70 passing the previous best mark of 56 in 1996.
- Packers record for Most Yards Gained, Season with 6,482 yards passing the previous best mark of 6,357 in 2004.
- QB Aaron Rodgers became the first quarterback in NFL history to post 400 yards passing, four passing touchdowns and two rushing touchdowns in a game against the Denver Broncos on October 2, 2011.
- QB Matt Flynn Broke the Packers record of Most Touchdown Passes, Game with 6 vs the Detroit Lions January 1, 2012. The Previous record holders were Cecil Bell, Don Horn, Lynn Dickey, Brett Favre, and Aaron Rodgers.
- QB Matt Flynn Broke the Packers Record of Most Passing Yards, Game with 480 Yards vs the Detroit Lions on January 1, 2012. The previous record holder was Aaron Rodgers.
- K Mason Crosby successfully converted a team record 58-yard field goal against the Minnesota Vikings on October 23, 2011. The previous record was 56, set by Crosby himself.
- QB Aaron Rodgers Set the Packers record for Single Season Passer Rating with a rating of 122.5. Bart Starr had the previous best with a rating of 105.0.
- QB Aaron Rodgers Set the NFL record for Single Season Passer Rating with a rating of 122.5. Peyton Manning had the previous best with a rating of 121.1.
- QB Aaron Rodgers Set the Packers record for Highest Completion Percentage, Season (140 attempts) with 68.3%. Brett Favre had the previous best percentage with 66.54%.
- QB Aaron Rodgers Set the Packers record for Most Touchdown Passes, Season with 45. Brett Favre had the previous best mark with 39.
- QB Aaron Rodgers Set the Packers record for Most Yards Passing, Season with 4,643. Lynn Dickey had the previous best mark with 4,458 yards.
- QB Aaron Rodgers Set the Packers record for Most Games, 300 or More Yards Passing, Season with 8. Brett Favre had the previous best mark with 7.
- QB Aaron Rodgers Set the Packers record for Most Consecutive Games, 300 or More Yards Passing with 4 (Wk's 4–7). Lynn Dickey and Brett Favre both had the previous best with 3 each.
- QB Aaron Rodgers Tied the Packers record for Most Consecutive Games, Four or More Touchdown Passes with Brett Favre with 2.
- QB Aaron Rodgers Tied the Packers record for Highest Average Gain, Season (200 attempts) with Lynn Dickey at 9.2.
- WR Randall Cobb Set the Packers record for Most Kickoff Return Yards, Rookie, Season passing Charles Wilson who had 798 yards in 1990.
- K Mason Crosby Set the Packers record for Most (Kicking) PAT Attempted, Season with 69 passing Chris Jacke's best mark of 53.
- K Mason Crosby Set the Packers record for Most (One-Point) Points After Touchdown, Season with 68 passing Jan Stenerud's best mark of 52.
- P Tim Masthay Set the Packers record for Highest Gross Average, Punting, Season (35 punts) with 45.6 passing Craig Hentrich's best gross average of 45.0.
2012 Pro Bowl selections
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