Crennel, Chiefs bring Packers' perfect season to an end
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}On one sideline stood Romeo Crennel, celebrating with his Chiefs players and dripping wet from a sports drink shower as the clock ran down on a victory.
On the other stood Aaron Rodgers the Packers, defeated for the first time in a year.
Crennel's defense was dominant, the Chiefs' offense did just enough in Kyle Orton's first start, and Kansas City ended Green Bay's 19-game winning streak with a 19-14 win at Arrowhead Stadium.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The Packers carried the second-longest winning streak in NFL history into Sunday's game, but suffered their first loss since last December 19 at New England.
Green Bay (13-1) was chasing the Patriots' all-time record of 21 consecutive victories, but was largely ineffective on offense. Rodgers threw for 235 yards and a touchdown, and ran for a score with 2:04 remaining.
But the Chiefs (5-8) gained several first downs to run down the clock and secure the victory.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}It was a surprising win for a Kansas City team that experienced a lot of changes this week. The Chiefs installed Crennel as interim head coach after firing Todd Haley earlier this week.
Crennel, the team's defensive coordinator, then decided to bench Tyler Palko in favor of Orton, who was claimed off waivers from Denver in November. He had thrown one pass for the Chiefs and missed time because of a finger injury, but threw for 299 yards Sunday.
Ryan Succop kicked four field goals, and Jackie Battle ran for the decisive score with five minutes left in the game. Tamba Hali highlighted the defensive effort with three sacks.