"You can't give up explosive plays to guys like Adrian Peterson and those guys," said defensive lineman Kenny Clark, who led Green Bay's defense with nine tackles. "When you're playing a good team that can score and have dynamic players, you can't put yourself in a hole."

The tide turned for Green Bay's defense after halftime, forcing a three-and-out on its first series. In fact, the only first down the Packers relinquished on Washington's first four series of the second half was a controversial roughing-the-passer penalty on linebacker Clay Matthews on his sack of Smith.

It was the third consecutive week Matthews has been flagged for roughing the passer. According to ESPN Stats & Information, the six-time Pro Bowler received that penalty only four times combined in his first nine NFL seasons.

Matthews said he tried to keep his arms out when they fell to the ground to avoid falling on Smith with the full weight of his body, but the flag came out anyway.