The Sconi

New England Patriots' head coach Bill Belichick got an up-close feel of what the rest of the league has long been experiencing when pitted against two-time MVP Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers during the Packers' 27-24 win at Lambeau Field.

"In the end, Rodgers was just too good," Belichick told ESPN after the Oct. 2 game. "He made some throws that only Rodgers could make."

Even with the Patriots starting the game with their second-string quarterback and being forced to call on their third-stringer by the end of the day, fans were kept on the edge of their seats as the two squads traded blows until the final overtime whistle.

Rookie signal-caller Bailey Zappe had his team in position to win in overtime after his defense stopped the Packers on their first possession, but Green Bay regrouped to kick a field goal before time ran out.

In the end, Zappe counted the chance to speak with Rodgers after the game as one of his biggest thrills, and he said the All-Pro quarterback wished him good luck going forward.

With the New York Giants next on their schedule—set for Oct. 8 in London—the Packers are off to a 3-1 start and are tied with the Minnesota Vikings for first place in the NFC North standings.