and a win would not surprise, he has also warned that the geldings main target is still another

GREEN BAY, Wis. -- Coach Mike McCarthy felt maturity played a part in the Green Bay Packers latest victory.And that started long before McCarthys resilient team came back in the final minute Sunday after blowing a big lead to outlast the rival Chicago Bears 30-27 on the road.McCarthy praised his older players Monday for urging their young teammates to be sufficiently prepared for the frosty temperatures and the unpredictable footing on the turf at Soldier Field.Just going through all of those different things, the comment was (made), of all the games that weve played, these guys handled it seamlessly, McCarthy said.By weathering that challenge and holding off the Bears late charge, the steely Packers are now two wins from completing a late-season resurgence with a once-unlikely return to the playoffs.Everythings right in front of us now, quarterback Aaron Rodgers said after his heroics down the stretch Sunday extended Green Bays winning streak to four games. Rodgers 60-yard heave on a third-and-long play to Jordy Nelson in stride down the middle of the field set up Mason Crosbys winning 32-yard field goal as time expired.Coupled with Detroits loss to the New York Giants, the Packers (8-6) moved within a game of the first-place Lions (9-5) in the NFC North with two games left.Just seeing this team battle through tough situations and adversity and just finding ways to make plays, thats what its about, Crosby said. Were in December football, were in kind of playoff football now where those are critical (kicks) at those important times. It was good to have a game like that under our belt moving forward.Because Green Bay has an earlier win over the Lions, all the Packers need to do to rally for the division title and earn a playoff spot for the eighth straight season is to win out, culminating with a Jan. 1 game at Detroit.Weve done our part so far, and thats going to have to continue the next couple of weeks, said Nelson, who had seven catches for 124 yards as the Packers completed a season sweep of the Bears.But McCarthy doesnt want the team looking too far ahead.The Packers first must get past another division rival and on a short week for just about every team. The Minnesota Vikings, who badgered Rodgers in a 17-14 win at home early in the season, come to Lambeau Field on Saturday for a Christmas Eve matinee.Control your own destiny is what you want, but, really, the only time Ive talked about playoffs is -- I hit em again with it, I think, last week or two weeks ago -- 10 wins, and thats really all weve really focused on, McCarthy said. We know were at eight, we have to get to nine, and then obviously next week Ill be answering the question the same way.The condensed schedule this week wont give Green Bay much time on the practice field. But McCarthy is hopeful a few injured players can recover quickly to play against the Vikings.Guards Lane Taylor (hip) and T.J. Lang (back) had to leave Sunday just before Rodgers big throw to Nelson.I dont have any high concern right now for either one of those guys, McCarthy said.Ditto on the status for Rodgers, who held up fine in the subzero wind chill Sunday despite playing with a sore right calf.The early indication is hes better today than he was going into the game, McCarthy said. We feel good about that.---For more NFL coverage: http://www.pro32.ap.org and http://www.twitter.com/AP-NFL Custom Pirates Jerseys . Newcastle dominated in the early stages but City weathered the storm and then raised its game in extra time. Negredo broke the deadlock from close range after a simple move in the 99th minute before Dzeko took the ball round goalkeeper Tim Krul to seal the victory in the 105th. Custom Pirates T-shirts . Catch all the action on TSN2 at 11pm et/8pm pt. The nine-time Big 12 champion Jayhawks are positioning themselves for another title, as they have run out to a flawless 6-0 mark in conference play thus far. http://www.custompiratesjersey.com/custom-willie-stargell-jersey-large-77t.html . -- Matt Rupert scored once in regulation and again in the shootout as the London Knights extended their win streak to nine games by defeating the Owen Sound Attack 4-3 on Friday in Ontario Hockey League action. Wholesale Custom Pirates Shirts . SIMONS ISLAND, Ga. Authentic Custom Pirates Jersey . -- The plastic that was taped across the lockers in Oaklands clubhouse came down and the champagne that was on ice went back into the cooler. A defence of the Magic Millions Sprint at the Gold Coast is the main objective for Husson Eagle who begins his latest campaign in a Listed race at Sandown.Husson Eagle is a $6.50 chance in Saturdays Doveton Stakes (1000m) and while trainer Patrick Payne believes he will run well first-up and a win would not surprise, he has also warned that the geldings main target is still another nine weeks away.Hes normally got a good record fresh, but were planning to peak him on Magic Millions day, Payne said.Husson Eagle won the $1 million Magic Millions Sprint last season and Payne said it was an ideal target again.Payne took Husson Eagle to Sandown on Tuesday for a gallop in company with another horse in preparation for his return in the Doveton Stakes.Payne rode the lead-out horse in the gallop while his Melbourne Cup-winning sister Michelle roode Husson Eagle and will be aboard on Saturday.ddddddddddddWe werent there to test his ability. He was more there just to get him away from home for a day out but I thought he worked well, Payne said.Michelle said she didnt fully extend him but he felt good to her.I think the Sandown lay-out suits him. He has plenty of time to find his feet and balance up and run on.While the gelding went into last years Magic Millions Sprint at his third run from a spell, Payne said because he is a another year older he is looking to send him into the race on January 14 at his fourth start.He is planning to start the gelding twice in Melbourne before either running him at Canterbury or in Brisbane before the Magic Millions. ' ' '