Buffs In The NFL: Jones, Crosby Lead Pack to Win

On Sunday night, two former University of Colorado players - linebacker Brad Jones and placekicker Mason Crosby - proved crucial in the Green Bay Packers' 27-20 victory over the Detroit Lions.

Jones is in his fourth season with the Packers after they drafted him in the 2009 NFL Draft, and he put on yet another dominating performance to lead the 'Pack' on defense.

Starting for the seventh consecutive game, Jones recorded 12 tackles, eight of which were solo. No one on the Packers defense recorded more total tackles on the night than Jones did.

The 12 total and eight solo tackles both marked new career highs for Jones. Since taking over as starter at inside linebacker this season, Jones has recorded 52 total tackles. He had recorded only two total tackles before getting his number called to start.

Jones has taken full advantage of his opportunity and doesn't look to be easing up any time soon with three games remaining in the regular season and the playoffs looming.

Crosby made 2-of-3 field goals attempts and was perfect on extra points. The six-year NFL veteran (all with Green Bay) has made all 35 PAT attempts this season and is 17-of-27 on field goal attempts.

On Sunday night, Crosby connected on a 47-yard field goal to get Green Bay on the board in the second quarter after Detroit scored two touchdowns to take a 14-0 lead. Later in the fourth quarter, Crosby connected on a 41-yard field goal to extend Green Bay's lead to 10 and put the game out of reach.

The Packers now lead the NFC North division at 9-4 and have won four of their last five games.

Notable:The New England Patriots and former Buff Nate Solder take on Houston in a critical AFC battle on Monday Night Football...Lawrence Vickers recorded two receptions for a total of 18 yards in the Cowboys' 20-19 victory at Cincinnati on. Dallas is now 7-6 and stands a game behind the New York Giants in the NFC East playoff race... The Washington Redskins and Tyler Polumbus also improved to 7-6 in the NFC East after defeating the Baltimore Ravens in a dramatic overtime victory ... Jalil Brown recorded two tackles against the Cleveland Browns - and former Buff Ryan Miller - yet Kansas City fell to the Browns 30-7... Last Thursday night, Justin Bannan and the Denver Broncos defeated rival Oakland 26-13 with Bannan recording a tackle and the Broncos improving to 10-3.