In the rematch of last January’s Divisional Round, the Green Bay Packers made their mark, defeating the San Francisco 49ers and going up to 8-3 with a record, trying to keep up with the Lions and Vikings, in a highly competitive NFC North. On the shields, for the hosts, Josh Jacobs, author of 3 touchdowns and uncatchable for the 49ers defense.
Coach Shanahan’s team, however, which found Kittle again (absent against the Seahawks) but showed up at Lambeau Field without Brock Purdy, Trent Williams, Charvarius Ward and Nick Bosa, was unable to stem the attack led by Jordan Love and to at least keep the game in balance. San Francisco’s record is 4-5 and to enter the playoffs they would need (at least) 5 wins in the last 6 games: the calendar and injuries, however, do not allow you to sleep peacefully on the bay.
Game with only one owner
As mentioned, the Packers led the game from start to finish. The home team’s first 3 drives led to as many scores: touchdown by Kraft, field goal by McManus, touchdown by Jacobs. 17-0 after less than 22 minutes of play. An offensive dominance that found no response from the 49ers. And if, as mentioned, Jacobs was the absolute protagonist of the game, he was counterbalanced by the San Francisco defense, “capable” of missing 20 tackles, of which 15 in the first half of the match. Jacobs racked up yard after yard at times almost undisturbed (closing with 106 rushing yards and the 3 touchdowns mentioned above), Love was subjected to very little pressure and was able to manage the clock and result as he pleased (closing with 13 out of 23 completes, 163 gain yards and 2 touchdowns). The Packers entered the game with the desire to dominate the 49ers without being influenced by the injury problems of their opponents and they did so, without ever taking their foot off the accelerator. In fact, another 3 touchdowns arrived in the second half of the match: 2 by Jacobs and one by Heath. All 3 of these touchdowns had a common denominator: they came after turnovers by the 49ers’ offense. A 49ers attack that, after giving a sign of awakening with Kittle’s touchdown just over a minute before halftime, was bullied by the Packers’ defense in the second half of the game. Brandon Allen, promoted to QB1 due to Purdy’s injury, had an incredible effort in getting the team moving, being intercepted 2 times and committing 2 fumbles; McCaffrey only ran for 31 yards (in addition to the 37 he gained on receptions); Deebo Samuel was a non-paying spectator of the game, with only one reception for 21 yards of gain. The only player who came close to his level was George Kittle, who finished with 87 yards gained on receptions and the aforementioned touchdown. Too little to get the better of these Green Bay Packers.
Green Bay future view
The 38-10 with which they beat the 49ers is a sensational result due to its proportions, but it is not surprising, because it certifies even more that the Packers are on the right path to becoming a possible contender again. A path that began with Rodgers’ farewell 18 months ago and which saw the turning point exactly 12 months ago: the victory on Thanksgiving Day against the Lions gave the boost to the team coached by coach LaFleur for a surprising end to the season, culminating with the victory in the Wild Card Game against the Cowboys and the almost upset in the Divisional Round against the 49ers. With Jordan Love increasingly comfortable in this attack, Josh Jacobs proving to be one of the best signings of the year and a defense that has derailed very few times this season, Wisconsin can sleep soundly. And prepare as best as possible for the Thanksgiving Day match against the rediscovered Miami Dolphins.
San Francisco we have a problem
Sound sleepers who, as mentioned, cannot sleep on the bay. The 49ers are having an up-and-down season and are distant relatives of those admired the last 2 years. The injuries of these first months have been highly impactful, obviously. However, starting from the pre season, the environment surrounding San Francisco has never given the sensation of being a peaceful environment; indeed, the 49ers, with all the problems relating to the renewals of some of the key players, with the criticism of Shanahan after the Super Bowl, with the lack of clarity on some injuries suffered by their top players, have always given the sensation of being a pressure ready to explode. The record can still be improved, the conditions to reach the playoffs are still there. However, the 49ers would need to regroup, recover the key players (McCaffrey was making his third appearance of the season on Sunday, Purdy has proven to be essential for this team, Samuel is playing an anonymous season for now) and return to playing the football he has proven to be know how to do in recent seasons, also on a defensive and disciplinary level (9 penalties accepted against the Packers). Only in this way can they climb out of the hole they got themselves into and make the playoffs (at the moment, statistics in hand, they would only have a 15% chance of making them), despite a complicated calendar (Bills, Bears, Rams, Dolphins, Lions, Cardinals ). Next Sunday’s Buffalo game feels like a last resort.
