Back in Week 3, the 49ers were 2-0 and the Packers were 1-1 coming off an opening day absolute mauling by the Saints 38-0. That game was close, hard-fought, and in the end, squandered by Kyle Shanahan as he left too much time on the clock (0:37 seconds), and the defense allowed Rodgers to throw uncontested down the middle of the field twice for 42 yards and the game winning FG by the highly erratic Mason Crosby.
Say what you will about Jimmy driving the team down for the go-ahead score in the 4th quarter, he had a typical 2 fumble, 1 INT game to go along with the 2 TDs. 25-40, 257 and 4 sacks. Rodgers was an efficient 22-33, 261, 2 TDs, 1 sack.
The run game was kaput with the rookie Trey Sermon providing little. 10-31, 1 TD. Green Bay on the other hand had Aaron Jones run for 82 yards and a score.
For all that, the Niners should have won. With 43 seconds left and a 1st down on the 12, the Niners should have run at least once to bleed some time. Sure, it may change the later plays, but to think that Aaron Rodgers won’t do what he did is a dream that didn’t come true. Ryans not pressuring Rodgers was a major fail. One sack and the game would have been over.
But that was then. This is NOW.
Who is better, and who is worse? Well, I think the edge here goes to the 49ers. Trey Sermon has proven to be a washout, and did nothing back in September. Elijah Mitchell has proven to be a stud at running back and is a vast improvement. Deebo Samuel had yet to be the running threat that he is now. Shanahan has done a better job of calling plays, and making adjustments on both sides of the ball.
Another big factor is that RT Tom Compton has done a bang-up job since replacing Mike McGlinchey. That Shanny runs right is a testament to his faith in Compton. Green Bay’s D line is banged up so the thought there is we can pound them.
Also, I think the defense, namely the pass rush, has improved dramatically over the past month. Also, believe it or not, the defensive backfield has improved markedly as well. Ambry Thomas will hopefully keep Dontae Johnson off the field. He’s battling a bone bruise but should be ready. Nick Bosa thankfully cleared the concussion protocol so he is full steam ahead.
Another factor could be the competition faced. The Packers have had an easy stretch these past 5 games. Wins over the Bears, Ravens, Browns a, and Vikings, and a meaningless loss to the Bears, plus a week off MAY lead to a false sense of security, and a slow start for the Pack.
Meanwhile, the 49ers have been playing for their lives these past 10 weeks (going 8-2) just to reach this spot. And this IS a team with playoff experience. So the moment won’t be too big. The weather shouldn’t be too much of a factor, Green Bay has had a dismal playoff record since way back in 2010 when they won their last Super Bowl, and we have nothing to lose really.
Niners 30, Packers 20.
Weak fucking start.
+1 on turnover battle!
might have spoke too soon. Dang, G hit him right in gut for first down, one step and Aiyuk coughs it up.
aha incomplete. 3rd down still.
This is going to be over in a hurry. GB defense looks like it got an advanced copy of Shannahans playbook.
I don’t know about that, Jimmy hit him in stride, nice catch just couldn’t hold on.
Well is that because it is so cold? Hard to keep a hold of the ball?
Nice series by our D
They better stop putting Jimmy in third and long
Be nice if his receivers could hang to ball. Kittle was wide open and didn’t even get his hands on it. Middle, G’s fave spot to work, looks like good zone to work in. running game, not yet.
Well I don’t know what’s going on here it looks like the D is finally starting to get it together now the office just need to get going
spot on Kev. another stop and punt.
Str8byKompton. Gad, twice already.
Not all of this is on Jimmy, two well thrown balls dropped, run game going nowhere. Going to be a long day
Offense looks like dogshit. They better figure out a way to break off some runs.
Defense has stepped up bigtime but man no 1st downs and losing big on time of possession is not going to help!
A Catch by Kittle!!! And what a catch that was!
Let’s Go!!!!
And the major, inevitable JG fuck up
Damm you Jimmy!!!
Wtf 😳 another critical pick!!!
Appropriate that Ward blocked that FG since his brain fart coverage set it up.
Well Jimmy Ward sure made up for his blown coverage play with that blocked FG!
Get the ball to start the 2nd half but freaking Jimmy is just killing me his stupid pick when they should of scored!!
Now we’re talking I mentioned Deebo on kickoffs are punts and that’s the way to start the 2nd half!!
Great kickoff return!!
Deebo down?
Took a big hit Kevin but I expect he will be back in hopefully..
Yes, scary though
JG just hangs his receivers out to dry.
The announcers just called it Jimmy has to make a play
They have to run the Ball 🏈 somewhere other than up the middle