49ers knock Packers out of playoffs again

NFC Wild Card Round
January 5, 2014 - 3:40 p.m. - FOX
Lambeau Field
Green Bay, Wisconsin

Packers 20 - 49ers 23

For the second consecutive season, the San Francisco 49ers have knocked the Green Bay Packers out of the playoffs.

The Packers started extremely slow in this football game.  The Packers started the game with three consecutive 3-and-outs and managed only six yards of offense in the first quarter.  Give credit to the 49ers, the offense was so out of rhythm, they did not even complete a pass in the first quarter.  The last time that happened to the Packers was in 2004.  Despite the struggles, the Packers only trailed the 49ers at the conclusion of first quarter by a pair of Phil Dawson field goals.  The 49ers moved the ball well against the Packers defense.  However, the Packers, who are famous for their 'Bend-Don't-Break' defense, didn't break in the red zone and held the 49ers out of the end zone.

Photo credit: packers.com

Early in the second quarter, Colin Kaepernick had the 49ers moving the ball again seeking for an early dagger in the Packers.  On a second and seven from the Packers 29-yard line, Tramon Williams intercepted Kaepernick on a pass intended for Vernon Davis.  The turnover was crucial as it fired up the crowd and the Packers offense.  Aaron Rodgers, with the help of Eddie Lacy, dinked and dunked the Packers down the field for a 14-play drive ending with a Jordy Nelson touchdown.  Thanks to the defense not breaking in the first quarter, the Packers somehow had the lead 7-6.

The 49ers responded quickly.  Frank Gore found the end zone capping a 5-play drive for the 49ers giving them the lead right back 13-7.  Kaepernick gashed the Packers defense for a 42-yard rush and brought back nightmares of last year's playoff game in San Francisco.  Rodgers lead the Packers right down the field again, but the drive stalled inside the red zone and they settled for a Mason Crosby field goal cutting the 49ers lead at halftime to 13-10.

The third quarter was a defensive battle in the trenches.  Neither offense could find a rhythm.  The 49ers and Packers combined for a total of five punts in the third quarter.

The Packers opened the fourth quarter finding the end zone.  John Kuhn pounded it in from 1-yard out to complete a 12-play drive giving the Packers the 17-13 lead.  The drive also consisted of an unbelievable fourth down conversion as Rodgers escaped a sack and found Randall Cobb.  Once again, the 49ers responded quickly.  This time, the 49ers only needed four plays to get into the end zone to recapture the lead 20-17.  Twice in this football game, the Packers took the lead, but gave it up minutes later.  The Packers went on another long drive.  The Packers had a first and goal from the 9-yard line.  Sadly, just like the regular season, they could not find a way to get into the end zone.  A Crosby field goal tied the game with just over five minutes remaining in the game.

Photo credit: 49ers.com

The Packers never got the ball back.  The defense could not find a way to get off the field.  A third and ten, Kaepernick found Michael Crabtree for seventeen yards.  A critical third and eight, Kaepernick escaped the pocket and rushed for eleven yards and another first down.  A third and three to preserve time and give Aaron Rodgers a chance, ended with a Frank Gore 3-yard run.  49ers kicker Phil Dawson hit a 33-yard field goal as time expired and the Packers season was over.

The Packers finish the season 8-8-1.

Aaron Rodgers finished the day 17/26 for 177 yards and a touchdown.  177 passing yards is the lowest postseason total for Rodgers in his career.  Eddie Lacy rushed for 81 yards on 21 carries in his first playoff game in his career.  Jordy Nelson led the team in receiving with seven receptions for 62 yards and touchdown.  Colin Kaepernick played well again against the Packers passing for 227 yards and a touchdown.  Kaepernick hurt the Packers on the ground again rushing for 98 yards.  Frank Gore rushed for 66 yards and a touchdown.  Michael Crabtree had another big game against the Packers hauling in eight balls for 125 yards.

The 'Frozen Tundra' lived up to its name for this postseason matchup.  Kickoff weather conditions at Lambeau Field were a balmy 5 degrees with a wind chill of negative 10 degrees.  With the temperature dropping slowly throughout the game, both teams were playing in one of the coldest games in NFL history.

Photo credit: packers.com

I'm very proud of this football team.  This team easily could have given up weeks ago with injuries left and right.  But they didn't.  And kept fighting.  Incredible resilient team.  I love that this team never gave up.  They never lost hope, even when most people did.  We got to witness the rise of a star in Eddie Lacy.  We got to witness the magical comebacks by Matt Flynn.  We got to witness the comeback from Aaron Rodgers and the remarkable victory for the NFC North Championship.  A lot of people believed the Packers were going to lose to the 49ers because they were on 'borrowed time' anyways.  I have to tell you folks, despite the 8-8-1 record, despite the long list of injuries, the Packers were right there.  A play or two different in this ballgame and the Packers are moving on.

A very disturbing note: the Packers started their playoff history at Lambeau Field 13-0.  Since then, the Packers have suffered playoff home losses to the Falcons, Vikings, 49ers, and Giants twice.  The Packers have lost five of their last eight playoff games at Lambeau Field.  All-time the Packers are 16-5 on the 'Frozen Tundra' during the playoffs.  Have the Packers lost their Lambeau Field intimidation advantage?  Sure seems that way.  No one is afraid of coming to Green Bay in January anymore.  And that is very alarming.

The Packers will be faced with a lot of decisions in the offseason.  Will Dom Capers be back as defensive coordinator?  Will the Packers address personnel depth at the linebacker and safety position?  Which free agents will the Packers bring back: B.J. Raji, Johnny Jolly, C.J. Wilson, Sam Shields, Mike Neal, Ryan Pickett, James Jones, James Starks, Jermichael Finley, Andrew Quarless, John Kuhn, Evan Dietrich-Smith?  Will Ted Thompson sign any outside free agents?

In order for the Packers to return to the Super Bowl, they once again, have to address the defense in the offseason.  This will mark the third straight offseason the Packers have to address defensive woes.  This team could go so far if the Packers actually had a decent defense.

Till next season... #gopackgo

49ers top Packers again

Week 1
September 8, 2013 - 3:25 p.m. - FOX
Candlestick Park
San Francisco, California

Packers 28 - 49ers 34

For the second straight year the Packers faced the San Francisco 49ers in Week 1.  The end result..?  The same as last year but this time around, it was different.  We all remember the pitiful performance by the Packers against the 49ers in the NFC Divisional Playoff game back in January.  Due to that game there was a lot of discussion this offseason on the Packers being 'soft.'  In my opinion, I think the Packers answered the bell to the toughness question.  They certainly looked much more physical in this matchup.  Defensive line looked very solid.  Defensive secondary looked hideous as usual.

Photo credit: packers.com

So many mistakes were made by the Packers.  In the first half we have several penalties and two turnovers.  However, somehow the Packers were tied with the 49ers 14-14 at halftime.  Despite all the penalties, turnovers, and the lacking defensive secondary, the Packers had a chance to win this football game.  In the end, the 49ers are still better.  There are positives to build off of.  But there are negatives that need to be addressed.

Aaron Rodgers threw for 333 yards and three touchdowns with one interception (not his fault as Jermichael Finley... well, you know).  The offensive line held up well against the physical 49ers.  Rodgers had time to throw and was only sacked twice.  Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb both played well as they both hauled in seven balls and a touchdown.

Photo credit: packers.com

The running game was non-existent as usual.  I think Eddie Lacy can be a star.  However, it's hard to do so against one of the best run defenses in the NFL.  Lacy finished with 41 yards on 14 carries and a touchdown.  Lacy also had a costly fumble in the first half.  Hopefully we do not see that very often.

I thought Clay Matthews and the defensive line were fantastic in this game.  Matthews was a beast.  I also did not have a problem with what Matthews did on the late hit to Colin Kaepernick and altercation with Joe Staley.  The scary part of defense is still the secondary.  Close your eyes for these stats.  Kaepernick finished the day with 412 yards passing and three touchdowns.  Newly acquired 49er Anquan Boldin caught thirteen passes for a mind-blowing 208 yards and a touchdown.  Yes, the secondary needs some work... or something.

Jeremy Ross is an interesting player.  His potential on kick-off and punt returns is a positive.  His decision making on whether to take the ball out of the end zone when he clearly shouldn't is a negative.  Ross' bone headed decision to take the ball out of the end zone in today's game caused the Packers to have horrible starting field position 'twice.'  Two times the Packers started a drive after a kickoff inside their own 10-yard line.  Not what I would call ideal.

The referee's did it to us again...  The 49ers were given a free down after dead ball off-setting personal foul penalties.  After the penalties, the down should have been 4th and 2.  Instead, they replayed 3rd and 5 and the 49ers scored a touchdown on the play.  Ultimately, I don't think this botched call cost the Packers the game; they shot themselves in the foot enough to take care of that.  But, it would be nice if we could be on the good side of some bad calls or maybe even just have officials who call a game correctly.  I'm probably asking to much there.

All in all, the Packers lost.  However, in my opinion, they played better than I expected.  I felt they matched up well versus the 49ers.  Think about it... with so many mistakes, we went toe-to-toe with the best team in the NFL in their building.  We could very well be seeing this team again in January 2014.

Detroit Lions  1-0
Chicago Bears  1-0
Green Bay Packers  0-1
Minnesota Vikings  0-1

#gopackgo

Kaepernick, 49ers run Packers out of playoffs

NFC Divisional Round
January 12, 2013 - 8 p.m. - FOX
Candlestick Park
San Francisco, California

Packers 31 - 49ers 45

It's possible Colin Kaepernick is still running with the football.  The 49ers quarterback rushed for a quarterback-record 181 yards and two touchdowns.  Kaepernick also threw for 263 yards and two touchdowns as the Packers were knocked out of the playoffs for the second consecutive year in the Divisional Playoff round.

Photo credit: 49ers.com

The 49ers offense and Kaepernick ran a popular play in college called the "read-option" all night against the Packers defense and we didn't have a clue on how to defend it.  As a team, the 49ers rushed for 323 yards.  As a team, the 49ers had 579 yards of total offense.  Dom Capers defense was hammered and the squad had zero answers to even slow the 49ers down.  The 49ers set a team playoff record with their 579 yards on offense.  An absolute embarrassing day for the Packers defense.  Without a game next week, this poor defensive effort will be the talk of the entire offseason unfortunately.

Believe it or not, the Packers actually led in this game, twice.  On the fourth play of the game, Kaepernick threw an interception to Sam Shields and Shields took it 52 yards to the house for a touchdown.  The Packers led early and things looked like it could be our day.  The 49ers preceded to tie the game about four minutes later and the momentum was lost.  The second and final lead for the Packers came after Dujuan Harris capped off an 80-yard drive with a 18 yard rushing touchdown.  From that point forward, the 49ers unleashed their unstoppable read-option plays that left the Packers defense scratching their heads in embarrassment.

The Packers had two crucial turnovers in this game that basically gave the 49ers fourteen free points.  In the second quarter with the Packers leading 14-7, the defense forced the 49ers to punt.  Punt returner Jeremy Ross muffed the return and the 49ers recovered on the Green Bay 9-yard line.  A touchdown pass to Michael Crabtree three plays later would tie this football game.  On the next Packers possession, Aaron Rodgers threw a deep ball to Jordy Nelson that was intercepted by the 49ers Terrell Brown at the San Francisco 13-yard line.  Brown returned the interception to the Green Bay 48-yard line.  The 49ers would capitalize on the turnover as Kaepernick threw a 20-yard touchdown to Michael Crabtree giving the Niners the lead.  The defense didn't play well at all in this football game, but the offense didn't really help the defense out a whole lot.

Aaron Rodgers threw for 257 yards and two touchdowns.  Rodgers also had one interception and was sacked only one time.  Dujuan Harris ran well in the first half as he rushed for 58 yards on eleven carries and scored a touchdown.  James Jones had a good game catches four balls for 87 yards and touchdown.  Greg Jennings caught a touchdown late in the game in garbage time in what could be his last game wearing a Packers uniform.  Donald Driver, who played a little on special teams in this playoff game, also probably played his last game wearing a Packers uniform.

The season is over.  It's going to be a long offseason.  The season ended with an embarrassing defeat.  Some major changes need to be made on the defensive side of the ball.  In particular, Dom Capers, the defensive coordinator.  Our defense has been shredded several times in the last two seasons with him calling the defensive plays.  I'm not afraid to say, but it's time for a change.  Capers continues to fail to make necessary adjustments in games.  Or maybe he just doesn't know what adjustments to make.  Either way, it's time for a change in Green Bay.  Will it happen?  Probably not.  But it should happen.

Till next season... #gopackgo

Packers fall to Niners in 2012 opener

Week 1
September 9, 2012 - 3:25 p.m. - FOX
Lambeau Field
Green Bay, Wisconsin

Packers 22 - 49ers 30

This game had some effects of the loss to the New York Giants in the NFC Divisional Playoff round.  Maybe because this was the first game since that... "loss."  In reality, the Packers had their chance in this game, but they didn't capitalize.  The offense was out of sync.  In my opinion, the defense looked better as opposed to last year, however, it still wasn't good.  When a guy like Alex Smith picks your defense apart, your having a bad day on defense.  Anyway, the 49ers looked like the best team in the NFL through week 1.  They were very solid in all three phases of the game including coaching.  I thought the 49ers played great, yet we only lost by eight points and had a opportunity to tie the game on our last drive.  I was telling people after the game, "we deserved to lose, however, we will get better as the year goes on and to play as inconsistent as we did and to only lose by eight points isn't the end of the world."

At least we don't have to worry about the whole undefeated season thing.  We got that out of the way pretty quick.  A big concern going into week 1 was the replacement refs.  Now, I usually do a lot of yelling at the regular refs, but man... these guys are bad.  They missed so many calls it's comical.  We will have to see how this plays out going forward with the season.

I have to give David Akers a little credit.  Due to a mistake by Aaron at the end of the first half, the 49ers got the opportunity to add and extra three points just before the intermission.  Add three points he did with a NFL record tying 63-yard field goal.  Also, must mention his kick hit the crossbar then fell over.  Never thought I'd ever see a 60+ yard field goal made at Lambeau Field.

Photo credit: FOXSports.com

Seemed to be lots of panic after this game.  I think Aaron summed up my thoughts exactly.

Aaron Rodgers: "It's one game.  This is a team that was in the NFC championship last year.  It's a good team.  Hopefully we see them down the road in the playoffs."

However, a HUGE game against the rival Chicago Bears on Thursday night is quite possibly a "must-win" after the Bears won today.

Chicago Bears  1-0
Minnesota Vikings  1-0
Detroit Lions  1-0
Green Bay Packers  0-1