The Packers struggled to capitalize on scoring chances, resulting in a Saturday night playoff loss of 24-21 against the 49ers at Levi’s Stadium. This defeat added another unfortunate chapter to the Packers’ playoff history.
The Packers were leading by four points and had an opportunity to extend it to seven in the fourth quarter. However, rookie kicker Anders Carlson missed a crucial 41-yard field goal. Seizing the moment, the 49ers drove 69 yards in the opposite direction, scoring a touchdown to take the lead with just over a minute left.
During the Packers’ final attempt to score, quarterback Jordan Love made a costly mistake by throwing the ball in the wrong direction. Unfortunately, his pass was intercepted by 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw, marking Greenlaw’s second interception of the second half.
San Francisco secured a victory and is heading to the NFC title game, while the Packers’ season has concluded.
Jordan Love, the Packers’ quarterback, completed 21 passes out of 34 attempts for 194 yards, achieving two touchdowns and two interceptions. Aaron Jones, the running back, had a standout performance with 18 carries for 108 yards, becoming the first player in 51 games (including playoffs) to surpass 100 rushing yards against San Francisco.
Romeo Doubs, the wide receiver, made four catches for 83 yards, and Jayden Reed contributed with four receptions for 35 yards. Despite three opportunities in the red zone during the first half, resulting in only six points for Green Bay, it had a significant impact on the game.
On the 49ers’ side, quarterback Brock Purdy completed 23 passes out of 39 attempts for 252 yards, one touchdown, and zero interceptions. Christian McCaffrey, the running back, rushed 17 times for 98 yards and scored two touchdowns, including the game-winner.
George Kittle, the tight end, made four catches for 81 yards and a touchdown, while Jauan Jennings, the wide receiver, caught five passes for 61 yards.
In the opening quarter, the Packers are in the lead against the 49ers with a score of 3-0.
The Packers won the coin toss and opted to start with possession. Their opening series showed promise as Aaron Jones ran for 7 yards, and Jordan Love completed a 7-yard pass to Luke Musgrave for a first down. Jones then carried the ball four times, gaining 21 yards and reaching the 49ers’ 40-yard line.
A key play saw Romeo Doubs drawing a penalty from the 49ers, securing a first down in the red zone. Despite not scoring a touchdown, the Packers successfully kicked a 29-yard field goal, taking a 3-0 lead with 7 minutes and 22 seconds left in the first quarter. The drive encompassed 14 plays, covering 58 yards over 7 minutes and 38 seconds.
Starting from their own 20-yard line, the 49ers faced challenges, including an injury to Deebo Samuel. The Packers’ defense made a significant play with a sack, and after a punt, the Packers initiated their drive from the 18-yard line.
Yardage increased for the Packers, aided by penalties against the 49ers. A lengthy 38-yard pass to Romeo Doubs positioned the Packers well. The first quarter concluded with the Packers facing a third-and-1 situation.
At halftime, the 49ers are leading the Packers by a score of 7-6.
The Packers attempted to score but fell short, giving the 49ers possession at their 14-yard line.
The 49ers made successful plays, converting two third-and-1 situations. Brock Purdy threw a 16-yard pass to Jauan Jennings, followed by a 32-yard touchdown pass to George Kittle, putting the 49ers in the lead 7-3 with 8:42 left in the first half.
In a quick response, the Packers gained yards with a 27-yard pass from Jordan Love to Jayden Reed. Consecutive runs by Aaron Jones and a 22-yard pass to Romeo Doubs set up a scoring opportunity. However, the Packers couldn’t score a touchdown, settling for a 29-yard field goal by Anders Carlson. This narrowed the score to 7-6 with 4:09 left in the first half.
The 49ers attempted another scoring opportunity, but Colby Wooden blocked their 48-yard field goal attempt as the first half concluded.
As of the end of the third quarter,the Green Bay Packers hold a 21-14 lead over the San Francisco 49ers.
Deebo Samuel had to exit the game for the 49ers. The Packers started the second half well, forcing the 49ers to quickly complete three plays and go out. They gained possession at their own 25-yard line.
The Packers moved down the field, and despite a mistake in ball placement, the coach challenged it, resulting in a first down. Bo Melton drew a penalty, and then he scored a 19-yard touchdown. This put the Packers ahead 13-7 with approximately 9 minutes left in the third quarter.
The 49ers responded with some effective plays, including a 32-yard pass and a 23-yard run for a touchdown by McCaffrey. Now, the 49ers were in the lead 14-13 with about 7 minutes left in the third quarter.
Following a significant kickoff return by Keisean Nixon, even though the ball nearly got fumbled, the Packers gained possession at the 49ers’ 19-yard line. Subsequently, the Packers scored a touchdown with a 2-yard pass to Kraft. They also secured a two-point conversion, making the score 21-14 with about 5 minutes left in the third quarter.
The 49ers attempted to make a comeback, but the Packers’ defense held strong, forcing the 49ers to return the ball. The Packers gained possession again, but this time, Love’s pass got tipped, and the 49ers intercepted it. They got the ball back at their own 48-yard line with about 2 minutes left in the third quarter.
The 49ers executed a successful play on third-and-9, advancing to the Packers’ 35-yard line. However, after a couple of incomplete passes, the Packers tackled the 49ers’ quarterback for a small gain.