49ers Win By The Skin of Their Teeth In Divisional Round Win vs Packers

Liam O'Connor

January 21st, 2023

(Deebo Samuel Runs vs The Packers Defense)

In an intense playoff game, the Green Bay Packers, the seventh seed in the NFC, fought their way into the postseason with a 9-8 record, showcasing the NFL's youngest team with an average age of 25 years. Despite the promising start, they faced a heartbreaking 24-21 defeat against the San Francisco 49ers on Saturday night, marking the 49ers' fourth appearance in the NFC Championship in five seasons.

Entering the dance in Jordan Love's inaugural season as the Packers' primary starting quarterback, the team absorbed a $40 million dead cap hit for trading Rodgers to the New York Jets. While this could be seen as a positive signal for the organization's future, the Packers fell short in overcoming the NFC's top seed on the road, highlighting the need for a few more key plays.

The loss extended the Packers' postseason struggles against the 49ers, marking their fifth consecutive playoff defeat. However, it shattered the narrative that the 49ers couldn't come from behind and win under Kyle Shanahan's leadership. Before this game, the 49ers under Shanahan were 0-30 while entering a 4th quarter down 7+. Brock Purdy played a crucial role, leading a decisive scoring drive with 5 completed passes for 47 yards and an 8 yard run i the redzone, capped by Christian McCaffrey's six-yard touchdown run with 1:07 left in the game.

The first half favored the 49ers with a 7-6 lead, but Green Bay gained momentum after the break. Despite challenges, Love showcased poise, connecting with wideout Bo Melton for a 19-yard touchdown. The 49ers responded with a touchdown of their own, courtesy of McCaffrey's electrifying 39-yard rushing score. The game remained intense, marked by chaos in the Green Bay kickoff return that resulted in a fumble but recovered by the Packers that led to another Green Bay touchdown.

In a pivotal moment, Carlson's missed 41-yard field goal attempt provided a lifeline to the struggling 49ers, allowing them to march down the field for the go-ahead touchdown. Love's inexperience became evident in his final pass attempt, resulting in his second interception and ending the Packers' promising postseason run.

The 49ers ultimately secured the win by staying composed under pressure, with Purdy leading a crucial drive in the final minutes. Despite Green Bay's youthful advantage, their inexperience proved costly, culminating in a missed opportunity and an untimely interception.

The turning point of the game was Carlson's missed field goal, breathing new life into the 49ers and their struggling offense.

The 49ers will host the NFC Championship game on January 28 at 330 Pacific time against the Detroit Lions. This game is sure to be entertaining on the offensive side of the ball, but if the 49ers play like the team we know they are, they should be playing in Vegas on February 11th.

(49ers Star Linebackers Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw celebrate Greenlaw's game winning celebration.)