Week 3 Recap: Packers vs 49ers

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This was one of the most exciting Packer games that I had seen in a while. Let's break it down! After a big first win against NFC North division rivals, the Detroit Lions, The Green Bay Packers looked to continue their success against the mighty San Francisco 49ers. Aaron Rodgers was coming into Sunday night hungry, looking to prove the doubters wrong, as there were still many critics believing that he was not going to follow up an MVP season with another dominant season. On the other hand, the 49ers started off their season 2-0, as they were starting to look like the dominant team that made a Super Bowl appearance just a couple years ago. San Francisco quarterback, Jimmy Garoppolo was off to a hot start and playing with a chip on his shoulder as well.

The Packers got the ball to start the game, making a big drive down the field, however, got pushed back quite a few yards due to costly penalties. Surprisingly, the Packers only had 39 yards of total offense on the opening drive. Fortunately, the green and gold capitalized on their first drive putting three points on the board after a Mason Crosby field goal from 54 yards out! That was an insane kick. Mason Crosby has been clutch lately in some of the biggest moments for the Packers. We will get into that later though.

The Packers were on a roll. The defense came prepared, as they instantly forced the 49ers offense to a quick three and out, giving ball possession back to the Packers. Rodgers got his first real chance of the night to bring the offense down the field attempting to score 6. This drive was one of his more impressive ones in a while, as #12 found more options open and mixed up his game plan more. Not only did the drive consist of throwing to his favorite target in Davante Adams, but he got to AJ Dillon, and even Marquez Valdes-Scantling (aka- MVS) for a deep pass for a 47-yard reception. Additionally, we cannot forget about the greatness that Aaron Jones has provided that offense, as he played a big impact on the ground for a few of those plays. Just a few plays after the big MVS reception, Rodgers went back to Adams for a touchdown. Even though it was still early, many Cheesehead fans had a sigh of relief as MVS has a reputation of dropping some of the biggest pass attempts thrown to him. Basically, for every one big catch he makes, he drops two. He has real potential, but his inconsistency explains why he drops down on the Packers depth chart in terms of wide receivers. Regardless, by the end of first quarter, the Packers had an early 10-0 lead.

Moving on to the second quarter, you guessed it (but not really).. the Packers’ defense no hiccups in the first quarter, looking to continue their consistency as they went into the next quarter. They had a good first drive as they turned the page, once again bringing the ball back to Rodgers and crew. This time the running game emerged, as both Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon had more touches, carrying the offense down field. Rodgers also picked up a few more targets as well, as connecting with the two Tight Ends, Robert Tonyan, and Josiah Deguara. Just after the two-minute warning, Rodgers connected with Adams for yet another touchdown as the Packers looked to have a comfortable 17-0 lead going into halftime.

NOT SO FAST.. The 49ers got the ball back once more before the end of the first half and scored in just over a minute of play. Jimmy G found two of his top targets in Tight End Geroge Kittle, and Wide Receiver Mohamed Sanu Sr. as they carried the offense downfield, making quick work and shifted some of the momentum back on their side as they would start the second half with the ball in their possession. At the half, the Packers lead was cutdown by 7 points, with the score of 17-7.

After a good first half, the defense actually looked a little shaky on the last drive as they gave up 7 points when they needed to kill time off the clock. Unfortunately, this became a little bit of a trend as the second half went underway. As the 49ers started the second half with the ball, they took it to the house right away, making up for their mistakes prior in the game. All of a sudden, the score was 17-14. The Packers running game responded a couple possessions later with a touchdown of their own, thanks to the running game turning on the jets. The score was now 24-14 Green Bay. For the most part, this half was dominated by the 49ers as Jimmy G was out to prove that he was an elite quarterback, especially after there were talks that led into potentially benching/trading him all having to do with the Rodgers/Packers’ front office drama happening back in the Spring. Let's cut to the chase though. The Packers’ defense looked tired out and slacked down the stretch. Shockingly, deep into the fourth quarter, the score was 28-27 with San Francisco in the lead. All of the 49er fans were in celebration mode after scoring the go-ahead touchdown with just 37 seconds left to play.

Apparently, they had no knowledge about the greatness of Aaron Rodgers and how he handles the pressure down the stretch. After the Packers started their last drive at their own 25 yard line, Rodgers found Adams right away and connected for a 25-yard pass, placing the ball at midfield. The clock was running so the offense sprinted downfield and Rodgers spiked the ball to stop the clock. After that Rodgers intended to stick with Adams, however the pass was incomplete. On third down however, the two connected once more for a 17-yard pass, with the ball at the San Francisco 33 yard line.

It was the perfect setup for Mason Crosby. With three seconds left in the game, it was all up to #2. This time the distance was from 51 yards out. As the snap came, Crosby put all of his force into his leg and knocked it through the uprights as time expired! PACKERS WON!!! Crosby came through in the clutch once again! All of his teammates were mobbing him and Rodgers reaction was priceless. The Packers had improved to a 2-1 record.

I mean Rodgers put it very simply after that thrilling victory, “How can you not be romantic about football?!”

Final Score: Packers- 30, 49ers- 28