Pack React: Packers Lose in Divisional Round -

Pack React: Packers Lose in Divisional Round

After a 13-4 record during 2021, the season is over for the Green Bay Packers. As the #1 seed in the NFC, they hosted a Divisional Round game after a bye week. Ultimately they lost 13-10 to the San Francisco 49ers.

Rest or Rust?

One question that football fans always ponder is how will a team perform coming off of a bye. Will they be well-rested, or will they be rusty? Well, the Packers gave an early indication that they took advantage of the week off. On the opening drive of the game, Green Bay went all the way down the field and scored a touchdown. The possession took over 5 minutes, and it appears as though the Packers would exercise their will against the 49ers.

However, that would be the only time the Packers would find the end zone all contest. In fact, they were held off the score sheet entirely during the 2nd and 3rd quarters.

Around FPC

NFL: Bucs Players Admit Confusion Ahead Of Cooper Kupp Reception

NFL: “Faith in Everybody and Fingers Crossed:” How Canton Hopes to Keep a Secret

NHL: NHL Rumors: Arizona Coyotes, Chicago Blackhawks, Vancouver Canucks

NFL: If You Like NFL History, the 2021 Playoffs Are For You

Wrestling: WWE Once Again Chooses To Go Back To Brock Lesnar

PODCAST: Full Press NFL Podcast Ep 30: Packers/Titans Fall; Aaron Rodgers Future; Sunday Preview and Predictions

Dominant Defenses

Normally, going two entire quarters without scoring a point in a playoff game would spell disaster. However, entering the final frame, Green Bay held a 7-0 lead. Both defenses were truly dominant combining for 9 sacks and 13 tackles for loss. Neither offensive line could gain consistent traction, outside of that opening drive for the Packers. In fact, San Francisco never scored an offensive touchdown in the game.

Ep 38: Tyreek Hill Traded To The Dolphins
by Full Press Coverage on March 24, 2022 at 12:10 am

This is a complete turnaround for the Packers when compared to just two years beforehand. In the 2019 NFC Championship Game, Green Bay allowed the 49ers to produce over 200 rushing yards. This time, only 106 rushing yards, nearly a third of which came from WR Deebo Samuel. He led his team in scrimmage yards with 39 on the ground and 3 catches of 44 receiving yards. He was the weapon the Packers defenses needed to shut down, and they did a fairly good job of that.

Not So Special Teams

Yes, Aaron Rodgers will likely win the NFL MVP. And yes, that means any Rodgers-led team should score more than 10 points. But do not let that distract from the fact that Special Teams sunk the Packers. It had been a problem all season long, as Green Bay was ranked dead last in Football Outsiders Special Teams DVOA during the 2021 season. It cost them big in this one. First, the 49ers blocked a Packers field goal. As Green Bay fans know all too well, kicking woes have put the team in the red this year. In a 13-10 final, those 3 missing points loomed large for the Packers.

But not as large as the play that arguably won the game for San Francisco. After the Green Bay offense went 3-and-out, they were forced to punt deep in the own side of half. With 4:41 left in the 4th quarter, the 49ers blocked the punt, recovered the football, and returned it for a touchdown. It was the only time in the match that San Francisco found the end zone. But that was enough.

Latest Packers News

The Packers offense finished the game with back-to-back 3-and-outs and gave the ball back with 3:20 left in a 10-10 game. They never regained possession as the 49ers drove the ball down the field. As time expired, Robbie Gould kicked the game-winning field goal to send San Francisco to the NFC Championship Game, and Green Bay home.

Thank you for reading Pack React: Packers Lose in Divisional Round. Be sure to check out all of the great NFL content available on Full Press Coverage.

– Kyle Senra is the managing editor for Full Press Coverage Packers. He covers the NFL. Like and follow on Follow @SenraSays Follow @FPC_Packers and Facebook.