The Green Bay Packers knew what they needed to do against a depleted San Francisco 49ers team: dominate. And that is exactly what they did in their 38-10 victory. Despite the fact that San Francisco was down several star players, including Pro Bowl quarterback Brock Purdy and All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams, no game is a “gimme” in the NFL, especially against a roster that features Christian McCaffrey.
With the 49ers weakened, it was vital that Green Bay not give them any extra opportunities.
And they didn’t.
Jordan Love completed 13 of 23 passes for 163 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions. It was the first game all season in which he did not turn the ball over. After scoring on their first three drives, the Packers put the 49ers in a position where they could not run the ball very much. But when they did, they rarely gained any ground. Green Bay’s defense held McCaffrey to just 31 yards on 11 carries.
Three Studs for the Green Bay Packers vs the San Francisco 49ers
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In such a game as this, multiple players needed to have strong performances to achieve the outcome that was desired. The 49ers sent the Packers home in the NFL Playoffs last year, a fact that not many players forgot, even the newcomers.
And it showed in their performances.
1. Running Back Josh Jacobs
The most impressive offensive performance is that of Josh Jacobs, who carried the ball 26 times for 106 yards and three touchdowns. He became the first running back in the whole NFL to rush for 100 yards against San Francisco since Aaron Jones did it with Green Bay in their postseason loss.
Jacobs’ three touchdowns were also the most for a Packers running back in a game since Jones had three against the Carolina Panthers back in 2019.
2. Safety Xavier McKinney
Like Jacobs, safety Xavier McKinney was a big free agent signing that Green Bay made during the offseason. He has helped completely transform the position for the Packers, whose safety room was among the worst in the NFL last season.
McKinney tied for the NFL lead in interceptions by getting his seventh of the season against the 49ers. He returned it 42 yards deep into San Francisco territory and set up a Jacobs touchdown run.
He is just the 18th player in franchise history to have at least seven interceptions in a season.
3. Linebacker Quay Walker
There is no way around it: Quay Walker has had a disappointing season for the Packers this year. He does not always read the run well and often overplays the ball carrier. There are rumblings that Green Bay may decline his fifth-year option.
But to give credit where credit is due, Walker played extremely well against San Francisco. He did drop what should have been an easy interception, but otherwise had a good game.
Walker tied for the team-lead in tackles (seven) and had two tackles for loss, something that he has had a hard time doing this year.
Three Duds for the Green Bay Packers vs the San Francisco 49ers
In such a dominating win, it is difficult to point out too much that went wrong. That being said, there were a few performances that left a lot to be desired.
1. Wide Receiver Christian Watson
Watson did not have a great game, recording no catches on three targets. The worst play of the game for Green Bay, arguably, was when he dropped what should have been a 49-yard touchdown pass near the end of the first half.
Now, while some fans may be quick to criticize Watson, it should be remembered that he had four receptions for 150 yards just last week and was a huge reason why they beat the Chicago Bears.
2-3. Pre-Snap Penalties
There simply were not many poor performances in from the Packers in this game. However, one thing that continues to be a frustration is pre-snap penalties. Whether they are false starts on offense or lining up in the neutral zone on defense, it seems as if these are mistakes Green Bay makes every week.
Fortunately, they were only flagged five times against San Francisco, but these mistakes are still in need of fixing.
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