The Packers led 27-7 after two quarters of action, looking well on their way to securing a ticket to Levi's Stadium for a Divisional Playoff clash with the San Francisco 49ers.
The dominant performance at AT&T Stadium gave 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan a chance to start studying his first playoff opponent early. His staff had already initiated some work on the Packers, but as Sunday's game progressed, it became increasingly clear that all of their focus could be directed toward Matt LaFleur's team.
"We had mixed in [the Packers] a little bit earlier in the week, hitting up a couple of teams, but started really focusing on them halfway through the second quarter," Shanahan admitted. "Then [the Cowboys] scored at the end of the second quarter, so I kind of did [work on] both at halftime. And then, third quarter, I was set on one team."
The Packers started the season 3-6 but have won seven of their last nine, including Sunday's playoff rout of the Cowboys. What has been the key to Green Bay's turnaround this season?
"Probably not turning it over," Shanahan responded. "And when you don't turn it over, no matter what happens, you got a chance to win in every game. The fact they've only had one pick in [nine] games is unbelievable. And when you start getting a running game going with that, with a real good defense, too, doesn't surprise me at all."
It helps that quarterback Jordan Love has been playing some impressive football, too.
"He's come a long way," Shanahan acknowledged. "He's playing at such a high level. To get thrown in there early in this year and have to go through some ups and downs, which he did some good things earlier in this year, too, but to not win all those games, when you're with a tough record in your first year [starting], the pressure that comes with that.
"And just to watch him each game, he's been consistent. For him to take care of the ball the way he's done has been unbelievable. I mean, the 21 touchdowns and one pick [over the last nine] games is unbelievable.
"He's extremely consistent in what they're asking him to do. Matt is very good at coaching the quarterback, and you can see that their quarterback is buying in, and plays very well in their system, and makes a lot of plays, has a big arm, and is a big dude, too."
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers practice and media schedule: Preparing for the Week 15 matchup vs. Rams
The San Francisco 49ers will hold one full practice this week as they prepare for their Week 15 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. Head coach Kyle Shanahan, defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen, and quarterback Brock Purdy are scheduled to speak with the media. The 49ers... -
How Jauan Jennings turned early disappointment into a 49ers success story
Jauan Jennings often reflects on the moment he received a life-changing call from the San Francisco 49ers in 2020, informing him that he would be their seventh-round draft pick. While the wide receiver initially felt disappointed that his name wasn't called earlier, he's... -
Injuries in the spotlight during 49ers' short week ahead of Rams game
The San Francisco 49ers are quickly shifting focus from Sunday's victory over the Chicago Bears to their upcoming NFC West showdown against the Los Angeles Rams. With only a few days to prepare, the 49ers will host the Rams at Levi's Stadium on Thursday night, as both teams aim... -
Brock Purdy reflects on lessons learned during challenging 49ers season
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy acknowledges that this season has been anything but easy. The team's 5-7 record and three-game losing streak reflect the struggles. Purdy has faced his own challenges, including a shoulder injury that sidelined him during the loss to...