But the real 49ers showed up late in the 4th quarter when QB Brock Purdy led his team on a game-winning touchdown drive. Then the defense answered by getting a turnover and putting the game away. And now the 49ers are headed to their third straight NFC Championship, and fourth in the last five years.
Here are my rapid reactions—my live notes from the game as it unfolded.
- Not the best start for the run defense. And they weren't that effective for much of the game. Packers' running back, Aaron Jones, rushed for over 100 yards. That was the first time the 49ers have surrendered 100 yards to a running back in over 50 games.
- The defense gave up a long opening drive (14 plays), but Charvarius Ward broke up the pass in the end zone to force a Green Bay field goal. Ward continues to play at a high level.
- I'm not sure why Kyle Shanahan didn't run the ball more on the 49ers opening drive. The field and the ball were wet, and Purdy had been off for a couple of weeks.
- Two Green Bay drives. Two pass interference penalties. That wasn't good.
- Two Green Bay drives. Two first downs because a defender slipped and fell. That wasn't good either.
- Logan Ryan got the start at safety instead of rookie Ji'Ayir Brown. That's not too surprising. A veteran with postseason experience over a rookie who didn't play much in the regular season.
- The run defense missed Clelin Ferrell. Chase Young was not very good.
- It was great having Jauan Jennings back. He stepped up huge in this game.
- Beautiful throw from Purdy on his touchdown pass to George Kittle.
- Deommodore Lenoir was punishing people out there.
- The 49ers need to upgrade from Ambry Thomas next season.
- All three of Green Bay's first-half possessions were 10 plays or more.
- The 49ers offense isn't the same without Deebo Samuel. Let's hope he's okay.
- I hate rain games. They're the great equalizer. The weather certainly seemed to help the Packers.
- Shanahan's clock management before the half was curious. I think the weather influenced what he did, making him more conservative than he normally would have been. He called plays on that drive like he did when Jimmy Garoppolo was the quarterback—scared. I think the weather, and Purdy's lack of accuracy was the reason Shanahan was so conservative.
- Shanahan's conservative approach didn't pay off. Jake Moody's field goal attempt was blocked.
- I think the rest versus rust question was answered in the first half. It was ugly.
- A run play to Jennings? When you have the best running back in the league on your team? Thats confusing.
- Ambry Thomas is terrible. Did I mention that already?
- Tashaun Gipson had a horrible game. He slipped and gave up a big touchdown.
- I still remember when the 49ers defense was good. They were up and down in this game.
- Good things happen with you get the ball to Christian McCaffrey.
- Why aren't the 49ers kicking the ball out of the end zone like they were? Their coverage unit is terrible.
- The special teams unit as a whole was bad in this game. And for much of the season.
- Purdy was not good in this game. Until he had to be.
- Dre Greenlaw's first interception was a big one.
- Unfortunately, the offense couldn't do anything with it. Purdy was just awful.
- Shanahan was bad, too.
- Nice job by Moody hitting the 52-yard field goal.
- Purdy can't throw a wet ball. That was a problem all night. But he led his team down the field for a go-ahead touchdown late in the game.
- Huge play by Greenlaw to win the game. But someone needs to teach him to go down.
- It was an ugly game by the 49ers, but a win is a win. And it was good for the 49ers to win a close, tough game like this.
The 49ers must be better next week. The way they played tonight will not work against the Detroit Lions. And maybe not the Tampa Bay Buccaneers either.
Regardless, the 49ers will host the NFC Championship Game next Sunday afternoon. They are two wins away from bringing a sixth Super Bowl title back to San Francisco.
Written By:
Speaker. Writer. Covering the San Francisco 49ers. Host of the 49ers Camelot show.
YouTube.com/@49ersCamelot
Find the 49ers Camelot show wherever you listen to your podcasts!
All articles by Marc Adams
@49ersCamelot
YouTube Channel
Marc Adams
Speaker. Writer. Covering the San Francisco 49ers. Host of the 49ers Camelot show.
YouTube.com/@49ersCamelot
Find the 49ers Camelot show wherever you listen to your podcasts!
All articles by Marc Adams
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers handed another ugly loss: Rapid reactions
How many ways can you find to lose a game? The San Francisco 49ers are trying to uncover as many as they can. On Sunday, they found new ways to self-destruct, falling 29-17 to the Miami Dolphins. With two games remaining, we'll see what this team is made of and how much fight... -
49ers mailbag: Can SF re-sign Dre Greenlaw, Talanoa Hufanga? Which big-name players could the 49ers lose this offseason?
The San Francisco 49ers have three games remaining in the 2024 season. They would love to win all three and finish on a high note. But it won't be easy. On Sunday, they play in Miami and are still banged up at some key positions, namely running back, with Isaac Guerendo having... -
49ers reporter doesn't expect a discount from Brock Purdy in contract talks
KNBR host and podcast personality Larry Krueger recently shared his perspective on the looming contract negotiations between the San Francisco 49ers and quarterback Brock Purdy, a storyline that is poised to be among the most discussed during the upcoming offseason. Some have... -
Kyle Shanahan on 49ers' likely Week 16 starter, Patrick Taylor Jr.: "Big opportunity for him"
The San Francisco 49ers' injury woes continue to mount. Head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed on Friday that Patrick Taylor Jr. will "most likely" start at running back in Sunday's game against the Miami Dolphins. The team has ruled out rookie Isaac Guerendo due to a hamstring...