With a score and performance exceeding even the most optimistic expectations, the Packers embarrassed Shanahan’s niners with one well-executed game plan. We all knew how bad LaFleur wanted to win this one and it showed.
What an evening it was for both rookies and free agent signings. Following this game, Xavier McKinney is now tied for 1st in the NFL with 7 interceptions. RB Josh Jacobs lit up the field and managed a whopping 3 TDs, solidifying his position as a top 5 running back of league and perhaps for the team’s history.
Jordan Love managed a 107.7 QB rating and did not add to his interceptions total. A few drops, including one by WR Christian Watson, who did not continue his hot streak from the Bears game, hurt that stat a bit.
It bears mentioning that the 49ers went into this game missing key players and have been hit hard this season with injuries. All the same, an opportunity was presented to Matt LaFleur and he and his team seized on it in spectacular fashion in front of a Lambeau crowd.
Making up for recent shortcomings, the Pack went 5 for 5 in the red zone. Coming into this game, the Packers were 19 for 39 in red zone attempts.
The #Packers are 15-6 since trading away Rasul Douglas at last year's trade deadline.
— Ross Uglem (@RossUglem) November 25, 2024
Nothing to do with Rasul, just another impressive run for Matt LaFleur and his program. pic.twitter.com/8TgEFrWnt4
@ByRyanWood): Josh Jacobs on improving red-zone efficiency for the Green Bay Packers: 'I just told them to give me the ball.' Jacobs later clarifies he jokingly tells his coach Matt LaFleur to trust him to score in the red zone, especially when it's a yard or two away from the goal line."" class="kb-img wp-image-60007"/>So spectacular, in fact, it was the worst loss by San Francisco ever to the Green Bay Packers. It was the first 20+ final point deficit in the series since 1997. Injuries or not, Kyle Shanahan ate humble pie while standing on the sideline at Lambeau Field.
Xavier McKinny’s interception was targeted at Deebo Samuel, who only managed a single catch…
2024 compensation:
— Andrew Brandt (@AndrewBrandt) November 25, 2024
Deebo Samuel: $22 million
Packers 7 WRs: $8 million.
It was such a successful game that even the Packer’s defense connected all the dots and most of their assignments:
The 4-3 defense is starting to come along and players like Rashan Gary appear to be adapting to it and finding their way.
Turnovers and penalties plagued the niners all game, but what mattered is that the Pack capitalized on each and every one. The Packers’ odds of a wild card berth are now 90+% following the win as they advance to 8-3 for the season with the youngest team in the NFL in the most challenging division. He still needs his big playoff win, but LaFleur is earning some street cred this season.
Green Bay will have a quick turnaround as they host the Miami Dolphins on Thursday night.
No one will want to draw the Packers in the playoffs. Playoff game in a dome? No problem, Jordan Love can drop dimes all over the field. And goes toe to toe with Goff, Darnold, and Hurts. Playoff game outside in the elements? Josh Jacobs will take you to pound town. Add an opportunistic and aggressive defense and the Packers will be a tough out. Detroit and Philadelphia should be the favorites but that’ll be no guarantee come January….