- January 6, 2014
Lambeau Field has seen it's fair share of historic moments over the decades, most of which have benefited the Green Bay Packers and their loyal fanbase. But on the night of one of the coldest games in NFL history, the Packers were left defeated in the bitter cold by a face that is becoming all too familiar to them--San Francisco 49ers' star quarterback, Colin Kaepernick.
With 0.03 left on the clock, Phil Dawson kicked the game-winning three points after a nail-biting finish that saw multiple lead changes and both quarterbacks doing everything they can to get momentum back in their team's favor. After getting the ball back with about five minutes to go, the 49ers made it a priority to keep the chains moving and run out the clock as much as possible. It proved to be a good strategy.
The Packers threatened to end San Francisco's drive early and give Aaron Rodgers another chance to crack the Niners defense, but on 3rd-and-10, Kaepernick reminded everyone why he was in the Super Bowl last year. As the Packers brought pressure in a desperate attempt to get to the Niners offense of the field, Kaepernick climbed the pocket like a savvy veteran and found Michael Crabtree for a gain of 17 yards. It was perhaps the biggest play of the day from Crabtree, who had 125 yards on eight catches, and had quickly found the soft spot in the zone defense.
Later on in the drive, the 49ers would be faced with a 3rd-and-8, and once again Kaepernick answered. Instead of containment, the Packers blitzed once again, only to watch the Wisconsin native scamper for an 11 yard gain.
It would prove to be the dagger, jammed coldly in the still-healing heart of Green Bay. For the third time in a calender year, Kaepernick flexed his tattooed muscles victorious after a game against the Packers. It was the second time he ended their season and any hopes of another Lombardi trophy. And he's really starting to haunt coach McCarthy and his team.
After a long week of the media obsessing over the cold weather and the 49ers hot-streak against them, McCarthy publicly declared that this time would be different. That Kaepernick would not be the one who sends the Pack home. Not at Lambeau.
And midway through the 4th quarter, it did look like this game would be different. Momentum seemed to be on the Packers side. Rodgers was finding ways to make big plays against a dominant 49ers defense. And, with the emergence of Eddie Lacy, there was suddenly a reliable rushing attack that had to be a bit of a concern for San Francisco. And best of all, the 49ers offense kept sputtering out despite great field possession.
But like last year, the 49ers made plays when their back was up against the wall. And it was the same familiar faces. Kaepernick found Vernon Davis for a huge 28-yard touchdown pass. Crabtree, who has gotten better each week after returning from an achilles injury, made several big catches against Green Bay's secondary. And although he was held in check, Frank Gore picked up solid yards and first downs to help sustain drives and keep the clock running.
For Green Bay, the loss raises the same alarming realizations as it has last year. They have to clearly get better on the defensive side of the ball. Defensive coordinator Don Capers has not matched the efficiency of the Packers offense, who can score with anybody and anywhere. At this rate, it might be smarter for the Packers to draft in a manner that will help them beat San Francisco rather than the teams in their own division. For the foreseeable future, it will be teams like San Francisco, Seattle, and Carolina that will decide the road to the Super Bowl, not any of their opponents in the NFC North.
For the 49ers, it allows them to move on to a rematch with the Carolina Panthers next Sunday. The two teams are similar and while Carolina is home and beat the Niners 10-9 in week 10, San Francisco will have Crabtree in the lineup this time and a healthy Vernon Davis. It also shows the genius of coach Jim Harbaugh, who has now won a playoff game in each of his three seasons since taking the franchise over. This is a team that is confident and has the longest win streak in the NFL. And they strongly believe they will be in New Jersey in a little less than a month.
-Nicholas Navaro
No comments:
Post a Comment