| Packers find way to win by Mike Joerndt |
| It was a game they had to win, and the Packers did the job against San Francisco on Sunday. After four weeks of playing lackluster football, Green Bay put together an excellent game against an excellent opponent and got out of hostile territory with a 20-14 win. Watching the 49ers last drive, as they reached the Green Bay 11 with less than a minute left, many people may disagree with that opinion. If we were talking about the Bears or the Vikings, I'd agree wholeheartedly. But San Francisco is the NFC West Champion. They feature a strong, mobile quarterback in Jeff Garcia, and he has a good arsenal of backs and receivers supporting him. The 49ers defense is no slouch either. They held the Packers to just 3.2 yards rushing per carry. So though San Francisco had a chance to win at the end of the game, I maintain Green Bay played a solid game. If there's any doubt left in your mind, consider the disadvantages facing the Packers. To begin, the awful weather forced Green Bay to play with a more conservative approach than normal. In a stadium known for swirling winds, Mother Nature added pelting rain. At times it was obvious the players were slipping on the wet turf. Brett Favre averaged just over six yards per throw. Green Bay's play selection included as many throws as runs (33). As per usual this season, the Packers had to deal with injuries. Defensive lineman Gilbert Brown was sorely missed against a team that can run the ball well up the middle. Right tackle Earl Dotson had back problems, forcing Green Bay to start rookie Kevin Barry. Of course, let's not forget the patchwork offensive line that put starting center Mike Flanagan at tackle for the rest of the season. For each problem, though, Green Bay seemed to have an answer. Though throwing short passes, Favre made them count. Completing 25 of 33 passes, Favre appeared relaxed and composed. He threw just one touchdown, but no interceptions. More significantly, Green Bay did not give up on the ground game. Though often stuffed for little or no gain, the Packers still put 104 yards rushing, including 90 by Ahman Green. Despite the winds, Ryan Longwell nailed two of three field goals: a 48-yarder in the first quarter and a 28-yarder in the fourth quarter that forced the 49ers to go for a touchdown on their last drive. Once again, Green Bay's backups stepped up and played admirably. Though the Packers allowed the 49ers to rush for 107 yards on 23 carries, it was well below their season average of nearly 139 yards per game. Kevin Barry kept 49ers defenders at bay through most of the game. Meanwhile, Flanagan looked like he'd been playing tackle all season. I especially enjoyed a fourth quarter rushing play in which Flanagan pulled right and sealed the outside of the line for Green to make a first down. Let me again emphasize the quality of this week's opponent. San Francisco was just the second team to win their division title this year. Quarterback Jeff Garcia was not sacked against Green Bay because he has the ability to scramble before he throws or simply tuck the ball and run. Though he apparently learned sportsmanship from Randy Moss, receiver Terrel Owens is an excellent player. The Packers always seem to bring their best game to the field when they face the 49ers, especially when the battle is in Candlestick Point (or whatever they call it). It's the sort of game they should have brought to Minnesota or Tampa Bay. It's the sort of game they played in the second half of their previous two games. If they bring it to their last two regular season games, they will destroy the Bills and Jets. There's plenty of incentive for the Packers to do just that, as Green Bay jockeys for playoff position. This strong victory against a strong opponent will go a long way to provide confidence as the Packers head for the road to the Super Bowl. |