Green Bay Packers’ studs and duds in Week 9 victory over 49ers
Let’s take a look at some of the Green Bay Packers’ studs and duds in their Week 9 victory over the shorthanded San Francisco 49ers.
The Green Bay Packers mounting pile of injuries and players missing due to covid-19 was nothing compared to what the San Francisco 49ers were going through entering Thursday Night’s contest. Still, the Pack did what they were supposed to do and dismantled the San Francisco 49ers 34-17.
Even though the score is a bit closer than the game was (the 49ers scored two very late touchdowns after Green Bay went up 34-3), the Packers accomplished what they couldn’t last season: Leave San Fran with a victory.
The Packers’ injury list grew throughout the game, but it doesn’t appear any of them were serious. Hopefully, they can get healthy during this mini-bye. In the meantime, let’s take a look at some of their studs and duds in this game.
Studs
Rodgers to Adams connection
There isn’t a better quarterback/wide receiver pairing in the NFL right now. Aaron Rodgers (25-for-31 for 305 yards and four touchdowns) found Davante Adams (10 receptions for 173 yards and one touchdown) for three touchdowns last week, and the two were even more unstoppable this time around. Rodgers was putting the ball in unbelievable locations just to give Adams an opportunity to come down with the ball. And the wide receiver was fire, catching (just about) everything thrown his way. The Packers may not need any other wide receivers based on the way these two are playing.
Tyler Ervin
A running back only by number, Tyler Ervin was thrust into the role more often on Thursday night because covid rendered Jamaal Williams and A.J. Dillon inactive. Although he only had eight carries for 24 yards, he also added four receptions for 48 yards. It’s clear he’s a tertiary weapon for Green Bay and they should work to get him more involved moving forward.
Turnovers
The Packers’ defense hasn’t been forcing turnovers at nearly the same rate as a season ago–one of the many reasons they’ve taken a step back in 2020. However, they got two against the 49ers undermanned defense on Thursday night. Preston Smith decided to show up and hit Nick Mullens on a first-half throw that led to an interception by Raven Greene. Za’Darius Smith sacked him in the second half and caused a fumble which he also recovered. Even though it was against an NFL-Europe offense, the Packers need more of this moving forward.
Duds
Josh Jackson
Josh Jackson seems to get targeted. Both by opposing quarterbacks and officials. He has played okay the last few weeks, but he can’t seem to avoid being called for penalties. He was once again flagged for pass interference against the 49ers (even if it was ticky tacky) and also a personal foul when he threw a ball-carrier down to the ground too hard. With Jaire Alexander going down with a concussion and Kevin King’s status unknown moving forward, Jackson needs to take some steps forward with this extended playing time.
Next. Packers at 49ers: Instant takeaways and highlights. dark
Injuries
The Packers’ injury report has only gotten longer as the days have gotten shorter. That list grew during the game as Alexander, Krys Barnes and Rick Wagner all left the game and didn’t return. Hopefully, they can take these next 10 days to get healthy.