Instant Takeaways from Devastating Green Bay Packers Playoff Loss

Yes, blame the special teams, but blame the Green Bay Packers offense as well. A fun season comes to an abrupt end with another playoff loss at home.

Here are my instant takeaways from the Green Bay Packers performance.

– We finally saw the Green Bay Packers’ offense get off to a quick start — something they’ve struggled with this season — with an opening drive score. But things went downhill very quickly after that. Matt LaFleur’s play-calling became very conservative–where was the pre-snap motion, misdirection, or play-action? It was ineffective, bland, and in short, the offense no-showed.

– I do wonder if that was the case with the play-calling because LaFleur was concerned about the offensive line in pass protection, where they did struggle.

– Along the OL, the Packers chose to put Billy Turner at left tackle with David Bakhtiari out. My best guess is that they went this route because Dennis Kelly had been so good at right tackle and against a stout defensive front, the Packers wanted Turner’s experience over Yosh Nijman’s youth.

– Overall, the offensive line had one of their worst performances of the season. Running wasn’t easy and often it felt like the offensive line was barely hanging on in pass protection. It was also a rough showing for Kelly, who as I mentioned, had been very sound.

– Huge credit to the Green Bay Packers defense. It was this unit that many were concerned about entering the game. The pass rush was very effective as it has been all season, and they were disciplined against the run, setting a strong edge and maintaining gap responsibilities.

– Speaking of the pass rush, Rashan Gary was an absolute problem for this 49ers’ offensive line, particularly their right tackle.

– What an absolute disaster this special teams unit is. We knew this coming into the game and it cost them–again. Don’t be surprised if the Packers have a new special teams coordinator next season.

– The defense was able to capitalize on one turnover opportunity and Jimmy Garoppolo tried to give them a few other gifts as well.

– As part of my previews, I talked quite a bit about how important tackling was going to be when it came to limiting this YAC-heavy 49ers offense, and Green Bay did a very good job of limiting the catch and run opportunities. Jimmy Garoppolo did find success over the middle of the field, however, just as he has all season.

– The San Francisco offense really hurt themselves in the red zone with a holding penalty on one possession and a face mask on the other. The end result was three total points, which ended up being enough.

– With Jaire Alexander back, he was used only on very obvious passing downs and played limited snaps. Green Bay would have Sullivan in the slot when in nickel and Alexander and King in the slot when in dime. Douglas and Stokes were the boundary corners.

– Green Bay’s offense continued to struggle in the red zone. They were 1/3 tonight–leaving with only one touchdown and a field goal.

– The cold weather certainly played a bit of a factor. We saw a few fumbles and some dropped passes as well.

– The passing game missed Marquez Valdes-Scantling–without his speed and downfield ability, things seemed much more condensed, therefore easier to defend.

– This was not Aaron Rodgers’ best showing either. Where did the quick passing game go? He and LaFleur should shoulder a lot of the blame for this one, along with the special teams unit.

– I guess now we wait and see what the future holds.