By Jaymie Cybulski
The San Francisco 49ers and the Green Bay Packers faced off in the highly anticipated NFC
championship game at Levi Stadium on Sunday. Early on, it was clear that San Francisco was
opting to play this game on the ground, a strategic move that ended up paying off big time for the
team.
It was clear from the beginning of the game, that the Packers had no answer for San
Francisco’s rushing attack. The 49ers offense exploded with a couple of plays to Deebo Samuel
down the field. The clear MVP of the game has to go to the 49ers running back Raheem Mostert.
He finished the game with 29 carries, 220 yards and 4 Touchdowns. Mostert was like a
hummingbird, darting here and there, and taking full advantage of the many opportunities he got
to run the ball. On the other hand, 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garappolo had it relatively easy,
and completed 6 for 8 passing and 77 yards.
In what had to be a demoralizing game, Aaron Rodgers finished the game with 31 completed
passes, 326 yards with 2 touchdowns and two interceptions. The Packers offense did have a
couple of solid drives after the first half of the game. Rodgers found wide receiver Devante
Adams for a 16 yard pass. This would eventually lead to a Green Bay touchdown catch by
running back Aaron Jones. Rodgers also would hit Jimmy Graham late in the game for a 42 yard
Hail Mary catch that ended up down at the 1 yard line. This would quickly become another
Aaron Jones touchdown, and briefly breathed some hope into Packer fans everywhere.
The 49ers defensive game was direct and to the point. The goal was to pressure Aaron
Rodgers, and that is exactly what they did. The Packers offense valiantly struggled against the
mighty 49er defense, but in the end they were just no match.
The defense as a whole had 3 sacks, and were in Rodgers face the whole game. The defense
also had a fumble recovery by Deforest Buckner. Arik Armstead and K’Waun Williams both had
forced fumbles. Cornerbacks Emmanuel Moseley and Richard Sherman both had interceptions.
Indeed, Sherman sealed the Packers fate when he intercepted a deep pass intended for Devante
Adam’s with less than two minutes left in the game. The 49ers defence came into the game
hungry, and executed at a very high level.
In the end, the lead that the 49ers built up in the first half, was just too much for the Packers to
overcome. The 49ers came in and decisively ran the ball, and completely took over the game.
Once the 49ers decided to go full run, the Packers had absolutely no chance. Despite a valiant
Packers effort in the 2nd half, the 49ers held onto their lead, and won the game 37-20. They will
face the Kansas City Chiefs in the Superbowl on February 2nd in Miami.