The game went almost exactly like the season for the Green Bay Packers. There was a promising start with some mistakes that could’ve really taken a hold of the game – the Savage dropped INT was the game-changer – but then looked like this team was suited for destiny, only for additional mistakes to give it away.

Defending the Kicker

I’m of the few that’ll defend rookie Kicker Anders Carlson, the main reason is this team was crafted to be a contender in 2025, and was continued to be built that way throughout the season. This is holds true for the kicker position. The Packers have had a stable of solid kickers as much as they have Quarterbacks. Carlson has shown the ability to kick long distances with ease, and working to address that would’ve seemed like a desperation move thinking this opportunity (to make a Super Bowl run) won’t happen again – or that it was pure “luck.”

Patience is an under-appreciated asset in professional sports, using it will almost always be the correct method.

Jordan Love

He’s likely to be paid, possibly the largest contract in NFL history, this offseason. However, regardless whether that happens or not, the pressure will be ramped up due to the expectations of everyone now…he’s the guy. The bar that’ll be set is he’ll be expected to be a top 5 quarterback in the NFL for the upcoming years – with the surprising (to some) finish to the season, the 5-year window to win a Super Bowl begins in 2024… how fun is this?!?!

Recap

From a Packer fan perspective, it’s tough to not be frustrated with how this game played out. There were more than ample opportunities to win this game. However, as stated above, this game played out like the season. Green Bay was young, athletic, and super talented…but young… The mistakes added up too much and San Francisco is tough to beat when playing perfect ball, but turning it over, essentially 3 times is giving away too many points. The key mistakes were (ranked in order of importance):

1. Savage’s dropped pick-6
2. Love’s mortal sin to end the game
3. Love’s 1st interception, while on 3rd & long, swung momentum to SF
4. 4th & 1 not conversion (regardless of spot issue, etc), acted as a turnover

Heading into next season, Green Bay needs to do a much better job at taking the ball away from the opposition. In this monsoon of a game, credit the 49ers for not committing a turnover…yes, Purdy could’ve thrown 3-4 interceptions, but by Green Bay allowing those to become incompletions, that’s the difference in the game.

This game might’ve been the NFC title game. Yes, Detroit is playing well again, but Green Bay went into Ford field on Thanksgiving and blasted the Lions. We’ll see how the Lions fare on the road vs. San Fran, but it just seems like this game, the winner will represent the NFC in the Super Bowl. After that, who knows what’ll happen, but this Packers team shows strong promise.

Season: 5-14
Overall: 92-66