The San Francisco 49ers hosted the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Divisional Round following a week off, but they received more than they bargained for as they found themselves behind early in the second half.
The 49ers were overwhelmed by the Packers’ excellent game plan, which applied to both sides of the ball.
San Francisco, however, was fortunate that Green Bay kicker Anders Carlson failed to convert a 41-yard field goal attempt that would have given them a 24-17 lead.
As an alternative, the 49ers came back to win 24-21 and advance to the NFC Championship game after scoring a touchdown.
Although head coach Kyle Shanahan isn’t used to employing a formula for success, the outcomes worked in his favor.
But according to John Middlekauff of The Volume, it was the worst-coached game Shanahan had ever had since taking over as head coach of San Francisco.
“This is simple to do… one of the worst games (Shanahan) coach has ever had,” Middlekauff remarked.
Given the tools and quality the 49ers possess, Middlekauff points out that the game was much tighter than it needed to be, but it also highlights the effort put in by Packers head coach Matt LaFleur and his team.
Shanahan made a few dubious decisions during the game, but Green Bay played well and maintained a close score the entire time.
