When Charles Woodson has the ball in his hands, it’s usually not a good sign for the quarterback.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

When the Green Bay Packers travel to Candlestick Park to face the San Francisco 49ers Sept. 8, Aaron Rodgers hopes that there isn’t a familiar face lining up against him – that’s because Rodgers tweeted yesterday that the best defensive back he ever faced was his own teammate, Charles Woodson.

Coaches and players always say the factor that makes them better is the level of competition they face in practice. The better their teammates, the better player they become. It only makes sense. When you’ve got a Charles Woodson playing on the opposite side of the ball, it’s pretty clear why Aaron Rodgers has become one of the best at his craft. You learn from the best, you become the best.

Charles Woodson makes a solo tackle of Adrian Peterson in the open field – a task not many have been able to do.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

But the reality of Woodson donning the red of the Niners come the start of the season gained some momentum this week when San Francisco’s General Manager GM Trent Baalke told reporters that the team still had an interest in signing the former Packer.

Woodson was cut by the Packers in February and has had only one visit – with the Niners – during the entire free agent signing period. Woodson has gotten zero interest from the 31 other teams, including the Packers.

There have been some reports saying the Packers may have an interest in bringing Woodson back after the draft, but it doesn’t seem those reports will have legs. The opportunity to land with the 49ers seems like his best bet at this point.

And if that does transpire, watch for Aaron Rodgers to be looking to throw to the side of the field opposite Woodson Sept. 8.

Here is Rodgers’ tweet:

“@sportz_wiz: @aaronrodgers12:Who is the best DB you’ve faced? Someone that makes u throw away from his side.” Charles Woodson

— Aaron Rodgers (@AaronRodgers12) April 20, 2013

The San Francisco 49ers.

The Packers will take on the 49ers in the primetime slot on September 8, 2013 at 3:25 p.m CDT in San Francisco’s Candle Stick Park.

All Packers fans know that the 49ers not only beat the Packers in the Divisional Round of the Playoffs last season, but also came into Lambeau Field week 1 and handed the Packers a 30-22 loss.

The Packers have said all offseason that the focus is learning how to stop the read option that the 49ers used to accumulate over 500 yards of total offense against the Packers in the playoffs, there new techniques will be tested right off the bat.

The Packers-49ers series has been very entertaining over the past two decades with a number of big games between the two.

Who can forget the 1999 NFC Wild Card game when Steve Young hit Terrell Owens with just a few seconds left on the clock to beat the Packers 30-27?

Or how about when the Packers knocked off the 49ers in the 2002 NFC Wild Card game winning 25-15?

Overall, the Packers have won 14 of the last 16 meetings against the 49ers dating back to the 1990 NFL season.

The past record means nothing as the 49ers will open up as the NFC favorite to represent the conference in the Super Bowl.

Can the Packers avoid three losses in a row to the 49ers and the second consecutive opening day loss to the 49ers?

Or will the 49ers set out to embarass the Packers again?

Find out Sept. 8.

Stay here at LombardiAve for further posts on the Packers 2013-14 scheudle and stay tune

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) hands the ball off to running back Frank Gore (21) during the second quarter of the NFC divisional round playoff game against the Green Bay Packers at Candlestick Park.
Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

The read-option was called the flavor of the month this week by Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin.

But we remind him of these numbers; 579 total yards; 181 yards rushing by the quarterback.

Those numbers will be stamped into the memories of every Green Bay Packers coach, fan and cheerleader for years to come. They will become synonymous with 4th and 26.

Mike McCarthy expects to see a lot of the read-option in 2013.
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

That’s why Packers head coach Mike McCarthy talked this week about his defense and what they are doing to rectify a situation that will surely confront them again in 2013.

New Bears coach Mark Trestman has already said the Chicago Bears will run a semblance of the read-option (though one wonders about the effectiveness given that their quarterback, Jay Cutler, isn’t known as a running QB). Others on the Packers schedule in 2013 – the Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Redskins and yes, the San Francisco 49ers, all run the offensive scheme that appeared to be a complete mystery to the Packers in their NFC Divisional Playoff Game last January.

To combat that fact, McCarthy sent his entire defensive coaching staff for a one-day workshop with Texas A&Am coach Kevin Sumlin who coaches Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel.

We won’t have any idea what Packers defensive coordinator Dom Capers and his staff will have taken away from that session until next September when the Packers open their 2013 season, but at least the team is making strident efforts to be sure the debacle in San Francisco doesn’t happen again.

Stopping Colin Kaepernick wasn’t easy for the Green Bay Packrs.
Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

McCarthy said this week that his team simply couldn’t stop Colin Kaepernick, especially on third down, and that as the game wore on the confidence factor eroded as the Niners took over. Even franchise quarterback Aaron Rodgers, soon to be the highest paid quarterback in the league, couldn’t save the Packers and keep them in the game.

Look for Ted Thompson to address the defense in the draft with players whose skill sets are more in tune with solid tackling and speed. Whether that comes in the early rounds or later rounds, it doesn’t matter. The Packers need to adjust their scheme and their personnel toward stopping the offense. It’s been done by other teams. The Packers just need to continue to study it and find solutions that match their personnel.

And as a side note, we certainly don’t want to forget about what Minnesota’s Adrian Peterson did to the Packers defense in a traditional offensive scheme. The Packers could stop him either.

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It’s been a month since Charles Woodson was released by the Green Bay Packers. Where will he land?
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Former Green Bay Packers cornerback Charles Woodson paid a visit to the San Francisco 49ers last Wednesday, spending the day with officials from that club – but other than that visit, not much has been heard from the Sir Charles camp in recent weeks.

The fact that he’s drawn little interest from other teams, though his agent, Carl Poston, said in an interview with the San Francisco Examiner that they were busy trying to line up visits, one has to wonder just where the former Packer will end up. It’s been a month since Green Bay released the veteran in a salary cap money-saving move and Woodson, because he was cut, could have signed with any team at any time.

While he may have been laying low with an intent, one would think that he might have landed a job as soon as possible. Such has not been the case.

Let me throw this out there – could Woodson actually land back in Green Bay?

While the chances are slim to none, the Packers, if they can get him for the right price, wouldn’t be doing themselves any harm by bringing him back – at the right price, of course. Whether Woodson would want to come back is another issue.

No doubt, he’s moved on, but if the days go by and he doesn’t garner much interest I wouldn’t be surprised to see the issue raised – at least in the media.

Woodson was scheduled to make $10 million in 2013 with the Packers and clearly his value has dropped significantly over the past month, especially since the first few days of free agency. With the softening of the market due to signings completed, one wonders just how much a team, including the Packers, would be willing to pay for his services.

At age 36, we’re sure he would consider a single-season deal as a stopgap player … and he said he was interested in going only to a contender. The question is whether a contender would be willing to expend the funds. The Niners are certainly contenders – they have not, as of Saturday afternoon – extended an offer.

About a week ago, it was reported that Woodson was contacted by four teams – the Seattle Seahawks, New York Jets, Miami Dolphins and New York Giants. None of those teams have as yet invited Woodson in for a visit.

Woodson was one of several options the 49ers were considering to help them fill the void left when Dashon Goldson left for a huge contract in Tampa Bay. The Niners also had Nnamdi Asomugha, the former Raider and Eagle, in for a visit.

“He enjoyed the visit and I think they enjoyed him,” Poston told the Examiner Thursday. “I think it went very well, but I understand they have some people in. It just depends on which way they want to go. I’m just waiting for them to get back to me.”

Those aren’t real reassuring or confident words and because there has been no contract offered yet, one has to wonder if the Niners have an actual interest.

In a look at the remaining free agents still on the market, NFL.com listed Woodson under the category “effective in the right role” and had this to say about him:  ”If the 49ers don’t bite, we’re not sure where Woodson could land.”

NFL.com listed Woodson as the thirty-first rated free agent still on the mark right above, believe it or not, Packers linebacker Brad Jones (#32) and Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher (#33).

So, where will Woodson land?

The clock is ticking …

Feb 3, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Anquan Boldin (81) runs against San Francisco 49ers cornerback Carlos Rogers (22) in Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

Apparently, Percy Harvin wasn’t the only player today told to “Go West, young man.”

The world champion Baltimore Ravens sent Anquan Boldin to the San Francisco 49ers. In return, Baltimore receives a sixth round pick and valuable cap relief. By trading Boldin, the Ravens have carved an additional $6 million in space for the Joe Flacco mega deal from earlier this month and receive a draft pick (albeit a late one) for a player many thought would be released.

Feb 3, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) throws as he is hit by Baltimore Ravens free safety Ed Reed (20) during the first quarter in Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

In the short run, the ramifications for the 49ers are far more significant. With Boldin now in tow, the 49ers have another physical target to pair with Michael Crabtree for must-have downs and conversions. His arrival also allows San Francisco to better optimize Mario Manningham as the third receiver.

In one move, San Francisco has remodeled its receiving corps to accommodate the needs and strengths of quarterback Colin Kaepernick.

The Boldin trade also redistributes strength out West. Two of last year’s NFC playoff teams are now noticeably better, and that’s before the draft, any major free agent signing, or player development has been factored in.

The Green Bay Packers are likely to stand pat, relying on their draft and develop program to keep them competitive in the changing NFL landscape. With a front office led by GM Ted Thompson, it’s fair to expect another great draft class. However, more than in previous years, Thompson has to hit pretty often in order for the Packers to keep contending.

Certainly, there will be more moves to come. Keep your eyes glued to Lombardi Ave to stay up to date with the latest NFL news and analysis.

Jason Hirschhorn covers the Green Bay Packers for Lombardi Ave. He has previously written for Hail to the Orange, College Hoops Net, Mocking the Draft, LiveBall Sports, and the List Universe. He is currently a senior writer for Beats Per Minute, an indie-music webzine. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/JBHirschhorn.

November 25, 2012; New Orleans, LA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith (11) paces the sidelines during first quarter of their game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) started the game instead of Smith. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

Jason Hirschhorn covers the Green Bay Packers for Lombardi Ave. He has previously written for Hail to the Orange, College Hoops Net, Mocking the Draft, LiveBall Sports, and the List Universe. He is currently a senior writer for Beats Per Minute, an indie-music webzine. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/JBHirschhorn.

Yesterday, the San Francisco 49ers sent backup quarterback Alex Smith to the Kansas City Chiefs. In return, San Francisco receives the 34^th overall pick in the upcoming draft and a conditional third round selection in 2014 that could convert to a second rounder depending on Smith’s playing time. That’s a large haul considering the dearth of demand around the league.

But it’s a robbery considering Smith’s low volume production.

While Smith finished with his most efficient year as a pro (he led the league in passer rating at the time he was benched), the former 49er has yet to produce a single season with 3000 or more yards passing and 20 or more touchdowns. Even Smith’s 2012 projected out to a full season – 2779 yards, 21 TDs, and 8 INTs – wouldn’t provide 3000/20 volume.

For the 49ers, Smith was more of a passenger of the ship than its captain. It begs the question: is a quarterback that is only efficient when he doesn’t take risks worth such a major investment?

There aren’t any great comps for the Smith trade, which is easy to understand. Teams with quarterbacks of any discernible quality rarely allow them to leave. Of the few occasions when a team did trade a quality quarterback, only the trades of Brad Johnson and Matt Cassel provide any insight into what the Chiefs can expect with Alex Smith.

Even though he lead Tampa Bay to a Super Bowl, Brad Johnson was never the most imposing passer.

In 2001, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers acquired Brad Johnson from Washington. An off and on starter, Johnson was a moderately efficient passer who the Buccaneers felt could optimize their talented but underachieving roster. In comparison to Smith, Johnson was a higher volume passer but less efficient. Regardless, Johnson was no one’s definition of a franchise quarterback. Rather, he was a quality short term solution to a prolonged quarterback shortage in Tampa. In Johnson’s first season as a Buccaneer, Tampa actually regressed, falling to 9-7 and third in the NFC Central. That led to head coach Tony Dungy receiving his walking papers and Tampa trading a truckload of draft picks for Jon Gruden. A year later, Tampa improved to 12-4 and won their first championship in franchise history. While that might imply the Johnson trade was a sterling success, it’s important to remember how much Tampa relied on their defense. That year, the Buccaneers lead the NFL in yards given up, points allowed, and points scored by a defense. By comparison, the Tampa offense finished 24^th in yards and 18^th in points scored. While Johnson provided leadership, he didn’t provide all that much in the way of an aerial attack. If Johnson’s performance is any indication of what the Chiefs can expect from Alex Smith, the Chiefs’ defense will have to improve dramatically, especially given the high draft picks Kansas City parted with.

November 18, 2012; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Matt Cassel (7) is sacked by Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Carlos Dunlap (96) and defensive tackle Geno Atkins (97) in the first half at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

More recent was the case of Matt Cassel. Cassel barely played in college or in New England prior to 2008. That was the year Tom Brady tore his ACL in week 1, clearing the way for Cassel’s first meaningful snaps since his senior year of high school. To the surprise of many, Cassel played well, throwing for almost 3,700 yards and 21 touchdowns while leading the Patriots to an 11-5 record. By the following season, Brady had healed and Cassel had been acquired by Kansas City. As with Brad Johnson, the early returns were disappointing. Cassel had as many interceptions as touchdowns, and the Chiefs went 4-12. In 2010, Cassel’s touchdown total increased by more than 10 while his interceptions were reduced by over 50%. Not coincidentally, the Chiefs won the AFC West for the first time since 2003. Unfortunately, that’s the best it got for Cassel in Kansas City. His next two years were a cocktail of injuries and unmet expectations, finally culminating in the aforementioned Alex Smith acquisition. Unfortunately for the Chiefs, both Brad Johnson and Matt Cassel suggest that this was a bad trade for Kansas City.

Now, the more pressing question for Green Bay: how will this trade affect the Packers? Or more specifically, how will the trade affect the Packers’ draft?

Dec 29, 2012; Bronx, NY, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers quarterback Geno Smith (12) warms up prior to the start of the 2012 New Era Pinstripe Bowl against the Syracuse Orange at Yankee Stadium. Syracuse defeated West Virginia 38-14. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

As I wrote about earlier this month, the Packers will be greatly benefited or hurt by how many teams select quarterbacks in the first round. Any quarterback taken before the Packers’ selection will be a reach in terms of raw value, not to mention it keeps a player the Packers may desire on the board. Prior to the Smith trade, Kansas City was widely believed to be a possible destination for a rookie quarterback. The Chiefs had been connected to West Virginia’s Geno Smith, a quarterback with both speed and pocket passing skills not too unlike new Kansas City coach Andy Reid’s old protégé, Donovan McNabb.

Now with the Chiefs out of the quarterback market, it stands to reason that one less quarterback will be selected prior to Green Bay’s pick. The consequences of this are too remote to decipher at this time, but as we’ve seen it only takes one player to fall to change a franchise. Take the Packers for instance. In 2005, due to a confluence of a favorable draft order and quarterback demand, Aaron Rodgers fell from the top 10 to the mid-20s. The Packers snatched him up, and three years later the Packers were rewarded for their foresight and patience with a true franchise quarterback. But the Packers struck again in 2009, when B.J. Raji fell to pick 9 due to false reports of a positive drug tests. In just two years Raji became the most important defensive lineman on Green Bay’s Super Bowl winning roster.

There is another angle to the Alex Smith trade. The strength of the 2012 draft lies in the second to third round, where there is little to no drop off in value from player to player. Smart teams will try to maximize the amount of picks they can get for those rounds through trades. Had Kansas City not traded for Alex Smith, they might have drafted Geno Smith at number one. They also might have drafted another player and tried to trade back into the late first for another shot at a quarterback. The Packers were in prime position to be that team that trades back for more picks in that uber-valuable draft range. While that could still happen, there’s one less team vying for the Packers’ pick.

With tight end Andrew Quarless throwing the block, Donald Driver is free to continue his run toward the end zone on a 61-yard touchdown Dec. 5, 2010, at Lambeau Field against the San Francisco 49ers. Driver has said this was the greatest play of his career.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

I was on one knee  at the 25-yard line on the west side of Lambeau Field on this chilly Dec. 5, 2010 – the Green Bay Packers offense lined up against the San Francisco 49ers for the snap of the ball at their own 39 yard line – it was just another play, but not for Donald Driver.

What he said he remembered about the play was that the defense didn’t care about him – he was old – and they left him alone … they certainly did. And what the defense discovered was that Driver was far from old.

Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers dropped back to pass with time to throw and time to let the play develop. What he saw downfield was a wide open Donald Driver … and I mean WIDE open. Heaving the ball 30 yards in the air, Rodgers hit Driver in stride crossing

Driver catches the pass from QB Aaron Rodgers.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

the middle of the field left to right.

As I watched the play unfold in front of me, I couldn’t believe what was happening. Not only was this going to be a huge play for Driver and the Packers who were locked in a 14-13 battle with the Niners up to that point, but it was coming right at me.

Just before Driver caught the ball, I swung my camera into position and started shooting. Driver turned upfield and started charging toward me and down the right sideline while being chased by what seemed like the entire Niners defensive backfield.

As I continued to shoot, my heart was pumping as the roar of the Lambeau Field faithful increased with each step the Packers veteran took. I kept shooting and watching the play develop through the lens of my 70-200mm Nikkor lens. I watched along with 70,000 others in the stadium bowl that day as Driver juked, stiff-armed and bulled his way further down the field.

As he reached the 30 near where I was positioned, there was a blur of action – bodies flying in and out of my field of vision. For a moment I was frightened the entire mass of players would come flying out of bounds and into me – but that was only for a moment.

Driver breaks tackles on his way downfield.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

That blur of bodies? That was the moment when Packers tight end Andrew Quarless dove over the top of Driver to block the San Francisco would-be tackler and free the Packer veteran for more yards.

I kept shooting.

Driver bulled his way past me, stopped on a dime as a Frisco play flew by him and out of the play. As quickly as “Quickie” stopped to let the defender fly by, he was off again toward the end zone. He got hit by three or four players inside the 10 and dragged all of them toward the goal line and into the end zone for the touchdown catch and run of his career.

Driver gets the block from Andrew Quarless to spring him.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

The din that was the crowd reaction was ear-piercing as the fans had been worked into a frenzy that lasted for minutes. Driver, out of breath and not really sure what had just happened, was mobbed by his teammates. Wobbly-legged, Driver slowly made his way back toward the Packers’ bench as his teammates continued their celebration.

Driver drags three 49ers into the end zone for the touchdown.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Driver didn’t do a Lambeau Leap – he was too exhausted and dazed. Slowly, but surely he regained his senses as he made his way back to the bench. What fans were watching on the jumbo-tron at the stadium and on their television screens brought about gasps of incredulous joy. Nobody could believe what they had just seen.

Neither could I. As I reviewed what I had captured on my camera, my heart jumped out at me. We had all witnessed history and I had the proof.

When Driver addressed the fans at his retirement celebration today, Wednesday, Feb. 6, he said the play had been the best of his career. We had no doubt it was – and that’s saying something considering all of the amazing plays he was involved in throughout his career.

Not only was that play an incredible feat of human effort, it was the play that propelled the Packers toward their drive through December and January and their Super Bowl XLV Championship. His effort was the turning point of that season – it inspired an entire team toward the pinnacle that has been one of the most incredible in Packers history.

An exhausted Driver watches his play on the replay board while making his way back to the bench.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

It’s how I will always remember Donald Driver – the Packers’ all-time leading receiver – the champion. His greatness and humility could be summed up within that 20-second span of pure NFL ecstasy.

Thank you, Donald, for the opportunity to document your greatness. We will miss those opportunities to see you shine.

We will miss you.

This is a photograph of a photograph that was shot from the opposite side of the field. The author is kneeling and behind Donald Driver’s right leg. I am wearing the beret just to the left of the letter “P” in the word Play.

Videos of the play follow:

The video quality of this video isn’t great, but the enthusiasm of the crowd is what drew me to it. It captures the crowd enjoyment …

Feb 3, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; A wide view of Baltimore Ravens celebrate as the defeat the San Francisco 49ers 34-31in Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports

It was a tale of two halves was this Super Bowl XLVII.

The Baltimore Ravens came out and dominated both sides of the ball in the first half, but an unexpected power outage and 30-minute delay in the game mysteriously infused the San Francisco 49ers with a jolt of power that seemed to sap the Ravens and energize the Niners.

In the end, it was the Ravens who came away with a 34-31 win that could have gone either way with a break here, a catch there.

Feb 3, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) checks the game clock in the fourth quarter in Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Jack Gruber-USA TODAY Sports

Joe Flacco, the Ravens’ QB who has been red-hot throughout these Playoffs, was named the game’s MVP (though I thought it should have been Jacoby Jones), Ray Lewis went out in style and Ed Reed played another lights-out game that was enough to keep the Niners’ offense off-balance for most of the night.

Joe Flacco, in his trophy presentation interview, said, “We don’t make it easy. That’s way City of Baltimore is, that’s the way we are.”

“Baltimore!” Lewis exclaimed with the Lombardi Trophy in hand. “When God is for you, who can be against you,” he added. Then before he finished, Lewis shouted,  ”Baltimore, Baltimore … we’re coming home, baby!”

It might be considered one of the best Super Bowls of all time, not only because of the uniqueness of the power outage, but because of the comeback and the storylines of the Harbaughs, retirements and much more.

It concludes an incredible 2012 season that saw the rise of the pistol offense, rookie quarterbacks who led teams to the playoffs, the firing of a ton of veteran coaches and the ever-evolving pace of the game. Couple that with the continuing challenges the league faces with player safety and its impact on the game and you’ve got intriguing storylines that will continue well into the future.

Now it’s on to the player combine, free agency, the Draft, minicamps and training camp.

The 2013 season can’t start soon enough.

But in the meantime, it’s time to shout, “Play Ball!”

Feb 3, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) throws a touchdown pass to Jacoby Jones (not pictured) during the second quarter under pressure from San Francisco 49ers defensive end Ray McDonald (91) in Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

It’s been an entertaining first half of play with the Baltimore Ravens leading the listless San Francisco 49ers 21-6 after 30 minutes of play.

As we await the halftime performance of Beyonce, there are a couple of things that stand out to me: The Ravens defense has done an incredible job of containing Colin Kaepernick and Joe Flacco is playing for the money.

We haven’t seen nor heard much from Ray Lewis in this game, but overall, the Ravens defense seems to be holding the Niners at bay and that has been the difference in this one.

The Niners will have to hold the Ravens down in the opening drive of the second half to have a chance to get back into this one.

Stay tuned …

Then we will all wish that Monday is a national holiday and go to bed with visions of the 2013 season dancing in our heads – well, maybe some of us will.

In the meantime, we here at lombardiave.com will take a shot at predicting today’s game – yes, there is a game being played.

So, without further adieu, here we go …

Ray Rivard
Editor, Lombardiave.com

Ray Rivard: This unique familial Super Bowl pitting brothers John and Jim Harbaugh in the “Harbrawl Bowl,” will feature two entirely different teams. The hard-nosed Joe Flacco-led Baltimore Ravens against the upstart Colin Kaepernick-led 49ers.

Everyone’s talking about Ray Lewis’s final game, though I could care less. In the end, I think the difference in this game will be how the Ravens deal with Kaepernick’s legs. Can they contain him and force him to beat them with his arm? That will be the difference.

I see the Niners with its more explosive offense making a few more plays than the Ravens.

San Francisco 26 Baltimore 23

Darryl Krecji
Staff Writer and forever patient Packers fan

Darryl Krejci: So I have a big decision to make tomorrow, watch a football game or watch the nature channel’s documentary of the history and evolution of the gastropod mollusk.  This is a difficult decision because the NFL season comes down to two brothers matching wits in a game that should have the Packers in it, but due to a high level conspiracy involving the Illuminati and Roger Goodell does not.  But since  I am bound and required under certain judicial orders to provide my profound insight into the game I will.

I am going to use the Troy Aikman theory of football prognostication; the team that makes the fewest mistakes will win; the team that turns the ball over the least will win; or the team that scores the most points will win.  With those gems of wisdom I will take Baltimore over San Francisco with the final score being 37-21.

Now back to the cooking channel and an insightful look at the manufacturing process of the spork.

TAKE BACK THE TUNDRA!

Tommy Marquardt
Staff Writer and disinterested observer from afar

I will (probably) not be watching as I am still dismayed by the Packers failure. In fact, I haven’t watched any coverage at all on the SB.  All I know is that the Harbaughs are brothers and Ray Lewis was drinking Deer sperm or something like that.  That doesn’t mean I can’t make a prediction though …

Jason Hirschhorn
Staff Writer and our legal expert

Jan 29, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Randy Moss is interviewed during media day in preparation for Super Bowl XLVII against the Baltimore Ravens at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

If you haven’t seen his majesty, Mr. Randy Moss’s most recent quote, you might just react the way I did when I heard about the San Francisco 49ers’ most recent statement.

As reported by NFL.com, here is what the master mooner had to say:

“I don’t really live on numbers. I really live on impact and what you’re able to do out on that field. I really do think that I’m the greatest receiver to ever play this game.”

I have to agree with my fansided.com brother, Matt Hamm, over at ninernoise.com, when he said it was “one of the dumbest comments he’s ever spoken …”

Is Moss so full of himself to describe himself that way and to forget that there have been other guys to play the position with the names of Hutson, Rice, Reed, Lofton, Warfield, Harrison, Taylor, Monk and so many others who have come before him?

Apparently not.

I suppose he thinks he’s also the best caterer around and the best faux mooner, as well.

Needless to say, Moss has never been the brightest bulb in the box, and his latest comment certainly doesn’t add to his legacy. In fact, not only did his comment about being the greatest rub non-Niners fans the wrong way, but when he also said that he wanted to play one more year, but wouldn’t commit to coming back to San Francisco, he no doubt ticked off fans of his current team.

Maybe one can attribute his comments to the stress of the Super Bowl, but probably not. Moss has been there before and has faced the crush of the media throughout his career. He’s simply an arrogant cuss who can’t retire soon enough.

I have to agree to Hamm’s comment about Moss:

“Before today I was pro bringing Moss back, he’s been a good mentor/teammate and has done the job asked of him.  Now, I think the organization should let Sunday be his last game and publicly declare after the big game that they are moving on without him next season.”

So long, Randy.

We will probably all count this up there with the Playoff losses to Atlanta and Michael Vick, the loss to the Vikings and Randy Moss’s moon, the New York Giants’ beatdown in 2011 and the loss to the 49ers in 1998 when Terrell Owens made his last second, tears-inducing catch.

So, if you’re interested in taking a look at this video produced by 49ers.com, be my guest. Trust me, this isn’t as gut wrenching as the original version. In fact, this is more a testament to the technology behind the capturing of the action than it is about the action itself.

Check it out here …

http://www.49ers.com/media-gallery/videos/Tilt_Shift_49ers_vs_Packers/fc16507f-1889-4548-9684-7d9c038507ec

It was a tough weekend for Packers fans. But we carry on through it all. Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

For fans of the Green Bay Packers accustomed to waking up and carrying on their Mondays after a big win, this was the most difficult first day of the workweek in quite some time.

So many of us expected to be looking toward participating in, if not hosting the National Football Conference’s Championship Game this coming Sunday afternoon.

Not only did the San Francisco 49ers have something to say about that, but the Atlanta Falcons also miraculously ripped the next round from beneath the arrogant feet of the Seattle Seahawks – at least there was a modicum of sweet justice this past weekend.

So, as you settle into your recliner tonight for a Monday Night Football-less evening of watching “The Big Bang Theory,” thinking about the start of Training Camp or maybe even the Free Agency period or the Draft, here are a few nuggets that stuck out for me today as I perused what was being written about the NFL scene.

But before you read on, just remember that we could be fans of the Buffalo Bills, the Miami Dolphins, the Carolina Panthers or God forbid – the Chicago Bears. Yes, the season ended terribly for the Packers, but I would much rather have lost the way the Packers did than to have been crushed by the type of outcome that the Seahawks or Broncos fans endured.

It could be worse, folks. There is a silver lining in all this and the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel …

Here are some of what I saw today:

It was reported this morning by NBC San Diego that 92 fans were kicked out of the Packers vs. 49ers game Saturday night and of them, 29 were arrested – two of them for car burglary – which brings me to the point of what types of “fans” follow specific teams.

One Packers fan, Curt Cozad, a fireman who lives in the Bay Area, attended Saturday’s game and wasn’t impressed at all with many of the fans who he saw around him at Saturday’s game.

Yes, there are Packers fans who get out of hand, but if you’ve ever been to Lambeau Field you know that it’s a great place to take your kids. Not so in San Fran, according to Cozad.

Here’s an account that he emailed to me of his day at Candlestick Park:

Well, it started well. We got to Candlestick around 12 pm after picking up a friend who was also invited to tailgate with Desmond Bishop’s family. We interacted with numerous 49er fans who commented on my fire helmet and friendly banter with us wishing each other good luck in the game.

We have great seats behind the Packers bench at the 15-yard line in Row 2. As is our standard practice when we go to Lambeau, we headed into Candlestick Park right when they opened the gates at a little before 3 pm.

My wife and I utilized the facilities because once we get to our seats we do not leave until the game is over. There were a few 49er fans mingling in the area where our seats were along with several Packer fans including one sitting right next to us.

My typical pre-game ritual is taking pictures of the team and giving them shout-outs when they get close. Fortunately for my wife and I, Davon House and Desmond Bishop made their way over to our seats to say hello.

So, the game starts and BOOM we get a pick six. Total silence around me with the exception of Packer fans celebrating, but not excessively. Well as the game wore on, the alcohol that was consumed was making numerous 49ers fans feel bolder in their distaste for the Packers.

There was one point where one 49er fan started yelling “faggots” at the Packers players. My response to him was “Really, you do realize you are a San Francisco fan?”
That made several people in the section laugh and I think he realized how stupid that comment was.

We were surrounded by several 49er fans. I was rather disappointed in the PackerNation turnout at the game. I know our fans travel well, but all I saw was seas of red and black with a touch of Gold. There was a 49er fan sitting next to me who was consuming alcohol but was actually able to carry on a coherent conversation about the game without drooling on himself or being obnoxious.

There was another 49er fan sitting in front of us that was quietly watching the whole game and wasn’t boisterous or condescending at all. He did not consume any alcohol during the game. He actually came up to me after the game and told me that the Packers were his team in the 60’s, but after moving to California, he started supporting the 49ers.

A little background about the 49er facility, we were San Francisco Giants season ticket holders at Candlestick park for 8 years before they moved to PacBell Park. This was our first time back since the move. I can see why they wanted to build a new stadium.

We were very concerned by the music that the organization played during TV time-outs and before the game. It was nothing but RAP music that you couldn’t understand and was so distorted, it made our ears bleed. I was thinking, “Is this the kind of clientele that the 49ers cater too?”

During the first 3 quarters of the game, there were a few boisterous fans shouting obscenities and vitriol towards the Packers and us Packer fans near by. That was tolerable considering the amount of alcohol they consumed.

Once the game was into the fourth quarter and when Pickett got hurt, another 49er fan started yelling at Pickett calling him a “pussy” and how he’s faking an injury and just basically making an ass of himself. My wife who is definitely not outgoing in any stretch of the imagination bent over and whispered something in his ear. She wouldn’t tell me what she said, but the 49er fan turned to her and apologized.

Once the game was over, we conversed with fellow Packer fans sitting nearby about the loss, while the Stadium emptied. Once we were leaving the Stadium there wasn’t any issues while still in the confines of Candlestick. There was an enormous police and security presence.

We headed back to the tailgate area where the RV’s were parked to say our goodbyes to the Bishops. We stayed there for about 30-45 minutes while traffic was clearing. We parked our car in one of the auxiliary lots outside the fenced area of Candlestick, so we had a little walk to get there.

That’s where the excitement began. There were numerous groups of intoxicated, young, obnoxious, belligerent, 49er “fans” who were confronting us with imitations of Rodgers doing the “discount double check” belt move. They were also kicking beer bottles toward us as we were walking away from the confrontation.

We heard the standard comments of “rotten cheese”, “Packers suck”, to which I calmly replied, “Is that all you got? Please come up with something original” which seemed to stimulate them into wanting to escalate the confrontation. My wife told me to just keep walking, it’s not worth the trouble.

Once we got into our vehicle, we had to sit for about an hour before the traffic started moving in our area. We were in the line to leave and there were several more intoxicated 49er “fans” who were celebrating along side of the vehicles as they were exiting. Once our vehicle got close, they noticed we were wearing Packer gear and started taunting us and surrounding our vehicle. This auxiliary lot had zero police or security presence.

As we started moving, they were attempting to impede our progress towards the exit. I rolled down the window and asked if he was really willing to get run over, because I was about to oblige. He started being a little more aggressive, but one of his friends talked him down and we were able to exit the parking lot.

I’m not sure if I’m used to the way things are conducted at Lambeau and spoiled to think that’s how all NFL franchise fans should act, but we will NEVER attend another game in San Francisco.

We never did see any children in the stands and from what I’ve heard from other 49er fans that children stopped coming when Montana left. If I was associated with the San Francisco 49ers organization I would be embarrassed to know that a good portion of our fan base is made up of wannabe thugs and gang bangers.

This trip just reinforces to me how great our PackerNation fan base is and why other franchise fans are jealous of our organization.

On a lighter note, here is some news about Donald Driver that hit the wire early this morning and touched me, not only because I love Driver for being the great player and team representative through the years, but because he’s just simply a great person and deserves every bit of the recognition he receives.

Here’s a portion of what was posted in the Green Bay Press Gazette:

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Donald Driver will be honored Wednesday by the Brown County Board, which also will say farewell to one of its own.

Driver, the Packers’ all-time leading receiver, has been invited to attend the meeting of the board, which will recognize him for his contributions to the community. Team and county officials said the event is on Driver’s schedule, but it is not guaranteed that he will attend.

“He has given of himself, given of his time given of his money and he’s been a fan favorite,” said Supervisor Bernie Erickson, a Green Bay supervisor who proposed that the board honor Driver. “And it’s a great opportunity to honor someone while he’s still here.”

How’s that for great?

And for one last observation on this Monday after, this was a post that kind of baffled me. Packers general manager Ted Thompson was quoted describing how he felt about the performance of Colin Kaepernick:

The Packers’ general manager told Yahoo! Sports: “That was unbelievable. He did everything. I mean, I had read the press clippings and seen some of the highlights. But to watch what he did, oh my, that was special.”

Well, I’m glad Ted is reading the press clippings and watching the highlights on the NFL Network … maybe that’s what Dom Capers was watching, too! I mean, wasn’t anyone watching film of this guy? Maybe that’s why he ran for 181 yards and led a 49ers offense that picked up nearly 600 yards.

Next time, Ted, why don’t you try watching the real thing instead of listening to Rich Eisen, Mooch and that idiot Michael Irvin on the NFL Network.

Ok, so that’s all I’ve got to say about that. Enough of this. I’ve got to get back to “The Big Bang Theory.”

Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., will be the site of the NFC Divisional Playoff game between the Green Bay Packers and 49ers.

Green Bay Packers vs. San Francisco 49ers. National Football Conference Divisional Playoff Game. Candlestick Park, San Francisco, Calif. Aaron Rodgers. Colin Kaepernick. Charles Woodson. Justin Smith. Packers receivers. 49ers physicality.

What more can be said?

Charles greet the fans at Lambeau Field.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Well, both the Packers and 49ers will have much to say by the time this game ends around 10 p.m. CDT and it won’t only be in the form of words – it will be in the form of actions that will be added to the rich history that has developed between these two storied National Football League franchises.

The two teams met in the 2012 season opener at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin, with the 49ers outlasting the Packers in a 30-22 win.

Much has occurred since that warm September day. There have been injuries, tough losses, changes in quarterbacks and a full season of memories for both teams – evenly matched teams that will put it all on the line.

The loser goes home. The winner advances to the NFC Championship set to be played next weekend. The winner will take on the winner of the Seattle Seahawks at Atlanta Falcons matchup this weekend.

The stage is set. Now the play is set in motion.

Tonight we will provide here every play of the game, statistics, quotes, pictures and some insight as the game progresses.

Date/time: Saturday, January 12, 7 p.m. CT

Venue: Candlestick Park, San Francisco, CA

TV Broadcast: FOX (Joe Buck, Troy Aikman)

Radio: Check this link for the full list of radio stations on the Packers Radio Network.

#Packers inactives: Jarrett Boykin,  Alex Green, Davon House, Frank Zombo, D.J. Williams, Jordan Miller, Jerel Worthy

Donald Driver is active …

#49ers inactives: QB Tolzien, K Cundiff, S Robinson, RB Hampton, DT Jerod-Eddie, OG Looney, DT Williams.

As we said, there’s not much more that can be said at this point other than sit back, relax and let the chips fall where they may.

Jan 12, 2013; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore (21) runs the ball against the Green Bay Packers during the first quarter of the NFC divisional round playoff game at Candlestick Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

49ers win coin toss and elect to receive

Kickoff by Mason Crosby returned to the 29 by LaMichael James

Two runs by Gore

QB Colin Kaepernick then throws interception to Sam Shields who returns it 52 yards for a touchdown 

Colin Kaepernick 20 yard TD run (David Akers extra point is GOOD), 9:01

Drive: 8 plays, 80 yards in 3:47

Packers 7 49ers 7

Packers possession

First and 10, Rodgers to Jennings for 7

Second and 3 incomplete

Third and 3, pass incomplete to John Kuhn

Fourth down punt by Masthay, to Ginn big return to the 50, but 49ers called for holding

49ers third possession

Jan 12, 2013; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) runs past Green Bay Packers defensive end Mike Neal (96) for a touchdown during the first quarter of the NFC divisional round playoff game at Candlestick Park. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

First and 10 from the 13, Kaepernick keeps it for 3

Second and 7 from 16, Kaepernick in gun, handoff to Gore for 4

Third and 3, Kaepernick keeps it right for 13 and a first down

First and 10 at the 34, under center, handoff to Gore and he’s stuffed by Ryan Pickett for loss of 1

Second and 11, pass to Moss for 11 and a first down

First and 10, pass to Moss, juggles it and catches it for 13 yards and a first down

First and 10, handoff to Gore for 2

Second and 8, Kaepernick under pressure, throws deep to Moss and overthrows him in the end zone

Third and 8, pass toward Delaney Walker incomplete, Shields on the coverage

Fourth down punt by Lee, ball into the end zone for a touchback

Packers second possession

Jan 12, 2013; San Francisco, CA, USA; Green Bay Packers running back DuJuan Harris (26) runs the ball for a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers during the first quarter of the NFC divisional round playoff game at Candlestick Park. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

First and 10 from the 20, handoff to DuJuan Harris for 2

Second and 8, ball at 22, Rodgers under center, handoff up the middle for Harris for 7

Third and 1, Packers huddle up, Rodgers in the gun, handoff up the middle to Harris for 4 and a first down

First and 10, ball at 33, Rodgers in the gun, Rodgers throws to the left sideline, but Jones doesn’t break off route and the ball is incomplete

Second and 10, Harris for five, flag for face mask picked up

Third and 5, long pass down right sideline to James Jones, juggling catch for 44 yards to the 18

First and 10, handoff to Harris who makes an ankle breaking cut up the middle for the touchdown – 18 yards

Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards in 2:44

Packers 14 49ers 7

Packers kickoff for a touchback

First and 10, ball at 20, Kaepernick 15 throw to Michael Crabtree and a first down

End of the first quarter

Packers

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49ers

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Packers

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49ers

First and 10, ball at 35, Gore for 5

Second and 5, Crabtree over the middle for 9 and a first down

First and 10, ball at the 49, Kaepernick under pressure scrambles right throws right incomplete

Second and 10, Kaepernick rushes right, but is chased down by Dezman Moses – three yard gain

Third and 7, from the gun, penalty on 49ers false start on Vernon Davis

Jan 12, 2013; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) throws an interception to Green Bay Packers cornerback Sam Shields (not pictured) for a Packers touchdown during the first quarter of the NFC divisional round playoff game at Candlestick Park. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

Third and 12, from the gun, pass complete, but tracked down by Brad Jones – gain of only 3

Fourth down punt by Andy Lee  to Ross who muffs it and the 49ers recover at the Packers 9 yard line

49ers possession

49ers first down at 9, Kaepernick passes, tipped by Clay Matthews who loses his balance, but still nearly intercepts

Second and goal, ball snapped and Kaepernick doesn’t see it – falls on it for a loss of 4

Third and goal at the 12, Kaepernick over the middle to Crabtree for the Touchdown

Drive: 3 plays, 9 yards in 0:44

Packers 14 49ers 14

Packers possession

Akers kicks off to Randall Cobb – Packers called for holding on Kuhn

First and 10 for the Packers from their own 7, handoff to Harris for 2

Second and 8 from the 10, pass toward Jordy Nelson, but flag thrown against 49ers

First and 10, ball at 23, handoff to Harris for 3

Second and 7, no huddle, Rodgers under center, Rodgers has nobody open, escapes rush and throws ball away

Third and 7, Rodgers in the gun, throws it down the middle, overthrows Jordy Nelson and intercepted by Carlos Rodgers who returns out to near midfield

Jan 12, 2013; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker Patrick Willis (52) tackles Green Bay Packers running back DuJuan Harris (26) during the first quarter of the NFC divisional round playoff game at Candlestick Park. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

49ers possession

First and 10 at the Packers 49, Gore rushes off left tackle for 6

Second and 4, Kaepernick passes to Ted Ginn but he’s tackled immediately by Brad Jones

Third and 2, Jermichael James up the middle for 10 and a first down

First and 10 to the 25, Kaepernick in  gun – pass over the middle tipped by Crabtree incomplete

Second and 10, fake throw and handoff up the middle to James stuffed

Third and 9, from the gun, Kaepernick rushes up the middle for first down, but Kaepernick flagged for unsportsmanlike penalty of 15 yards

First and 10, handoff to Gore for 4

Second and 6, Kaepernick pass over the middle to Crabtree for the touchdown

Drive: 3 plays, 9 yards in 0:44

49ers 21 Packers 14

49ers kickoff to Packers touchback

First and 10, Rodgers scrambles up the middle, fumbles and recovers

Second and 1, handoff to Harris for 2 and first down

First and 10, pass over the middle to Finley for first down

First and 10, ball at 49ers 49, Harris for 4 and 49ers called for spearing 15 yards

First and 10, ball at the 32, pass to Harris for 6

Second and 4, 49ers offside

Jan 12, 2013; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Aldon Smith (99) rushes Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) as tackle Marshall Newhouse (center) blocks during the first quarter of the NFC divisional round playoff game at Candlestick Park. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

First and 10, ball at the 49ers 20, Rodgers in the gun, pass over the middle to James Jones for the touchdown

Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards in 2:53

Packers 21 49ers 21

Packers kickoff for the touchback

49ers first and 10, Kaepernick rushes right and out of bounds for 2

Second and 8, Kaepernick runs left for the first down

First and 10, from the gun, pass deep to Vernon Davis tipped by Morgan Burnett

Second and 10, ball at 42, pass to Delaney Walker catch along sideline under review – arm hits out of bounds – incomplete

Third and 10, ball at the 42, from the gun, Kaepernick runs up the middle for a first down

First and 10, pass to James for 7

Second and 3, James up the middle for 5

1 minute left, ball at the Packers 33, pass toward Ginn in end zone incomplete

Timeout Niners – second

40 seconds remaining, Second and 10, ball at 27, pass to Walker dropped

Third and 10, Kaepernick up the middle short of first down

FG attempt by David Akers from 36 yards – Packers call timeout – GOOD

49ers 24 Packers 21

1st Quarter

Sam Shields 52 yard interception return for TD (Mason Crosby extra point is GOOD), 12:48 Drive: 0 play, 0 yard in 0:00
Green Bay 7-0

Colin Kaepernick 20 yard TD run (David Akers extra point is GOOD), 9:01 Drive: 8 plays, 80 yards in 3:47
Tied 7-7

DuJuan Harris 18 yard TD run (Mason Crosby extra point is GOOD), 0:29 Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards in 2:44
Green Bay 14-7

2nd Quarter

Michael Crabtree 12 yard TD pass from Colin Kaepernick (David Akers extra point is GOOD), 10:59 Drive: 3 plays, 9 yards in 0:44
Tied 14-14

Michael Crabtree 20 yard TD pass from Colin Kaepernick (David Akers extra point is GOOD), 5:26 Drive: 8 plays, 48 yards in 3:53
San Francisco 21-14

James Jones 20 yard TD pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby extra point is GOOD), 2:33 Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards in 2:53
Tied 21-21

David Akers 36 yard field goal, 0:00 Drive: 11 plays, 62 yards in 2:33
San Francisco 24-21

Packers

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Second half

Jan 12, 2013; San Francisco, CA, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) passes the ball against the San Francisco 49ers during the first quarter of the NFC divisional round playoff game at Candlestick Park. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

49ers kick off to Packers – Cobb returns it 26 yards

First and 10, Rodgers in the gun, Harris for 3 – Sitton out

Second and 7, Harris for 3,

Third and 4, Rodgers sacked

Masthay with the punt to the 34

49ers first possession of the second half

First and 10, Gore for 2

Second and 8, from the gun, pass toward moss incomplete – overthrown

Third and 8, pass toward Davis incomplete, Woodson on the coverage tips ball away

Fourth down punt by lee to Cobb – no return

Packers second possession

First and 10 from the 10, Rodgers to Jennings for 2

Second and 8, pass over the middle to Jennings for first down to the 44

First and 10, Rodgers runs right and hits Nelson for 9

Second and 1, ball at 49, pass to Nelson along right sideline for 8 and a first down

First and 10, inside handoff to Cobb who runs for 19

Fist and 10, ball at the 23, another handoff to Cobb for 4 up the middle

Second and 6, no huddle Rodgers under pressure throws the ball away

Packers burn first timeout

Third and 6, Newhouse false start

Third and 11, pass to Cobb for 8

Fourth and 3

Mason Crosby 31-yard FG – GOOD

Drive: 9 plays, 74 yards in 3:18

Packers 24 49ers 24

Packers kickoff – touchback

First and 10 from the 20, Kaepernick to Crabtree for 18

First and 10, ball at 38, in the gun, quick pass to Crabtree left for 6

Second and 4, Kaepernick keeps right and runs 56 yards for the touchdown

Drive: 3 plays, 80 yards in 1:18

49ers 31 Packers 24

49ers kick off to Packers – Cobb touchback

First and 10 from the 20, Rodgers under pressure from Patrick Willis – throws the ball away

Second and 10, pass over the middle to Crabtree dropped

Third and 10, Rodgers runs for 17 and a first down

First and 10, ball at 37, quick pass to Cobb for 3

Second and 7, inside pitch to Cobb for 1

Third and 6, from the gun, pass over the middle toward Finley broken up

Fourth down punt, fair catch at the 7

49ers possession

First and 10, handoff to Gore for 3

Second and 7, Gore for 5

Third and 2, Kaepernick to Crabtree to the 31

First and 10, Gore for 4

Second and 6, holding on williams – automatic first down

First and 10, 2:11 left in third quarter, handoff to Gore for 1

Second and 9, pass down the middle to Vernon Davis with AJ Hawk on the coverage to the 15 for 44 yards

First and 10, Gore takes it down to the 3

End of the third quarter

Start of the fourth quarer

First and goal, Gore off right tackle for the touchdown

Drive: 8 plays, 93 yards in 5:03

49ers 38 Packers 24

49ers kickoff to Packers – Cobb muffs it, picks it up and is smothered at the 10

First and 10 quick pass to Jennings left for 6

Second and 4, pass over the middle to Finley for 10

First and 10, pass to Jennings for 5

Second and 5, pass to Finley for 2

Third and 3, pass to nelson for 9 and a first down

First and 10, Rodgers under pressure throws it away

Second and 10, ball at 44, shovel pass by Rodgers to Harris for 6

Third and 4, pass to Jennings just off his fingertips incomplete

Fourth down punt by Masthay downed inside the 10

49ers possession

First and 10, ball at the 8, Gore for 6

Second and 4, Kaepernick for 16 left

First and 10, Gore for 2

Second and 8, Kaepernick with all day throws to Walker over the middle for a first down

First and 10 from the Packers 47, Gore off left guard for big gain to the 24

First and 10, Gore for 2

Second and 8, 49ers called for holding

Second and 18, Kaepernick for 4

Third and 14, pass to Crabtree for 13

Fourth and 1, Packers jump offside – first down

First and 10, hand off to Gore down to the 2

First and goal, Gore no gain

Second and goal, touchdown 49ers Anthony Dixon

Drive: 11 plays, 93 yards in 7:54

49ers 45 Packers 24

49ers kick off – Cobb returns in 20 yards

First and 10, ball at the , pass to Finley for 5

Second and 5, pass to Cobb for 4

Third and 1, pass to Jordy Nelson for first down and out of bounds

First and 10, Pass to Jones over the middle for first down

First and 10, pass over the middle dropped by Jones

2:14 left, Second and 10, ball at 44, pass to Jones for 7

2-minute warning

Rodgers runs up the middle and is short of  first down

pass over the middle on fourth down, pass to Nelson for first down

First and 10, fake down and pass to Cobb

Second and 5, pass toward Nelson interference against 49ers

First and goal at 3, Rodgers flushes right and throws incomplete in the end zone

Second and goal, Rodgers hits Jennings in corner of end zone for the Touchdown

Drive: 11 plays, 77 yards in 2:37

45-31 49ers

Packers onside kick recovered by Niners

Victory formation for the 49ers

Colin Kaepernick passing: 17 of 31 (54.8%) for 263 yards (8.5 YPA), 2 TDs, 1 INT; passer rating, 91.2.

Packers

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Final statistics

• Scoring Summary

1st Quarter

Sam Shields 52 yard interception return for TD (Mason Crosby extra point is GOOD), 12:48 Drive: 0 play, 0 yard in 0:00
Green Bay 7-0

Colin Kaepernick 20 yard TD run (David Akers extra point is GOOD), 9:01 Drive: 8 plays, 80 yards in 3:47
Tied 7-7

DuJuan Harris 18 yard TD run (Mason Crosby extra point is GOOD), 0:29 Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards in 2:44
Green Bay 14-7

2nd Quarter

Michael Crabtree 12 yard TD pass from Colin Kaepernick (David Akers extra point is GOOD), 10:59 Drive: 3 plays, 9 yards in 0:44
Tied 14-14

Michael Crabtree 20 yard TD pass from Colin Kaepernick (David Akers extra point is GOOD), 5:26 Drive: 8 plays, 48 yards in 3:53
San Francisco 21-14

James Jones 20 yard TD pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby extra point is GOOD), 2:33 Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards in 2:53
Tied 21-21

David Akers 36 yard field goal, 0:00 Drive: 11 plays, 62 yards in 2:33
San Francisco 24-21

3rd Quarter

Mason Crosby 31 yard field goal, 8:25 Drive: 9 plays, 76 yards in 3:31
Tied 24-24

Colin Kaepernick 56 yard TD run (David Akers extra point is GOOD), 7:07 Drive: 3 plays, 80 yards in 1:18
San Francisco 31-24

4th Quarter

Frank Gore 2 yard TD run (David Akers extra point is GOOD), 14:57 Drive: 8 plays, 93 yards in 5:03
San Francisco 38-24

Anthony Dixon 2 yard TD run (David Akers extra point is GOOD), 3:34 Drive: 11 plays, 93 yards in 7:54
San Francisco 45-24

Greg Jennings 3 yard TD pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby extra point is GOOD), 0:57 Drive: 11 plays, 77 yards in 2:37
San Francisco 45-31

Packers

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Aaron Rodgers is introduced to the Lambeau Field opening day crowd 2012.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Because it’s the divisional round of the National Football Conference Playoffs, we thought we would have a bit of fun here at Lombardiave.com – at least some of us.

In addition to providing our weekly predictions, a few of the staff have also provided you with their Packers superstitions. We all have them to varying degrees and thought it would be fun to share. We did it earlier this week with a post of various superstitions that fans from our Facebook page provided.

So, here we go. Enjoy.

Jerry Bulone
Staff writer – he’s got so many superstitions that he can barely get himself to sit still for the games.

Jerry Bulone: I am probably the most superstitious person there is when it comes to the Packers, so superstitious that I will not even submit a pick during the playoffs, for fear that I might jinx them.

I have too many to even count. The silliest one is I will switch where I am watching the game when the Packers start to play bad. I moved to six different rooms during the Kansas City game last season, before I gave up and went to bed.

My superstitions get multiplied in intensity during the playoffs, which basically consists of me doing everything the exact same if they win in the opening round.

This year I had to work for the opening game against Minnesota, since I do not work this Saturday, I am relying on something I did in the divisional round in 2010 .. .taking my kids to KOSI (a science museum in Columbus).

I recorded the Giants playoff game last year. Suffice to say, I haven’t recorded a game since … there are just so many, but I realize I already sound crazy enough.

So while I may not be watching the game Saturday, believe me it’s in their best interest!

Tim Thomas: The Packers have an extremely tough game upcoming against the San Francisco 49ers as the winner of this game will be the favorite in the NFC Championship. The Packers offensive line will be tested by the 49ers’ ferocious defensive front 7 as Aldon Smith headlines one of the NFL’s best pass rushing groups in the NFL. Aaron Rodgers will also have the challenge of picking apart the San Francisco defense through the air.

However, the Packers have the NFL’s best receiving corps and this will make the 49ers’ job a lot harder.

Colin Kaepernick will have trouble against the Green Bay secondary as Tramon Williams are known for their ability to force turnovers. Clay Matthews and the Packers pass rush will need to make Kaepernick feel some pressure to make him rush throws and turn the ball over.

The overall experience of the defense will be huge as the Packers know what it takes to go on the road and win in the playoffs. Frank Gore could have a very good game as Green Bay will not be able to cheat on the run this week as Colin Kaepernick is no Joe Webb.

This game has instant classic written all over it as I think the Packers survive and go to the NFC Championship.

Green Bay 28, San Francisco 27

Tim’s Superstitions: I do not have any real superstition but whenever the Packers are in the playoffs, I wear a Green Bay jersey the Friday before and the Monday after playoff games. I also will wear a jersey every day of the week leading up to the Super Bowl if the Packers get the Super Bowl like I did back in January and February of 2011.

Bill Walton, Staff Writer and his family.
Ask Bill about his superstitions and 20 minutes later he might be finished.

Bill Walton’s superstitions: We always sit in the same positions on the couch. We never eat during a game unless it’s during halftime- even when at our local hangout (Tailgaters) for games not available locally (which is most of them). We all wear the same jerseys for every game. Under those jerseys we all wear custom T shirts my wife had made that have a picture of a Cheesehead and “Respect The Cheese” on them.

Always on the couch between us is our vintage Cheesehead, a Packers pillow, and a small stuffed Packers teddy. A Packers Nerf football is always jammed in beteen me and the side of the couch. Whenever it looks as if the Packers need some good juju, we rub the Cheesehead, which is showing some serious signs of wear!

Whenever the opposing team attempts a FG, we hex the kicker. Now obviously we know these things don’t always work, but we’ve been doing things this way for years and don’t plan to change. Why? Simple. Because there is no way on God’s green and gold earth we want to contribute to some far-reaching butterfly effect that ends in the Packers losing a game!

Prediction: I expect the Packers to play the role of last year’s Giants in this year’s playoffs. Green Bay is relatively healthy, they have the best quarterback in the NFC, their defense is improving each week, and at the end of the day they are the only team left standing that has recently climbed the mountain to the top. By no means will this be an easy game because these two teams are matching strengths against strengths. The Packers do have one thing the 49ers don’t. Aaron Rodgers. He and he alone is the single player in this game who can take it over. Both teams will make plays on both sides of the ball. Both teams will score and both will appear to be in control at various times, but in the end 12 will be the difference.

Wife Deneen thinks the Packers will prevail 28-13. Son John believes as well, picking the Pack to pull out a close one 24-20. I think Rodgers goes home in style and adds to his legacy by throwing, running, and outright outplaying the 49ers on the way to a 35-21 Packers victory. Go Pack GO!

Correspond with Bill on Twitter by clicking here.

Jason Hirschhorn, Staff Writer
This law student loves his Packers and for the second straight week picks Green Bay to win.

Jason Hirschhorn – Follow him on Twitter by clicking here

Game Superstition: I don’t really have any special superstition anymore. I always wear a jersey during games, but that’s not anything unique. I did have one, however, during Green Bay’s 19-game winning streak. That streak began on December 26, 2010, when the Packers slaughtered the Giants 45-17. I was in attendance, and it was a particularly cold night, so I wore a pair of long, green thermal socks to keep my feet from freezing. Well, after they won, I joked to my friends that “it was the socks.” They in return informed me I had to keep wearing them. So I did, and the Packers won in Philadelphia, Atlanta, Chicago, and most amazingly in the Super Bowl. The socks were a funny inside joke, a footnote (excuse the pun) to a memorable championship run.

Well needless to say, the same friends who encouraged me to wear them for the playoffs demanded I wear them during the regular season. I was living in Chicago at the time, and early in the NFL season Chicago can be very hot and humid. Yet I soldiered through it, in long, green thermal socks. I didn’t mind too much because they were winning. While I certainly wasn’t pleased when they finally lost in Kansas City, I was happy to finally give up the silly socks. Now they’re reserved only for cold games in which I am attending in person.

Prediction: When breaking down this week’s Packers/49ers matchup, it’s impossible not to realize that each team has evolved so much that it’s almost a new matchup. Green Bay’s chief problems opening weekend were pass protection, the ability to cover the tight end, and Aaron Rodgers not taking advantage of the easy conversion opportunities the defense was giving him.

The pass protection is not perfect, but it was evident last week against the Vikings – a team with a very good defensive front seven – that the offensive line’s current configuration and scheme is creating clean pockets often enough. While they normally possess a similar if not stronger front seven, the injury to Justin Smith will take a huge bite out of what they do. Smith not only creates J.J. Watt-like havoc from the 3-4 DE position, but he also calls the DE/OLB stunts for the defense. To put it more simply, he’s the one who directs Aldon Smith.

Accordingly, if Justin Smith is able to play it will make Aldon Smith more dangerous. If Justin Smith has to take plays off or leave the game early, this will greatly reduce the pressure on Rodgers from two defensive positions.

As for covering the tight end, there are two elements at work here for Green Bay. Brad Jones, the team’s best coverage linebacker, has taken over not only starting ILB duties in the base defense, but also in the nickel and dime. In addition, since Colin Kaepernick took over at quarterback for the 49ers, Vernon Davis’ role has been significantly reduced. So reduced that over the last quarter of the regular season, Davis’ combined stats essentially match the production he had in the Green Bay game alone.

Finally we come to Rodgers and the short passing game. This has been an issue off and on for most of the season, but it appears stabilized now. Last week, Rodgers found DuJuan Harris and Greg Jennings many times for check downs that turned into big gains. In addition, James Jones has developed into a go-to target on third downs. The combined effect of these progressions will keep the Green Bay offense on the field longer and put more points on the board.

The 49ers probably have a higher ceiling than the Packers, but they are still a very, very young team with inexperienced players at so many key positions. That doesn’t always mean very much, but I think it does here.

Packers 24 – 49ers 21

Tommy Marquardt, Staff Writer
We’re hoping Tommy is enjoying a swig or two of his Wisconsin beer every time the Packers score a touchdown.

Thomas Marquardt:  Even before last week, I looked at the 49ers as our biggest obstacle on the road to the Super Bowl.  I think that is still the case and I think the winner of this game will make it to Mercedes Superdome in New Orleans.

The 49ers best defensive player (DE Justin Smith) is not 100 percent and that will likely be a big factor in the game.  If the 49ers are forced to blitz to put pressure on Rodgers, he will have a field day.

Colin Kaepernick is starting his first playoff game, and while I think he is talented, Dom Capers will show him looks he hasn’t seen.

Prediction: Aaron Rodgers returns to haunt the 49ers and Clay, BJ and Charles finish the job.

Packers 27 Niners 21

Superstition: I always have to have a Wisconsin beer when I’m not at the game.  Miller Lite is OK, but if things aren’t going well, I’ll switch to Pabst, Leinenkugel or Blatz.  I watch games from everywhere, so sometime this can be challenging.

Tommy may be followed on Twitter by clicking here.

Patrick Hughes, Staff Writer
Patrick isn’t as nervous today as he was when the week started. In fact, he’s downright confident that the Packers will make it out of San Fran with a win.

Patrick Hughes: At the beginning of the week I was very nervous about this game. I kept thinking San Francisco has a mean defense. They have a lot of weapons on offense. This Colin Kaepernick kid is getting a lot of press and has been pretty good in the half season he played. The game is in San Francisco. Because of all these reasons the Packers might, gulp … lose.

However, as the week progressed my confidence in the Packers began to rise. The team overall is healthy. The defense for all its misgivings contained Adrian Peterson last week and has steadily improved throughout the season. Though the Packers offensive line is a concern, the offense overall has many weapons. And despite all this chatter about Kaepernick, the Packers have the reigning MVP in Aaron Rodgers.

Because of all these reasons this should prove to be one H-E-Double Hockey Sticks of a game!

What you hope for is by the time playoff football comes around the team functions like a well-oiled machine. Everyone from the equipment manager to Mason Crosby understands that their role is vital to the machine humming along without a breakdown. The key components to the Packer machine are the offensive line and the linebackers. If the O-Line can give Rodgers time he will get the ball to playmakers.

The linebackers are critical to containing Frank Gore and keeping Kaepernick from gaining yards on the ground.

My estimation is that the Packers need to force Kaepernick to beat them through the air. Contain Frank Gore. Get on the score board early, make the 49ers play catch up.

Marshall Newhouse needs to make a name for himself and take the injured Justin Smith out of the equation. If they can do these things I see Greg Jennings, Randall Cobb and Aaron Rodgers making the best music to come out of San Francisco since Jerry Garcia and the Grateful Dead. Packer fans’ hopes for another Super Bowl championship will not fade away.

Packers 28, San Francisco 24.  

Catch up with Patrick on Twitter by clicking here

Ray Rivard, Lombardiave.com Editor
Tags in for me this week as it only helps to ensure the Packers play well.

Ray Rivard – Follow me on Twitter by clicking here

I was feeling a lot like Patrick Hughes a week ago. In fact, on Sunday, the day after the Packers dispatched the Minnesota Vikings in their Wild Card Weekend game at Lambeau Field, I dejectedly mentioned to my wife that it’s been a great ride again this year, but there’s no way the Packers could go to San Francisco and survive.

Monday I was feeling a little better. ‘Why not?’ I asked myself. The offensive line played well against a strong Vikings defensive front, Clay Matthews and Charles Woodson are back and playing like they should, the team has a full cadre of receivers, the running game is as good as it’s ever been and not only that, but we’ve got the reigning MVP, Aaron Rodgers, who is playing as well now as he has at any time during his career.

And when you think about it, as poorly as the Packers played in that first game of the season, they still had a shot at the end to pull out a win.

I felt better and better about things as the week went on and this morning am feeling like this just might be another Packers team that comes from the depths of their injury-riddled season to another Super Bowl run.

So, with all that said, I feel that if the Packers can protect Aaron Rodgers in the pocket, if the play calling gets Aaron Rodgers out of the pocket, if they can spread the 49ers defense out and if the Packers defense can contain both Colin Kaepernick and Frank Gore, the Packers have a great shot of leaving Candlestick today en route to the NFC Championship Game.

Throw in a couple of Mason Crosby field goals and I think the Packers, led by Aaron Rodgers will get the job done today.

Packers 26 49ers 21

My superstition: For years, the tags have always had to be facing in … that is, the tags on my bath towel. Each day when I fold and hang my bath towel the tag has to be facing in. If I forget and it somehow is facing out, the Packers play badly. Don’t tell me why, but it seems to work. Like the beer commercial and their “labels out” mantra, it’s only weird if it doesn’t work. Well, this seems to work for me, so it’s not weird.

GO PACK GO!

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) and Aldon Smith this Saturday will continue the memories that so many Packers vs. 49ers games have brought. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

For those of us who remember the Green Bay Packers teams of the 1970 and 1980s we understand how lucky we have been to have watched as this franchise has become the symbol of excellence in the National Football League.

Many of us remember those teams coached by Bart Starr and Forest Gregg. They always seemed to be respectable, always competed, but could never get over the hump to win games that needed to be won. Too many times, it was the Minnesota Vikings or the Chicago Bears that would dominate what was the the NFC Central Division during those two decades. The Packers were an afterthought and the butt of many jokes.

It was tough being a Packers fan during those times. But we held firm. We understood that time would help; that one day the Packers franchise would once again rise to the level of prominence we remembered from those fabulous teams of the 1960s.

Those days arrived in the early 1990s when Reggie White and Brett Favre stepped off the plane in Green Bay. The jokes faded away and ESPN actually uttered the name of our revered Mecca and did it without having to attach the word “loss” to it.

This weekend, the Packers travel to San Francisco to renew a playoff history that helped lift the Packers from has-beens to elite status. If you remember that history from 1995 until today, you will remember several Packers vs. 49ers playoff games, beginning with the one that made people sit up and take notice.

The date was Jan. 6, 1996, and the Packers had just finished winning the NFC Central with an 11-5 record. The Detroit Lions finished right behind the Packers with a record of 10-6. To start the playoff season right, the Packers defeated the Atlanta Falcons 37-20 to earn the right to advance to play the defending champion 49ers at Candlestick Park.

Nobody gave the Packers a chance, but from the moment CB Craig Newsome picked up a fumble on the 49ers first possession and rumbled into the end zone to give the Packers a 7-0 lead, the gloves were off and it was the Packers time.

Brett Favre

Before the Niners could get their bearings, that gunslinger from Kiln, Miss., had thrown two touchdown passes, one to tight end Keith Jackson and the other to the other tight end, Mark Chmura, the Packers were in complete control of the game and on their way to the championship game at Dallas.

Though Emmitt Smith, Troy Aikman and company would win the game, it was the momentum the Packers earned in that playoff run that led to their 1996 Super Bowl Championship over the New England Patriots. It would also act as the springboard that would propel the Packers to becoming one of the most revered and competitive franchises in the league. It would lift Brett Favre to three consecutive Most Valuable Player awards and would not only endear Reggie White to Packers Nation, but would put an exclamation to the end of his career.

From that January game in 1996 to Saturday’s matchup, the Packers and 49ers have played many memorable games – in both the playoffs and regular season.

This Saturday’s game no doubt will continue the tradition between the two teams. Again, we have to playoff-caliber teams going head to head in their biggest game of the season. Many are saying this could be Super Bowl as either the Packers or 49ers will most likely defeat either the Seattle Seahawks or Atlanta Falcons.

That’s debatable and will be debated, but regardless of how you feel about that, Saturday’s game, once concluded, will most likely be viewed as another one to log in the memory banks … no matter which team wins.

Just like the 1996 game that propelled the Packers to prominence, the game this coming Saturday should be one that will be talked about many years from now.

Both Packers and Niners fans should enjoy the ride … while it most likely will come around again, staying at the top of this league is a fickle thing.

We here at Lombardiave.com are proud to say that the Packers are still playing in January and that the future for both the Packers and Niners looks bright indeed.

Our hope is that we will be here in another 18 years looking back on that Jan. 12, 2013, as one of the best ever.

Here’s a rundown of every game between the two teams:

Here is a rundown of every result in the history of this series:

November 26, 1950: Packers win 25-21 (GB)
December 10, 1950: 49ers win 30-14 (SF)
December 9, 1951: 49ers win 31-19 (SF)
December 14, 1952: 49ers win 24-14 (SF)
November 22, 1953: 49ers win 37-7 (Mil)
December 6, 1953: 49ers win 48-14 (SF)
October 10, 1954: 49ers win 23-17 (Mil)
December 5, 1954: 49ers win 35-0 (SF)
November 20, 1955: Packers win 27-21 (Mil)
December 4, 1955: Packers win 28-7 (SF)
November 18, 1956: 49ers win 17-16 (GB)
December 8, 1956: 49ers win 38-20 (SF)
October 20, 1957: 49ers win 24-14 (Mil)
December 15, 1957: 49ers win 27-20 (SF)
November 23, 1958: 49ers win 33-12 (Mil)
December 7, 1958: 49ers win 48-21 (SF)
October 11, 1959: Packers win 21-20 (GB)
December 13, 1959: Packers win 36-14 (SF)
October 23, 1960: Packers win 41-14 (Mil)
December 10, 1960: Packers win 13-0 (SF)
September 24, 1961: Packers win 30-10 (GB)
December 10, 1961: 49ers win 22-21 (SF)
October 21, 1962: Packers win 31-13 (Mil)
December 9, 1962: Packers win 31-21 (SF)
November 24, 1963: Packers win 28-10 (Mil)
December 14, 1963: Packers win 21-17 (SF)
October 11, 1964: Packers win 24-14 (Mil)
November 15, 1964: 49ers win 24-14 (SF)
October 10, 1965: Packers win 27-10 (GB)
December 19, 1965: Tie 24-24 (SF)
October 9, 1966: 49ers win 21-20 (SF)
December 4, 1966: Packers win 20-7 (Mil)
November 19, 1967: Packers win 13-0 (GB)
December 1, 1968: 49ers win 27-20 (SF)
September 28, 1969: Packers win 14-7 (Mil)
November 1, 1970: 49ers win 26-10 (SF)
November 5, 1972: Packers win 34-24 (Mil)
November 26, 1973: 49ers win 20-6 (SF)
December 8, 1974: 49ers win 7-6 (SF)
September 12, 1976: 49ers win 26-14 (GB)
December 18, 1977: Packers win 16-14 (Mil)
November 9, 1980: Packers win 23-16 (Mil)
October 18, 1981: 49ers win 1303 (Mil)
October 26, 1986: 49ers win 31-17 (Mil)
December 6, 1987: 49ers win 23-12 (GB)
November 19, 1989: Packers win 21-17 (SF)
November 4, 1990: 49ers win 24-20 (GB)
January 6, 1996: Packers win 27-17 (SF) (Divisional)
October 14, 1996: Packers win 23-20 (OT) (GB)
January 4, 1997: Packers win 35-14 (GB) (Divisional)
January 11, 1998: Packers win 23-10 (SF) (NFCCG)
November 1, 1998: Packers win 36-22 (GB)
January 3, 1999: 49ers win 30-27 (SF) (Wild card)
November 29, 1999: Packers win 20-3 (SF)
October 15, 2000: Packers win 31-28 (GB)
January 13, 2002: Packers win 25-15 (GB) (Wild card)
December 15, 2002: Packers win 20-14 (SF)
November 23, 2003: Packers win 20-10 (GB)
December 10, 2006: Packers win 30-19 (SF)
November 22, 2009: Packers win 30-24 (GB)
December 5, 2010: Packers win 34-16 (GB)
September 9, 2012: 49ers win 30-22 (GB)

The Packers put the rest of the NFL that not only they are they ready for the post-season, they are peaking at the right time. With the Packers 55-7 destruction of a thin and completely outmanned Titans team on Sunday, they served notice that they are every bit as good as they were expected to be this season, if not better.

I won’t overstate the win, it was against the Titans who have been a pretty poor team this season, but the dominance the Packers showed was impressive. It was such a mismatch that by midway through the third quarter I began to feel sorry for the Titans. The only blemish on an otherwise stellar defensive effort occurred after I completely lost interest and tuned to the Red Zone channel to watch what else might be of interest.

With the win, the Packers virtually guarantee the #3 seed. (Two 49ers losses and 2 SEA wins make them a 4 seed) They can add a bye week with a win next week in the Mall of America-Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome  (or whatever it’s called) coupled with a 49ers loss in Seattle tonight or versus Arizona next week.

Obviously the best chance for that is tonight in Seattle, and I fully expect the Seahawks to deliver the gift of a potential bye. They will help themselves by winning tonight as well, securing one of the 2 Wild Card slots. Hey, they owe us at least that much!

All of that could go up in smoke if the Packers can’t secure a win next Sunday in Minnesota. Adrian Peterson is going for the all-time single season rushing record and they are coming off an impressive win on the road in Houston. The H-Dome is loud and unlike many years, this game may mean a lot to both teams: A potential bye for the Pack and a playoff berth for the Vikes.

Tonight’s game is the key for next week to be meaningful for everyone.

For what it’s worth, GO SEAHAWKS! I’d like the chance for the Packers to get the bye they deserve…

There are a few scenarios that could transpire that would be to the Packers benefit. Either way they are in the playoff tournament with the potential to bring the Lombardi trophy home where it belongs – in Green Bay!

If the season were to end today the Packers would be a number 3 seed. Their opponent would be a rematch of their week 17 matchup, the Vikings, who would bring up the rear with the 6^th seed playoff spot.  With that said, the Giants, Bears, and Cowboys all have hope to edge out the Vikings for the number six spot.

The game Packers fans have the most interest in this week is the match-up that pits the San Francisco 49ers against the Seattle Seahawks. The Seahawks could pay the Packers a well-deserved favor with a victory over the 49ers in Seattle. Doing so would ensure the Packers, provided they win their next two games, the 2^nd seed in the NFC Playoffs.  This would grant the Packers a first round playoff bye and a game on the “Frozen Tundra of Lambeau Field (insert Chris Berman voice).” Possibly home field advantage throughout the playoffs.

If the 49ers, who many of the experts believe are the best team in football, defeat the Seahawks and their week 17 opponent, the lowly Arizona Cardinals they would claim the number 2 seed. In this instance the Packers would play the Vikings, Bears, Cowboys, or Giants. Looking at the schedules of these four teams and each of their two remaining opponents it seems the Bears would be the Packers’ most likely first round foe. Over the next 2 weeks the Bears play the Cardinals and the Lions at home. As the Cowboys have the Saints and the ‘Skins, the Viking have the Texans and the Packers, and the Giants play the Eagles and the Ravens.

A first round playoff match-up with the Bears is intriguing. After all, the only thing better than defeating the Bears and Jay Cutler twice in a season would be to beat them 3 times. An entertaining game for sure, however, it could be one that makes Packers fans a bit weary. Odds are the Bears will beat the Packers sooner or later and the playoffs would be a miserable time for logic to win out. But we in Packer Nation are optimists, and confident that the Packers would swiftly lead the Bears to the playoff exit.

On the other hand if the Seahawks or the Cardinals happen to defeat the 49ers over the next two weeks the Packers would be matched up with the winner of the first round wild card playoff game. In this scenario the most likely challenger would be the Redskins or the Seahawks.  But the Cowboys could be in the mix here as well. Best bet would be the Seahawks with their ferocious defense.

Nevertheless, January 2013 will prove to be an exciting time in Packers Land. With the Giants seemingly left for dead the largest obstacle in the way of the Green and Gold looks to be the 49ers. The Falcons, although they put the hurt on the defending Super Bowl Champs, don’t appear to have what it takes to win in the playoffs.

For the NFC, the road to the Super Bowl goes through Green Bay … with maybe a stop in San Francisco.

A frustrated Mike McCarthy watches his team drop the 2012 season-opener to the 49ers Sunday at Lambeau Field. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

The San Francisco 49ers used a solid run game and stingy defense, a timely interception and got just enough production from QB Alex Smith to defeat the Green Bay Packers 30-22 at Lambeau Field Sunday.

The start of the 2012 season didn’t go as many thought for the Packers who came out trying to mix the run and pass, but got nearly zero production from newly-acquired running back Cedric Benson.

In fact, the Packers had to punt six of their first seven possessions while the 49ers used a solid run game and a short passing game to control the clock.

“We played a very good football team today,” Packers Head Coach Mike McCarthy said at his post-game press conference. “We did some things that we can build on.”

David Akers connected on three field goals in the first half, including a 63-yarder at the end of the second quarter that bounced high off the crossbar and over to tie the National Football League record. The 49ers first field goal came after a 58-yard drive on nine plays.

Akers connected from 40 yards. Randy Moss caught a 14-yard pass from Smith at the 11:10 mark of the second quarter to give the 49ers a 10-0 lead. However, the Packers came right back on a 10-play 80-yard drive that was capped by a 1 yard touchdown pass to Jermichael Finley.

The Packers were awarded the ball at the one yard line after the Niners were flagged for a pass interference call in the end zone. However, with a strange end to the second quarter the Niners capped a 10-play 55-yard drive with another Akers field goal from 43 yards out to give the Niners a 13-7 lead.

The Packers quickly went three and out and had to punt the ball inside 20 seconds. Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers was not happy with how that last stalled drive allowed the Niners to get the ball back. He took the blame for the Niners final field goal of the first half when he didn’t stay in bounds on the third down play to allow the clock to run down.

The 49ers capitalized by moving the ball a bit over 20 yards to set up Akers’ 63-yarder to up their halftime lead to 16-7. When the Niners stopped the Packers on their opening drive of the second half, they took control of the game by driving the ball 84 yards and finishing it with a 4-yard touchdown pass to Vernon Davis to give them a 23-7 lead.

Lambeau Field fell silent, but the Packers weren’t done, despite their poor overall play up to that point. The bright spot for the Packers throughout the afternoon was second year receiver Randall Cobb. In addition to his team-leading nine receptions for 77 yards, Cobb also took a fourth quarter punt and returned it 75 yards for a touchdown to cut the Niners lead to 23-15 after Jordy Nelson caught a two-point conversion from Rodgers.

When the Packers defense held midway through the fourth quarter, Rodgers did what he hasn’t done much the past few years – he threw an interception. On the first play of the drive, Rodgers attempted a quick hitter over the middle but was picked off by Niners linebacker Nick Bowman.

One play later Niners running back Frank Gore was in the end zone from 23 yards out to give San Francisco a seemingly insurmountable 30-15 lead.

Rodgers then led the Packers on a five-play, 76-yard drive that was highlighted by James Jones’ 10-yard touchdown catch. After the Packers stopped the Niners on downs inside of three minutes, they got the ball back, moved out to near midfield, but the Niners stopped Rodgers and the Packers on downs.

“We’re 0-1. We’re going to see it again Thursday (when the Chicago Bears come to Lambeau Field for a North Division showdown).

“This is one game and we lost to the team that was in the NFC Championship last year. We hope we see them down the road in the playoffs,” Rodger said.

But to start thinking about the post-season, Rodgers also admitted that the Packers have to get by this loss and move on. “We’ve got another home game Thursday and we gotta play better,” he said.

Statistics from the game, courtesy of si.com are as follows:

• Scoring Summary

1st Quarter

David Akers 40 yd FG, 4:53 Drive: 9 plays, 58 yards in 4:18
San Francisco 3-0

2nd Quarter

Randy Moss 14 yd pass from Alex Smith (David Akers kick), 11:10 Drive: 9 plays, 92 yards in 5:10
San Francisco 10-0

Jermichael Finley 1 yd pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby kick), 4:40 Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards in 6:30
San Francisco 10-7

David Akers 43 yd FG, 0:55 Drive: 10 plays, 55 yards in 3:45
San Francisco 13-7

David Akers 63 yd FG, 0:00 Drive: 4 plays, 17 yards in 0:18
San Francisco 16-7

3rd Quarter

Vernon Davis 4 yd pass from Alex Smith (David Akers kick), 8:16 Drive: 9 plays, 84 yards in 5:09
San Francisco 23-7

4th Quarter

Randall Cobb 75 yd punt return (Jordy Nelson 2pt Pass from Aaron Rodgers), 11:16 Drive: 0 play, 0 yard
San Francisco 23-15

Frank Gore 23 yd run (David Akers kick), 8:41 Drive: 1 play, 23 yards in 0:09
San Francisco 30-15

James Jones 10 yd pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby kick), 6:05 Drive: 5 plays, 76 yards in 2:36
San Francisco 30-22

 Packers

Jordy Nelson scores a touchdown versus the 49ers back in 2010. Packers fans hope Nelson and the other Packers receivers come up big against the 49ers Sunday. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

In a bit more than 24 hours we will all be transfixed on Lambeau Field and the opening of the 2012 National Football League game for both the Green Bay Packers and the San Francisco 49ers.

Many feel this is a preview of the the National Football Conference Championship Game … to me, that’s a bit premature. Both of these teams will look a lot different in December and January than they look now, but as we enter the season, this is as big as it gets. No doubt, this game trumps all others this first week – even the Cowboys vs. Giants and Broncos vs. Steelers, in my opinion, aren’t as sexy as this one.

You’ve got offense versus defense; Aaron Rodgers versus Alex Smith; the Packers offensive line versus the Smith boys on the 49ers defensive line; Randy Moss versus the Packers secondary – and a whole lot more.

And so, with that in mind, we here at Lombardiave.com have caught up with Eric Melendez, the lead editor at our Fansided.com fellow blog site, NinerNoise.com. We asked him a few questions about his outlook for Sunday’s game. In kind, we also answered a few questions he threw our way – we will feature our answers right here on our site tomorrow morning, so be sure to stop back prior to the game to see our exchange.

In the meantime, here’s our questions and Eric’s responses:

With new addition Perrish Cox and second-year player Chris Culliver at cornerback behind the starters, the secondary appears to be in good hands. Cox showed in the preseason he makes the correct reads of what the quarterback is going to do. Culliver has the size and speed to keep up with the Packers receivers.

Lombardiave: The 49ers defense has been hailed as one of the best to hit the field in many years. The question I have going into Sunday’s game is this: Can they really slow down the Packers’ offense?

The 49ers defense will pose a huge challenge to the Packers offense. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Niner Noise: The 49ers’ secondary looked sluggish in the preseason, especially the first-stringers, which was not encouraging.  However, the 49ers have Pro Bowlers Carlos Rogers at cornerback and Dashon Goldson at safety leading and directing what the secondary needs to do on Sunday. What is key to the 49ers slowing down the Packers’ offense is applying constant pressure on Rodgers and forcing him to make mistakes, something the defensive line and linebackers did well last season. If the 49ers defense cannot get pressure on Rodgers, there is no way they will slow down the passing game.

Lombardiave: Given that the Packers’ pass defense was pathetic last season and considering that the Packers have had injuries to their defensive line (Pickett and Raji) will the Niners try to exploit the Packers through the air or on the ground?

Niner Noise: Expect the 49ers offense to exploit the Packers through the ground more than the air. The 49ers upgraded their passing game with the new additions at wide receiver, but the running game will still be the focus of the offense. The 49ers offensive line will win the matchup against the Packers defensive line, allowing them to march down the field. The real question is can the 49ers score touchdowns and not field goals after entering the red zone. This is something they struggled with last season which is why kicker David Akers set multiple kicking records. The 49ers need to score a touchdown on every possession if they want to keep up with the Packers prolific passing offense and have a chance to win the game.

Moss is second on the receivers depth chart, so Jim Harbaugh and his coaching staff knows he can and will be valuable on the field as well. If Harbaugh did not think Moss could start and would do damage to opposing defenses, he would not be one of the starting receivers. Look for Moss to be a favorite target for Alex Smith in the back of the end zone.

Niner Noise: The 49ers and Packers will get off to a slow start as it is opening week and we will see some turnovers from both teams in the first half. The second half will be faster paced with both teams making plays they should on offense and defense. As much as the offenses will be highlighted, both defenses will be what everyone will be talking about after the game. It will be a close game throughout with 49ers edging out the win, 25-23, in the final minutes with a turnover.