Packers: Top three performers from Week 12 loss vs. 49ers
By Jesse Fry
Another trip out west, and another embarrassing effort. The Green Bay Packers dropped to 8-3 after being thoroughly beaten by the NFC-leading San Francisco 49ers.
Maybe it was the bye week, maybe it’s the West Coast. Maybe it’s a magic the Bosa brothers have on the Packers. Either way, the Packers went to San Francisco and came away with more questions than answers.
The game should not have been this way. A 37-8 score wasn’t in the cards for a team with two weeks to prepare for the primetime matchup. The Packers were rested, healthy and looking like they were finding their groove.
But, that was not the Packers team we saw. Instead we saw a team that laid an egg for the second time in three games. The game in Los Angeles was supposed to be an aberration. A small bump in the road the team would put behind them.
The win against Carolina looked like that might be the case.
Except the Packers came out flat, could not contain San Fran’s talented defensive line and gave up large amounts of yards in the middle again. Head coach Matt LaFleur made some questionable decisions like going for it on fourth down instead of trying for three points. Aaron Rodgers seemed to be holding the ball too long when he did have time.
This team was a mess.
What’s most concerning is this is the second time in three games when the team should be hitting their stride. There was not much to like about this game.
While I don’t think it’s time to panic, there are still some areas that need immediate improvement if the Packers want to go deep into the playoffs. The special teams is a mess. Even punter JK Scott, who started the season as hot as can be, is in a bit of a rut. Third down efficiency is also severely lacking.
The defense has to figure out a way to close the middle of the field and cover tight ends. And the offense must show better pass distribution and not focus on Davante Adams.
With that in mind, these three players were the lone bright spots in an otherwise forgetful game.