Packers: Top three performers from Week 12 loss vs. 49ers

3. Davante Adams

Davante Adams looks all the way back from the toe injury that caused him to miss four games. Adams caught seven passes for 43 yards and the lone touchdown for the Packers. He also added a two-point conversion after his first score of the year.

But, Adams’ success is a bit of a double-edged sword. On one hand, he’s clearly the best receiving option the Packers have. Allen Lazard, Jimmy Graham and Marquez Valdes-Scantling all only had one catch in the game. Geronimo Allison had three for only nine yards and dropped what would have been a sure first down on the second drive.

The Packers proved during his absence they can win without him. The offense had good balance and the ball was evenly distributed. Jones and Williams came alive and Lazard seemed to be building good chemistry with Rodgers.

That wasn’t there Sunday night.

In both the Los Angeles and San Francisco games, the Packers seemed content on force-feeding Adams. To be clear, that’s not Adams’ fault. If it’s by play design and call, that’s on the coach. If it’s because of Rodgers’ over reliance on him, that’s on the quarterback. This team should be better with the addition of a player like Adams, not worse.

To be fair, the 49ers’ line is extremely talented and wrecked the game plan of Matt LaFleur. I’m sure the score dictated what calls had to be made, but the uneven distribution should concern the Packers.

The Packers now must head back to Green Bay, lick their wounds and get back to basics before heading to the other coast to play the Giants.

The good news is their schedule moving forward should get easier. The Packers play only one other team with a winning record. That Week 16 showdown could decide the North. But the Packers can’t lose focus of what is in front of them and take each opponent from here on out seriously while not looking ahead.

Bad games are going to happen with a rookie head coach and a quarterback learning a new system. But the Packers still have everything ahead of them. The schedule is set up for them to get something going before the postseason. It’ll be up to them to make it happen.