Packers bounce back with dominant win over 49ers

The Packers were dominant against the 49ers in Week 9.

That one felt good.

After two blowout losses to the San Francisco 49ers last season, the Green Bay Packers got some revenge with a big win of their own, winning 34-17 at Levi’s Stadium on Thursday night.

The game was far more one-sided than even that scoreline suggests with the Packers giving up a couple of late touchdowns once the starters had been pulled.

With all of the players missing for the 49ers, this was a game the Packers were expected to win. And they did so emphatically.

Aaron Rodgers continued his MVP-level season with almost as many touchdown passes as incompletions. He completed 25 of his 31 attempts for 305 yards and four touchdowns, connecting with Marquez Valdes-Scantling for two touchdowns, with the other two scores going to Davante Adams and Marcedes Lewis.

Adams was phenomenal once again, catching 10 passes for 173 yards and a score. The 49ers, like many other defenses, simply had no answer for the Packers’ star wide receiver.

It was also a more encouraging performance from the defense. Yes, the 49ers were without many key starters on offense, but it was a good game nonetheless for Mike Pettine’s defense, making his seat slightly cooler.

While the defense only had one sack on the night, they provided consistent pressure with the Smith Bros. showing some of their 2019 form. And even with Jaire Alexander and Krys Barnes leaving the game due to injury, plus the other defenders out of this game, the Packers kept the 49ers offense quiet.

The defense also got a rare takeaway with Raven Greene building on his impressive recent performances with an interception early in the game.

This was a fun game for Packers fans but more importantly, it’s a crucial win for this team against an NFC rival. The victory puts Green Bay in control of the NFC North at 6-2, with a mini bye week to get healthy before the Jacksonville Jaguars visit Lambeau Field in 10 days.