By Scary Barry Rodriguez September 9, 2012
Lambeau Field, Wis. - Going into their 2012 season opener, the San Francisco 49ers hadn't defeated the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau field since 1990. Tim Harbaugh and his crew now represent the changing of the guard in the NFL and they made that clear Sunday, out playing the Packers in all phases of the game. For both teams the replacement officials threatened to determine the outcome of the game by their sheer ineptitude.
From the very start of game the 49er defense stuffed the Packer's running game causing Aaron Rodgers to depend on passing. The Niners scored 16 points in first half by virtue of three David Aker's field goals and a 2nd quarter TD pass of fourteen yards to Randy Moss. Akers booted a 63 yard field goal to equal an NFL record just before the end of the half. Green Bay scored just seven points in the first half, which put them in the unusual position of being behind their game opponent.
The Niners scored via a 4 yard TD pass to Vernon Davis in the 3rd quarter to ensure the Packers would have to play catchup for the entire game. The stout 49er defense allowed Aaron Rodgers only short pass completions with few exceptions. Frank Gore ran effectively breaking off a 20 yard run in the 3rd quarter and Michael Crabtree helped move the chains with timely catches for first downs. Alex Smith took some ferocious sacks but didn't fumble.
Going into the 4th quarter the Packers had narrowed the score to 23-15 after Randall Cobb aided by the game officials scored on a 75 yard punt return for a touchdown. Replays showed multiple Green Bay players blocking 49er players in the back on the punt return and the officials picked up a yellow flag. The entire stadium observed the replay on a huge new scoreboard video. Jim Harbaugh was beside himself with frustration.
The Niners didn't let the ineptitude of the game officials rattle them and kept playing the hard nosed football they are now known for. Frank Gore busted out a 23 yard run around the right side for a touchdown to put the score at 30-15.The Packers scored one more time to tighten up the game.The rest was left up to the 49er defense. They did not disappoint ! Linebacker Navarro Bowman intercepted Aaron Rodgers and very late in the game Ahmad Brooks sacked Aaron Rodgers in the waning moments to help put Green Bay in desperation straits. One last long pass was attempted in vain .
The invincible Packers were rendered ordinary by the San Francisco defense. Alex Smith was very efficient completing 20 of 26 passes and 2 TDs, while throwing no interceptions and holding on to the ball. The Niners had 186 rushing yards to Green Bay's 45, as the pattern continues from last season. Their was no real let down in the opener but room for improvement on the offense is needed. Coach Harbaugh's strategy of milking the game clock could backfire depending on changing situations. He should utilize Randy Moss more to terrorize opposing team's secondary. With an improved offense comes the opportunity not to rely on a conservative approach and always leave the game in the hands of the defense !
Lambeau Field, Wis. - Going into their 2012 season opener, the San Francisco 49ers hadn't defeated the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau field since 1990. Tim Harbaugh and his crew now represent the changing of the guard in the NFL and they made that clear Sunday, out playing the Packers in all phases of the game. For both teams the replacement officials threatened to determine the outcome of the game by their sheer ineptitude.
From the very start of game the 49er defense stuffed the Packer's running game causing Aaron Rodgers to depend on passing. The Niners scored 16 points in first half by virtue of three David Aker's field goals and a 2nd quarter TD pass of fourteen yards to Randy Moss. Akers booted a 63 yard field goal to equal an NFL record just before the end of the half. Green Bay scored just seven points in the first half, which put them in the unusual position of being behind their game opponent.
The Niners scored via a 4 yard TD pass to Vernon Davis in the 3rd quarter to ensure the Packers would have to play catchup for the entire game. The stout 49er defense allowed Aaron Rodgers only short pass completions with few exceptions. Frank Gore ran effectively breaking off a 20 yard run in the 3rd quarter and Michael Crabtree helped move the chains with timely catches for first downs. Alex Smith took some ferocious sacks but didn't fumble.
Going into the 4th quarter the Packers had narrowed the score to 23-15 after Randall Cobb aided by the game officials scored on a 75 yard punt return for a touchdown. Replays showed multiple Green Bay players blocking 49er players in the back on the punt return and the officials picked up a yellow flag. The entire stadium observed the replay on a huge new scoreboard video. Jim Harbaugh was beside himself with frustration.
The Niners didn't let the ineptitude of the game officials rattle them and kept playing the hard nosed football they are now known for. Frank Gore busted out a 23 yard run around the right side for a touchdown to put the score at 30-15.The Packers scored one more time to tighten up the game.The rest was left up to the 49er defense. They did not disappoint ! Linebacker Navarro Bowman intercepted Aaron Rodgers and very late in the game Ahmad Brooks sacked Aaron Rodgers in the waning moments to help put Green Bay in desperation straits. One last long pass was attempted in vain .
The invincible Packers were rendered ordinary by the San Francisco defense. Alex Smith was very efficient completing 20 of 26 passes and 2 TDs, while throwing no interceptions and holding on to the ball. The Niners had 186 rushing yards to Green Bay's 45, as the pattern continues from last season. Their was no real let down in the opener but room for improvement on the offense is needed. Coach Harbaugh's strategy of milking the game clock could backfire depending on changing situations. He should utilize Randy Moss more to terrorize opposing team's secondary. With an improved offense comes the opportunity not to rely on a conservative approach and always leave the game in the hands of the defense !
No comments:
Post a Comment