The Pack dominated the first half on their way to a 23-3 lead Sunday before putting it on cruise control in the second half.
The return of TE Jermichael Finley (7 Catches, 54 yards) opened up the offense for Green Bay as Aaron Rodgers put on a show in the first 30 minutes against the team that snubbed him on draft day 2005 (he threw for over 270 of his 344 yards and 2 tds in the first half).
Gerrrrrmichael!
Ryan Grant also rushed the ball 21 times for 129 yards and a score. The Pack moved to 6-4 before meeting the Lions on Thanksgiving and now control their own destiny for a December playoff push.
Rodgers hit Greg Jennings on a vintage Packers slant-and-run that Jennings (5 catches, 126 yards, 1 td) took 64 yards to the House. That touchdown put the Pack up 13-3 in the second quarter.
The Packers defense put together a very strong effort in the first half. They managed to shut down Frank Gore’s (59 yards) running lanes and help keep the time of possession in favor of the Pack (41:39 to 18:21).
After a defensive stop, Rodgers hit Jordy Nelson for a score, and Mason Crosby added 3 field goals to give the Pack a commanding halftime lead.
The Niners won most of the battles in the second half, adding a few late scores against a banged-up and more passive Packers defense. But it proved to be too little too late.
A Nick Collins INT combined with a consistent ground attack featuring Ryan Grant and Brandon Jackson (4 carries, 16 yards and 6 catches, 65 yards) proved to be too much for the 49ers. Green Bay was able to wear down San Francisco at the end of the game on their way to a 30-24 victory.
After the game, however, the Packers were slapped with some bad news: Al Harris and Aaron Kampman are done for the year after sustaining serious left knee injuries.
Rastaman Live Up
These two injuries are going to seriously test the Packers’ depth on defense. Linebackers Brad Jones and Brady Poppinga, as well as defensive backs Tramon Williams, Brandon Underwood and Jarrett Bush, will have to step up.
These are huge losses for a team that is trying to make a playoff push. Time to step up young bloods!
