San Francisco 49ers Stage Comeback to Beat Green Bay Packers in Divisional-Round Playoff Game
The San Francisco 49ers pulled off their first second-half comeback of the season to defeat the Green Bay Packers 24-21 in a divisional-round playoff game. Christian McCaffrey scored his second touchdown on a 6-yard run with 1:07 remaining to secure the victory. The Niners, who had been front-runners throughout the regular season, needed to come from behind for a change and were able to do so with the help of Brock Purdy and McCaffrey on the final drive.
The win sends San Francisco to their third consecutive NFC championship game, where they will host the winner of the upcoming game between Tampa Bay and Detroit. The Niners’ defense held on after McCaffrey’s touchdown run, with Dre Greenlaw intercepting Jordan Love for the second time to seal the victory. This marks San Francisco’s fifth straight playoff win over Green Bay.
Love had given the Packers the lead with two touchdown passes in the third quarter, but his first full season as the starter in place of Aaron Rodgers ended on a disappointing note. The Niners found themselves playing from behind after Green Bay converted a third-and-15 play with a pass interference call against Ambry Thomas. Love and Bo Melton then connected for a 19-yard touchdown pass.
After McCaffrey’s 39-yard touchdown run put San Francisco back in the lead, Green Bay quickly struck back with a 2-yard touchdown pass from Love to Tyler Kraft. The Packers extended their lead to 21-14 with a 2-point conversion pass to Aaron Jones. However, the Niners were able to close the gap with a 52-yard field goal by Jake Moody and held on for the win.
Injuries:
– Packers: RT Zach Tom left in the third quarter to get checked for a head injury and did not return.
– 49ers: WR Deebo Samuel injured his shoulder on the opening drive and missed most of the game.
