Red-zone misses, dropped pick-six define Packers’ frustrating first half vs. 49ers
The Green Bay Packers failed to score touchdowns on three red zone trips and dropped a potential pick-six during the first half of Saturday night’s NFC Divisional Round showdown with the San Francisco 49ers.
The Packers dominated for stretches but trail 7-6 after two quarters. A blocked field goal by Colby Wooden to end the half kept the Packers within one point.
Jordan Love and the Packers drove into 49ers territory on their first three drives but settled for a pair of 29-yard field goals from Anders Carlson on two drives and got stopped on 4th-and-1 inside the 20-yard line on a third. Gaining 175 total yards amounted to only six points.
The defense also threw away points.
Darnell Savage jumped a first quarter pass from Brock Purdy and would have had a chance to return the pick for a touchdown had he made the catch. Instead, he dropped the turnover chance, and the 49ers punted. At the very least, a takeaway could have set the Packers up to score more after taking a 3-0 lead.
Later in the second quarter, Savage got beat by George Kittle for a 32-yard touchdown pass on an extended play by Brock Purdy.
The Packers defense did produce stops on two of the 49ers’ three offensive possessions.
Officials spotted Love short on a fourth-down keeper, and Matt LaFleur didn’t chance reviewing the spot. The crew also decided against an intentional grounding penalty on Purdy just two plays before he hit Kittle for the go-ahead touchdown.
The Packers had drives of 14 plays, 10 plays and 10 plays. Green Bay gained 10 first downs and converted 4-of-7 chances on third down.
Aaron Jones rushed 11 times for 49 yards. Romeo Doubs caught two passes for 60 yards, including a 38-yarder. Jayden Reed’s 27-yard catch to start the third drive set up a field goal.
The 49ers will receive the second half kickoff. The Packers won the opening coin toss and elected to receive.
