The Green Bay Packers seemed like a team of destiny. After becoming the first 7-seed to ever win an NFL playoff game last week, Green Bay looked to step up against the top seed in the NFC, now facing the San Francisco 49ers. Heading into the fourth quarter, it looked like the Packers had a real shot at continuing their magical run. However, four crucial mistakes ended up costing them the game.
1. Turnover on Downs- 2nd Quarter
Early in the second quarter, the Green Bay Packers led this game 3-0. However, they were looking to add on to that lead. Green Bay managed to drive the ball down to the 49ers’ 14-yard line.
Eventually, they faced a 4th and 1 situation on that yard line. Green Bay decided to go for it and failed to convert. The Packers did not get any points on that drive, and it turns out that they could have really used those three points down the stretch.
2. Jordan Love Interception- 3rd Quarter
This next mistake happened late in the third quarter. The Green Bay Packers had the ball on their own 48-yard line and Love was looking to make something happen. It was 3rd and 11 so if the Packers failed to convert, they could have punted the ball.
However, Love ended up throwing a wildly inaccurate pass that ended up being tipped and intercepted. This allowed the 49ers to take over on the Packers’ 48-yard line. Early in the fourth quarter, this led to a field goal, and it allowed San Francisco to stay alive in this game.
3. Anders Carlson Missed Field Goal- 4th Quarter
The next error may arguably be the worst on this list. That is because kicker Anders Carlson was 2/2 in field goal attempts earlier this game. However, with 6:21 remaining in the game, Carlson was brought back out to kick a 41-yard field goal. This time, he could not convert, as he ended up hooking the kick left.
Just like the first mistake, the Packers left points on the board. Not having these points cost the Packers any chance at winning the game.
4. Jordan Love Interception- 4th Quarter
After the San Francisco 49ers took a 24-21 lead late in the fourth quarter, the Packers got the ball back one last time. Jordan Love was asked to be a hero and keep hope alive in Green Bay. Unfortunately, he did the opposite and ended up sealing Green Bay’s fate.
Taking the snap with 52 seconds remaining, Love threw a desperate pass down the field. Unfortunately, it ended up being intercepted. The 49ers ran around with it and eventually iced the game. As a result, the Green Bay Packers are now eliminated from the playoffs.
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