It happened again. If you’re a Green Bay fan, you probably woke up today with a familiar, heavy pit in your stomach after seeing the score of packers game yesterday. The scoreboard at Levi’s Stadium flashed a final of San Francisco 49ers 24, Green Bay Packers 21. It was one of those games that felt like it was won three different times before it was actually lost. Heartbreaking? Absolutely. Surprising? Maybe not, considering the history between these two franchises, but this one felt different because Jordan Love had the Niners on the ropes.
The game was a muddy, rain-soaked chess match. People expected a blowout because the Packers were the youngest team to win a playoff game in the modern era, but Matt LaFleur had his squad playing like grizzled veterans for about 55 minutes. Then, the wheels came off.
The Numbers Behind the Score of Packers Game Yesterday
When you look at the score of packers game yesterday, 24-21 doesn't tell the whole story of how dominant Green Bay actually looked for large stretches. They outgained the 49ers. They had more first downs. They controlled the clock. But football is a cruel game played in the margins, and the Packers left too many points on the field. Two missed opportunities in the red zone—settling for field goals instead of touchdowns—eventually came back to haunt them.
Anders Carlson, the rookie kicker, missed a 41-yard field goal in the fourth quarter. That’s the kick everyone is talking about today. If he makes that, the game is 24-17, and the 49ers need a touchdown just to tie. Instead, the miss gave Brock Purdy and Kyle Shanahan a short porch and a massive momentum boost. Purdy, who struggled with the wet ball all night, suddenly found his rhythm when it mattered most.
Why the Red Zone Was a Disaster
Green Bay moved the ball at will between the twenties. Aaron Jones was a monster, racking up over 100 yards rushing for the fifth straight game. He looked like the best player on the field. Honestly, watching him slice through a San Francisco defense that usually eats running backs for breakfast was impressive. But once they got inside the 20-yard line, the play-calling got a bit shaky.
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There was a specific sequence early on where the Packers had 1st and Goal and couldn't punch it in. You can’t do that against a juggernaut like the Niners. You just can't. If you want to beat the best, you have to be clinical. Green Bay was creative, sure, but they weren't clinical.
Jordan Love’s Tale of Two Halves
We have to talk about Jordan Love. For three quarters, he looked like the next Hall of Famer in the Green Bay lineage. He was making off-platform throws, finding Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs in tight windows, and playing with a calm that defied his age. Then came the fourth quarter.
The final interception was... well, it was bad. It was a "Brett Favre" moment in the worst way possible. Rolling right, throwing back across the middle of the field into triple coverage? That’s a cardinal sin of quarterbacking. Dre Greenlaw didn't even have to work for it; the ball hit him right in the numbers. It was a crushing end to a season where Love proved he is "The Guy," even if that final throw looked like a rookie mistake.
The Defensive Stand That Wasn't
Joe Barry’s defense actually played one of their best games of the year for the most part. They kept Christian McCaffrey mostly in check—until they didn't. CMC is an inevitable force of nature. His 6-yard touchdown run to cap off the 49ers' final drive was a masterclass in vision and contact balance.
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The Packers' pass rush disappeared during that final drive. Purdy had all day to find Brandon Aiyuk and George Kittle. When you give a quarterback like that time to scan the field, he’s going to find the open man. It didn't help that Green Bay's secondary seemed to soften up right when they needed to be most aggressive.
What This Score Means for the Future
Even though the score of packers game yesterday resulted in a loss, the perspective in Wisconsin is surprisingly optimistic today. Think about where this team was in October. They were 2-5. People were calling for Matt LaFleur’s job. Fans were wondering if Jordan Love was a bust.
Instead, they finished the season by dismantling the Cowboys in Dallas and taking the best team in the NFC to the absolute brink on their own turf. The "rebuild" is over. This isn't a team that's "getting there"—they are there.
Key Takeaways for the Offseason
- The Kicking Situation: You can't enter 2024 with a kicker you don't trust. Carlson has the leg, but the consistency isn't there.
- Defensive Identity: Whether Joe Barry stays or goes is the $64,000 question. They played well enough to win, but the late-game collapse is a recurring theme.
- Wide Receiver Depth: This group is legit. Jayden Reed, Dontayvion Wicks, and Romeo Doubs are a problem for defensive coordinators.
- The Run Game: Aaron Jones is still the heart of this offense. Keeping him healthy and explosive is priority number one.
It’s a bitter pill to swallow. Watching the 49ers celebrate while the Packers walked off into the tunnel felt like a repeat of 2012, 2013, 2019, and 2021. San Francisco has become the ultimate "boss fight" that Green Bay just can't seem to beat. But unlike those previous losses with Aaron Rodgers, this one felt like the beginning of something rather than the end of an era.
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The score of packers game yesterday will be recorded as a loss in the history books, but for the development of this young roster, it might be the most valuable game they've ever played. They know they can compete with anyone. They know they belong. Now they just have to learn how to finish.
Next Steps for Packers Fans
The season is over, but the work for the front office starts now. If you want to stay ahead of what happens next, watch the salary cap moves regarding Aaron Jones and David Bakhtiari. Also, keep a close eye on the NFL Draft order; Green Bay is sitting on a wealth of picks thanks to the Rodgers trade, and they are in a prime position to add a high-end safety or offensive lineman. The sting of this loss will fade, but the potential of this roster is just starting to shine.
Actionable Insights:
- Watch the Coaching Staff: Monitor news outlets for updates on the defensive coordinator position.
- Draft Focus: Look for the Packers to prioritize a safety and an interior offensive lineman in the first three rounds.
- Player Health: Follow updates on Jordan Love’s offseason training and the recovery of injured stars like Christian Watson.