1/5/13 Green Bay WI – The San Fransisco 49ers traveled to meet the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field for the Wildcard Round of the NFL play offs. With Aaron Rodgers armed and ready to play, the Packers walked onto the field with a tough offense. The 49ers boasted a strong defense. In the last seconds of the game, the 49ers worked the clock, taking an easy field goal with two seconds left in the game. As a consequence, the 49ers won the game 23-20 on 98.3 WRUP.
Green Bay received the ball to start. Their offensive drive ended quickly as the Packers were put in the cruel position of 4th and 1. Playing it safe, the punting unit came on. With surprising speed, San Fransisco brought the game to 1st and goal. However, the Packers defense shined as San Fransisco had to settle for a field goal (3-0). The Packers next offensive drive modeled their first. In fact, the 49ers next play also ended with a field goal (6-0 San Fransisco). An overwhelming feeling of deja vu covered the stands as the Packers again went 3 and out.
The first encouraging turn for the Packers came with an interception by Trevon Williams early in the second half! This turnover triggered a spark in the Packers offense. The excitement grew as the Packers stepped into the end zone taking the lead (7-6 Packers). This euphoria didn’t last long as the 49ers diced up the Packers defense running 42 yards and scoring a touchdown seconds later (13-7 San Fransisco). The Packers ended the half with a field goal, almost reaching the 49ers at 13-10 (San Fransisco).
Turnovers were the name of the game in the third quarter. Both teams went 3 and out. Then, when San Fransisco was stalled at Green Bay’s 35 yard line, they brought on the punting unit instead of battling the wind for a field goal. Rogers was sacked twice in a row ending their next offensive drive. The 49ers went 3 and out and it was Green Bay’s ball again. The crowd roared with excitement as the Packers worked their way down the field. Before they reached their goal, the drive was interrupted by the end of the end of the third quarter.
A risky punt by Rodgers was caught by Randall Cobb inside the five yard line of San Fransisco! The Packers took the lead 17-13 with 12 minutes left in the game! The 49ers retaliated with a touchdown of their own (20-17 San Fransisco). When the Packers received a field goal after being stalled at the 9 yard line, the game was tied 20-20. The two minute warning rang and there was still no clear leader in the ballgame. Now, the clock was against the Packers. A 33 yard field goal attempt ended the game with San Fransisco on top (23-20).
Although the Green Bay Packers fought bravely against the San Fransisco 49ers, the last seconds proved fatal to their post season future. The 49ers will advance after their win over the Packers 23-20!