When the rise and fall of 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick is written, the Green Bay Packers will be on both ends of the tale. It was against the Packers that Kaepernick shattered the QB playoff rushing record that put the 49ers officially back on the map. If yesterday’s game isn’t the official end of Kaepernick as a starter, it is only postponing the inevitable.
The Packers frustrated and harassed the declining superstar so bad the home crowd was booing loudly in the second half and by the end chants of “Go Pack Go” were all that was heard from the remaining patrons. While the 49ers held the Packers to only 17 points, this game was never in jeopardy. When Kaepernick ran the ball he took more dives than a FIFA soccer player and when he threw it was a poke and hope.
For the third week in a row the Packers’ defense more than carried their weight, making life much easier for the Packers’ banged up offense. And credit to head coach Mike McCarthy and play caller Tom Clements for basically abandoning the blitzkrieg offense for a more controlled, time consuming offense that is keeping the defense fresh. Clay Matthews and crew were relentless from start to finish.
On offense the Packers were efficient but didn’t put enough points on the board to their liking. Running back Eddie Lacy looks like he has bounced back from a sore ankle after grinding out 90 yards on 18 carries. Aaron Rodgers his usual self and almost had a rushing touchdown of his own but couldn’t keep his feet in bounds on the dive. Wide receiver James Jones continues to pick up the slack for the injured Davante Adams.
The Packers are still finding their way on offense due to the injuries they have suffered but the greatness of Rodgers, the threat of Lacy, and a thus far stellar defense has them 4-0. It’s been an impressive first quarter of the season for the Packers who now lead the NFC by two games over the Minnesota Vikings. There is still a lot of work to be done, but this is the fast start the Packers have been looking for.