NFL playoffs: 49ers stun Packers, possibly end Aaron Rodgers’ tenure in Green Bay

San Francisco kicker Robbie Gould (9) celebrates after making the game-winning field goal Jan. 22, 2022, in Green Bay, Wis.
San Francisco kicker Robbie Gould (9) celebrates after making the game-winning 45-yard area aim as time expired within the 49ers’ 13-10 win over the Inexperienced Bay Packers at Lambeau Discipline.
(Morry Gash / Related Press)

Robbie Gould lived as much as his identify.

On a area affected by snow flurries, Gould made a 45-yard area aim Saturday night time as time expired that knocked off the top-seeded Packers 13-10 and probably ended Aaron Rodgers’ tenure in Inexperienced Bay.

Gould has made all 20 of his profession playoff field-goal makes an attempt. His newest helped the 49ers full an inconceivable comeback by scoring 10 unanswered factors within the final 5 minutes.

“I all the time belief Robbie. He’s nearly as good as gold, man,” 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo mentioned. “He all the time is.”

The 49ers (12-7) continued their postseason hex on Rodgers and superior to an NFC championship sport matchup Jan. 30 at both the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (14-4) or the Rams (13-5). These groups play Sunday in Tampa, Fla.

San Francisco’s win, coupled with the Cincinnati Bengals’ 19-16 victory over the Tennessee Titans earlier within the day, marked the primary time each No. 1 seeds misplaced within the divisional spherical in the identical season since 2010. Inexperienced Bay gained at Atlanta and the New York Jets gained at New England that season.

“It’s harmful, man. When a crew will get sizzling, it’s harmful,” Garoppolo added. “So we’ve simply acquired to maintain this factor going, give attention to subsequent week now, and hold this factor rolling.”

Rodgers went 20 for 29 for 225 yards and dropped to 0-4 in profession playoff begins in opposition to the 49ers. He’s the primary quarterback in NFL historical past to lose 4 playoff begins to a single opponent.

He now enters an unsure offseason. After skipping the Packers’ necessary minicamp in a standoff with administration, Rodgers mentioned he was unsure whether or not this may be his final yr in Inexperienced Bay. Rodgers mentioned final month he was preserving all choices open.

Rodgers didn’t wish to speculate on his future Saturday night time, although he mentioned he didn’t wish to be a part of a rebuild if he retains taking part in.

“I don’t assume it’s honest to anyone or myself to actually go down these paths at this level,” Rodgers mentioned. “It’s disappointing, unhappy and contemporary. I’ll have conversations within the subsequent week or so and begin to ponder after that.”

The Packers' Aaron Rodgers reacts after being sacked by the 49ers' Arik Armstead during the second half.
The Packers’ Aaron Rodgers reacts after being sacked by the 49ers’ Arik Armstead through the second half. San Francisco had 5 sacks.
(Aaron Gash / Related Press)

The Packers (13-5) earned the NFC’s high seed for a second straight season however once more failed to succeed in the large sport. They haven’t made it to the Tremendous Bowl since their 2010 championship season.

“I simply didn’t envision it like this,” mentioned Inexperienced Bay working again Aaron Jones, who had 9 catches for 129 yards and 12 carries for 41 yards.

San Francisco tied the rating with 4:41 left due to a breakdown by Inexperienced Bay’s particular groups, the Packers’ largest weak spot all season.

Jordan Willis’ outstretched left hand blocked a punt by Corey Bojorquez, who was kicking from the entrance of his finish zone. Talanoa Hufanga picked up the ball on the six-yard line and ran it in to make it 10-10.

San Francisco's Talanoa Hufanga returns a blocked punt six yards for a touchdown with 4:41 left to tie the score.
(Aaron Gash / Related Press)

After the Packers went three and out, the 49ers acquired the ball again at their 29 with 3:20 left and drove into field-goal vary. Deebo Samuel delivered a nine-yard run on third and eight from the Inexperienced Bay 38, and the 49ers ran down the clock to arrange Gould.

A.J. Dillon’s six-yard landing run capped a 69-yard drive on the sport’s opening possession that put the Packers forward 7-0. Inexperienced Bay’s offense didn’t do a lot of something after that.

The Packers’ particular groups fared even worse.

Effectively earlier than that blocked punt, San Francisco’s Jimmie Ward blocked a 39-yard field-goal try from Mason Crosby on the ultimate play of the primary half, stopping the Packers from extending their result in 10-0. The Packers additionally allowed Samuel to return the second-half kickoff 45 yards, establishing the 49ers’ first area aim. Inexperienced Bay additionally appeared to have solely 10 males on the sphere when Gould made his profitable kick.

“We thought our particular groups had a bonus on this sport,” 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan mentioned. “We thought that they had a possibility to probably win us the sport. And to have the ability to say that and to really come to fruition was big for these guys and large for our crew.”

San Francisco gained by overcoming a brutal begin from its offense. The 49ers had minus-10 yards of their first 4 collection, three of which included third-down sacks. It was the primary time the 49ers had opened a sport with 4 straight three and outs since a 27-24 loss to the Minnesota Vikings on Sept. 27, 2009.

The 49ers didn’t get a single first down or move completion till Garoppolo linked with tight finish George Kittle on a 15-yard achieve with lower than 6½ minutes left within the second quarter. Garoppolo was simply 11 for 19 for 131 yards with an interception, however the 49ers nonetheless managed to win.

“It took the whole lot,” Garoppolo mentioned. “We knew it was going to. I imply, it was simply offense, protection, particular groups — everyone stepping up and doing their half. Wouldn’t have it every other approach.”

San Francisco quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo rejoices in the 49ers' comeback win.
(Matt Ludtke / Related Press)

Frozen tundra

The temperature at kickoff was 14 levels with a wind chill of zero, making it the fifth-coldest playoff sport in Lambeau Discipline historical past. The second half was performed amid snow flurries.

Accidents

The Packers had been with out offensive sort out David Bakhtiari, a 2020 All-Professional choice. Bakhtiari performed 27 snaps within the Packers’ regular-season finale, which marked his first sport since tearing his left anterior cruciate ligament Dec. 31, 2000.

Billy Turner, taking part in for the primary time since struggling his personal knee damage Dec. 12, began in Bakhtiari’s place.

49ers working again Jeff Wilson left due to an ankle damage after the opening kickoff. Packers security Darnell Savage (again) and working again A.J. Dillon (chest) left within the third quarter.

The Packers' Aaron Rodgers leaves the field after Green Bay's loss in the NFC divisional round.
Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers leaves the sphere after Inexperienced Bay’s upset loss to San Francisco within the NFC divisional spherical.
(Morry Gash / Related Press)

Subsequent up

The 49ers will probably be at both Tampa Bay or the Rams within the NFC championship sport Jan. 30.

The Packers’ season is over. Will Rodgers be again with the Pack?

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