What we learned on NFL playoffs divisional round weekend, Day 1: 49ers tough but vulnerable, Packers promising

Another round of postseason football is well underway, with the Ravens advancing to the AFC Championship and the Packers falling just short in their upset bid against the No. 1-seeded 49ers on Saturday. Before long, the final four teams will be squaring off for a place in Super Bowl LVIII, which will be broadcast on CBS, Nickelodeon and Paramount+.

Here are some immediate takeaways from Saturday’s games:

49ers 24, Packers 21

San Francisco is very vulnerable

The 49ers are tough; we all know that. They were physical and opportunistic on defense here, especially late and in the red zone, and Brock Purdy briefly quieted any lingering skeptics by capping an erratic night with a go-ahead touchdown drive. The path to a Super Bowl appearance still looks very feasible. And yet, for a No. 1 seed hosting a No. 7 seed, they barely survived this one on their own grass. Kyle Shanahan bent conservative in a sluggish first half, probably could’ve used a dominant Christian McCaffrey even more, and permitted more extracurricular shenanigans from veterans like Trent Williams. Should they remain favorites in the NFC, especially with McCaffrey cooking? Sure. But it’s clear they’re built to play with a lead, not the other way around.

Brighter days should come in Green Bay

Not entirely dissimilar to the Texans with C.J. Stroud, the Packers can take solace knowing their franchise appears to be in special hands. Jordan Love wasn’t perfect this year — his fourth in the NFL and first as the Packers’ starter — and Saturday was no exception, with a late cross-body pick dooming a potential comeback. But his natural fluidity as an off-balance gunslinger was on full display for much of the night, keeping the 49ers on their toes. Better yet, he’s got an array of young weapons — four different rookies combined to top 2,100 receiving yards in 2023, playoffs included — that should only improve with more time in Matt LaFleur’s…

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Author : Cody Benjamin

Publish date : 2024-01-21 04:49:54

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