1) This is a Special Defense
Up to this point, most had a lot of respect for the defense. Most thought they were good, but they're wrong. This defense is great. It is a championship defense.
San Francisco continued its dominance as it held the Green Bay Packers to eight points and only 198 total yards, which included a paltry 81 net passing yards!
The defense harassed Aaron Rodgers all night, sacking him five times, including a forced fumble and recovery at the Green Bay 2 on the Packers' opening drive.
The Packers had 12 possessions on offense and only managed to score on one of them.
Rodgers was held to only 104 yards passing, the lowest of his career when attempting at least 30 passes. (Chris Biderman)
This was a huge game and the 49ers did not disappoint. They made a statement.
2) George Kittle Makes the Offense Dangerous
While George Kittle was getting over knee and ankle injuries, the 49ers' power running game stalled and there were also some struggles in the passing game.
His return changed everything. They got back to the ground game, rushing 22 times for 112 yards and were able to kill a lot of the clock in the second half.
The passing game was more difficult to cover and Kittle showed up, hauling in six catches for 129 yards, including a 61-yard touchdown that broke the back of the Packers in the third quarter, following Green Bay's only score.
Having Kittle and also a healthy Emmanuel Sanders makes life much easier for Jimmy Garoppolo.
3) Jimmie Ward is Beginning to Make Believers Out of Us All
After years of not living up to his first-round draft status and dealing with constant injuries, safety Jimmie Ward is healthy and making plays every week.
Ward was disruptive from the very first drive as he had two big pass breakups and a big tackle that set up the Packers for their first 4th down attempt that failed. He also had a nice assist on a run stop for a loss.
His coverage has been exceptional, his tackling sure, and no one is beating him. With Ward playing at this level, it vindicates Coach Shanahan for all the praise and patience he has given Ward over the last two years.
More importantly, Ward's play has made a very good defense even better.
4) Extra Points
- Jimmy Garoppolo quietly had a really good day, completing 14 of 20 passes for 253 yards and two touchdowns. His passer rating was a whopping 145.8.
- The defense stifled Green Bay on third down, holding it to only 1 for 15 in those situations and 1 for 3 on 4th down.
- D.J. Jones was virtually unblockable and stuffed the run several times. He was coming off a groin injury but has really played well this year.
- Mike Person left the game with a stinger. It shouldn't be serious.
- Fred Warner continues to show why he is a Pro Bowl linebacker, finishing with 11 tackles, 1 sack and a forced fumble.
- Next up, the 49ers face the Baltimore Ravens on the road.