The odds on favorite in Vegas to win the Super Bowl has been bounced. San Francisco went into Lambeau Field, going against all the mystique and tradition and knocked the Packers off 13-10. It was crucial plays on special teams late in the game that lifted the 49ers.
The 1st drive for Green Bay was a long , clock chewing drive that ended with a TD. The way they opened the game, it looked as if Green Bay was locked in and would take care of business. To the 49ers credit, they buckled down defensively and held the Packers scoreless from early in the 1st, all the way until early in the 4th.
The only offense San Francisco could mount in the 1st 3 quarters was a FG late in the 1st half. Green Bay led 7-3 at half and got a FG early in the 4th to lead 10-3. The 49ers then got a huge momentum grabbing play on special teams. The 49ers punt return unit blocked a Packer punt and Talanoa Hufanga returned for a TD for the 49ers to tie the game at 10. The 49ers got the ball back late in the 4th and that set up a late drive for them. Veteran kicker Robbie Gould drilled a 45 yarder as time expired to stun the Lambeau Field faithful and end the Packers season.
It wasn't a thing of beauty or aesthetically pleasing, but San Francisco got a road win at one of the NFL's toughest venues. The game was the way the 49ers had to make it to be able to knock off the homestanding Packers, and they did just that. San Fran will take on the winner of the Rams at Tampa Bay in the NFC Title game next weekend. ESPN Upstate is the Upstate's radio home for the NFL playoffs.