GREEN BAY, Wis. — Josh Jacobs had an impressive performance, rushing for 106 yards and matching his career best with three touchdowns, leading the Green Bay Packers to a commanding 38-10 victory over the shorthanded San Francisco 49ers on Sunday.
This game marked a unique occurrence, as it was the first time in 55 regular-season games that an individual had rushed for over 100 yards against the 49ers. This streak represented the longest period without allowing a 100-yard rusher since at least 1955, showcasing the defensive prowess San Francisco has been known for.
The last player to surpass 100 rushing yards against the 49ers was Justin Fields, who managed 103 yards in a game for the Chicago Bears on October 31, 2021. Furthermore, Aaron Jones also exceeded the 100-yard mark in the previous season’s playoffs against San Francisco, with 108 rushing yards.
Jacobs scored all three of his touchdowns from just 1 yard out, showcasing his power-running ability right near the goal line. The 49ers team that appeared on the field faced a major transformation from the one that had recently ended the Packers’ season, impacted heavily by injuries. San Francisco played without key players, including quarterback Brock Purdy (shoulder injury), left tackle Trent Williams (ankle), and edge rusher Nick Bosa (hip/oblique), among others.
Only four players from the 49ers’ defense that faced the Packers in the playoffs participated in this game: Fred Warner, Deommodore Lenoir, Tashaun Gipson, and Robert Beal. With Purdy sidelined, Brandon Allen, who is 32 years old, made his first start since the conclusion of the 2021 regular season with the Cincinnati Bengals, completing 17 of 29 passes for 199 yards, one touchdown, one interception, and a fumble.
For the Packers, quarterback Jordan Love completed 13 of 23 passes for 163 yards, throwing touchdown passes to both Tucker Kraft and Malik Heath. This game featured the Packers’ highest scoring output since their season opener against the Chicago Bears, where they also scored 38 points.
Green Bay took control early, scoring on their first three possessions. By midway through the second quarter, the 49ers found themselves trailing 17-0, having managed only six offensive plays. Love’s 11-yard touchdown pass to Kraft capped an impressive 12-play, 67-yard opening drive. Brandon McManus later added a 51-yard field goal, followed by Jacobs’ first touchdown.
The 49ers managed to narrow the gap to 17-7 with a 3-yard touchdown pass from Allen to George Kittle just before halftime. Their only other score came from a 48-yard field goal by Jake Moody.
A missed opportunity came for the Packers in the closing moments of the first half, when Christian Watson dropped a potential touchdown pass from 49 yards. Then, in the second half, some potential chances for the 49ers slipped away as well. A holding call on Eric Saubert negated an impressive 87-yard kickoff return by Deebo Samuel, which would have placed them in a prime position to score.
Later on, as Allen attempted to throw deep into Packers territory, a pass slipped through Samuel’s hands, leading to an interception by Xavier McKinney, his seventh of the season, which ties him for the league lead. Following this interception, Jacobs added his second touchdown, extending the Packers’ lead to 24-7.
Green Bay wrapped up the game with two additional touchdowns in the final quarter, capping a dominant performance.
In terms of injuries, the 49ers’ DT Jordan Elliott was assessed for a concussion, while LB Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles suffered a knee injury, and CB Renardo Green faced a neck issue. The Packers lost WR Romeo Doubs to a concussion and played without CB Jaire Alexander (knee) and LB Edgerrin Cooper (hamstring).
Looking ahead, the 49ers will travel to Buffalo next Sunday night, while the Packers will host the Miami Dolphins on Thursday night.