The one thing that couldn't happen, happened. The Packers just simply needed their Special Teams unit to not be a complete disaster against the 49ers and they would've been fine. Yet, once again, special teams was a disaster and the Green Bay Packers were bounced from the playoffs in the Divisional round, 13-10.
It's the fourth time in the last 10 years the Packers have faced the San Francisco 49ers in the postseason, and the Packers have fallen short each of the four times.
Things got off to a great start, with the Packers driving down the field on the opening drive of the game and taking a 7-0 lead. For whatever reason, the offense really couldn't do much more after that. The defense was holding strong but Green Bay needed to take a much more commanding lead.
Then the Special Teams unit started to rear its ugly head. Mason Crosby had a field goal attempt blocked after Tyler Lancaster failed to even impede his man coming off the edge. The kickoff and punt coverage units allowed big returns throughout the night. Then, with the Packers holding a 10-3 lead, Corey Bojorquez's punt from near his own endzone was blocked after Steven Wirtel, the long snapper, was completely ran over. The Niners picked it up and took it in for a touchdown to tie the game.
The Packers had numerous chances to drive down the field and take the lead back, but failed to get any traction on offense. San Francisco was able to possess the ball last and get into field goal range, where Robbie Gould tore the hearts out of Packers fans once again. One final punch to the gut for the Packers special teams... there were only 10 men on the field for that final field goal.
Rodgers completed 20 of 29 passes for 225 yards and no touchdowns. AJ Dillon scored the only touchdown of the game for the Pack and he left early with a chest injury. Aaron Jones had 12 carries for 41 yards but also nine catches for 129 receiving yards. Davante Adams also had nine catchers for 90 yards.
Now the Packers future is up in the air. Aaron Rodgers may or may not return, Davante Adams is a pending free agent, and the Packers have a number of salary cap issues to figure out. Whatever happens for future Packers teams, it's beyond clear the 2021 season has ended in disappointment after a 13-4 record, the No. 1 seed, and homefield advantage. They weren't able to use it to their advantage and now they'll be watching the rest of the playoffs from home.
Until next season.