Driver Cruises as Packers Run Over 49ers

49ers 16 - Packers 34

Please allow me just a moment to gloat about the accuracy of my prediction for week 13's game against San Francisco. I believe I predicted the Packers would win 35 - 12.

But I digress.

A lot of things went well for the Packers on Sunday. Some things did not. In the interest of fairness, let's take a look at both the positives and negatives.

QB Aaron Rodgers had perhaps his best game of the season statistically speaking, as he cut through the 49ers secondary like a hot knife through butta (yes, butta). All told, he was 21/30 for 298 yards, 3 TD's, 0 INT's, and a passer rating of 135.1. He connected for 61, 57, and 37 yard plays, and maintained a high level of aggressiveness throughout the game.

On the ground, primary back Brandon Jackson saw the ball just 4 times for 13 yards and pulled in 4 catches for 63 yards - But the real story was rookie half back James Starks, who saw his first NFL action ever, having missed all previous games with an injury. Coach McCarthy said the initial plan was to give Starks 8-10 carries just to get his feet wet. Clearly McCarthy liked what he saw, as he continued to feed Starks the ball a total of 18 times for 73 yards. It was certainly refreshing to see a back fall forward and turn 1 yard gains into 3 yard gains. That extra effort has been sorely missed this year, resulting in a lot of 4th and short punting situations. Hopefully this performance will give opponents something to think about when game planning against the Packers, as it is clear that teams have not respected Green Bay's ground game. Why should they?

The wide receiving corp had a great day. Greg Jennings counted for 2 touchdown catches and 122 yards. Donald Driver had the web gem of the game, though - A 61 yard pass play topped off by a schoolyard scamper into the end zone. CHECK IT OUT HERE.

Turning a critical eye, it's worth noting that the Packers were forced to punt 3 times in the first 2 quarters, and they broke for half leading just 14-13. At this point in the season, A-Rod and company need to start faster. Only well oiled machines make deep runs into the playoffs. They can start slow against the 49ers and still dominate, but what about the Patriots? The Bears? Methinks not.

Defensively, the Packers showed up much like they always do, giving up their season average 16 points to a 49ers team capable of more than that. The defensive line and linebacking group did a good job pressuring QB Troy Smith, making an already inaccurate thrower even more frantic (just 10/25 for 198 yards, 1 TD and a pick) - But, where Smith overthrew the open man, a more poised QB may have been more successful. Again, just something to consider with Tom Brady and Jay Cutler both on tap. For the most part, the secondary played well, but missed tackles were easy to spot (see Nick Collins' pirouette/whiff vs. TE Vernon Davis). These trends are disconcerting when you remember that the team goes through weekly tackling drills.

Overall, you cannot ignore the W. The offense sharpened down the stretch, and while the defense could have been cleaner, they did only surrender 16 points. The Packers head to Detroit next week for an important division contest. It's a one week season, and Green Bay is currently in control of their own destiny.