After requiring some gutsy fourth-quarter performances to pick up victories in recent weeks, it felt nice to finally see the Green Bay Packers win comfortably.
Green Bay dominated an injury-hit San Francisco 49ers team from the first drive to the last, earning a satisfying 38-10 win in the first meeting between these two teams since the playoff matchup in January.
Jordan Love completed his first turnover-free game of the season, Jeff Hafley’s defense came up with three takeaways, and the Packers ran all over the Niners. It’s a win that significantly improves Green Bay’s playoff chances while simultaneously crushing San Francisco’s. Matt LaFleur’s team must quickly turn the page to a Thanksgiving clash with the Miami Dolphins, but in the meantime, we can celebrate the biggest winners from the game.
Winner: Josh Jacobs
What more can we say about Josh Jacobs? Saquon Barkley might steal the headlines among the big free-agent running back signings, but Jacobs is quietly having an All-Pro season.
He is the best running back the Packers have had in years, with the ability to run through contact and consistently make positive gains. Jacobs carried the offense on his back, rushing 26 times for 106 yards and three touchdowns, an average of 4.1 yards per carry.
When the offensive line created openings, Jacobs burst through the rushing lanes for significant gains. Even when the 49ers met him in the backfield, it was rarely enough to stop him. According to Next Gen Stats, Jacobs forced 15 missed tackles. Fifteen. It’s the most by any player in a game this season.
Loser: Christian Watson
Christian Watson needs more opportunities. He can take over games with his ability to stretch defenses and get behind secondaries for huge plays, as we saw against the Niners. The problem? He dropped a possible 49-yard touchdown that Love couldn’t have placed any better.
It was Watson’s first drop of the season, but it’s a play he has to make. His only involvement came on a four-yard carry.
Matt LaFleur needs to find a way to get a few easy touches to Watson early in the game, which could help him find some rhythm when the ball comes his way deep. Watson is too talented not to impact the game more, but he has to make each opportunity count.
Winner: Quay Walker
Quay Walker has understandably received his share of criticism this season, but he stepped up with several big-time plays. And the Packers needed it with Edgerrin Cooper ruled out due to a hamstring injury.
Despite dropping an interception and appearing to lose George Kittle on a touchdown, Walker still earned the Packers’ highest PFF grade. He led the Packers with six solo tackles and came up with two tackles for loss.
Jeff Hafley used him in various ways. Walker generated pressure as a blitzer, offered little to receivers in coverage, and always seemed to be around the ball. Hopefully, this can be a confidence-building performance for the former first-round pick.
Winner: Keisean Nixon
Like Walker, Keisean Nixon was having a disappointing season until now, but he deserves praise for his performance. Nixon forced a fumble on Christian McCaffrey despite initially having no involvement in the play. He sprinted across the field to chase down McCaffrey before punching the ball out.
Nixon needed a big game, and he knew it.
“I ain’t made a play since like Week 4. I been itching. Finally. Damn,” Nixon said, per The Athletic’s Matt Schneidman.
The Packers will need more of the same against an excellent Dolphins offense, especially if Jaire Alexander remains out.
