It wasn't the most eye popping stat line that Aaron Rodgers has ever produced, but in the end, he and the Packers found a way to get it done as they defeated the 49ers on Sunday 17-3 with Rodgers throwing for 224 yards and a touchdown while the defense kept the 49ers out of the end zone. 

Green Bay never trailed in the game, as Rodgers hit Richard Rodgers to make it 7-0 in the first quarter. San Francisco got a field goal to make it 7-3, which is how the game would go to half. In the third quarter John Kuhn scored on a one yard touchdown run to give the Packers a 14-3 lead, and Mason Crosby added a field goal to make it 17-3. He was 1-2 on the day. 

Colin Kaepernick had been a nightmare for the Packers defense the last few times they played, but today the changes that 49ers have seen in the last two years became ever so apparent. The offensive line that blasted holes for a dominant running game under Jim Harbaugh is a distant memory. Kaepernick rushed for 57 yards on 10 carries while Carlos Hyde ran for just 20 on eight carries. The 49ers managed just eight first downs and 196 yards of offense in the game. 

Aaron Rodgers completed a pass to seven different receivers in the game. James Jones led the Packers with 98 yards and tied for the team lead with five receptions. But this game was all about defense. 

The 49ers kept Rodgers reasonably under wraps, but the Packers defense did even better as they limited Kaepernick to just 160 passing yards and Sam Shields got an interception on a play where Kaepernick heaved one long trying to make a play into double coverage. 

The 49ers lack of playmakers was apparent in this game. Torrey Smith is not consistent as a deep threat and Anquan Boldin is nothing more than a possession receiver. The Packers were able to crowd the line all game and slow Hyde down and bottle up the 49ers attack.

Next week Green Bay returns home to take on the Rams while the 49ers travel to the Meadowlands to take on the Giants on Sunday Night Football.  

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About the author
Josh McSwain
Texas born and raised, but I bleed black and gold--Mizzou forever. Just a small town boy looking to take the midnight train. Football is my favorite sport but my favorite sporting event is the Stanley Cup Playoffs.