The Green Bay Packers faced only eight passes attempts but still gave up 37 points, an unfathomable combination of statistics in today’s passing-dominated NFL.
The San Francisco 49ers simply ran over the Packers during Sunday’s NFC Championship Game at Levi’s Stadium.
A combination of Kyle Shanahan’s clever run designs and speedy running back Raheem Mostert combined to create a lethal running game the Packers simply couldn’t stop.
Mostert ran 29 times for 220 yards and four touchdowns, and the 49ers finished the 37-20 drubbing with 285 total rushing yards and a 6.8-yard average on 42 attempts.
Jimmy Garoppolo, the 49ers quarterback, attempted all of eight passes. He was rarely required to do anything more than hand it off or toss it to a running back.
Mostert did most of the damage, especially after Tevin Coleman left in the first half with an injury. The speedy back scored three times in the first half as the 49ers built a 27-0 lead, including a 36-yard touchdown to opening the scoring. For much of the game, Mostert’s average hovered at or above 10.0 yards per carry.
The Packers tried to play base defense with B.J. Goodson next to Blake Martinez and two safeties supporting the run, but it didn’t work. Mostert was either too quick to the corner, or too good at finding cutback lanes against an over-pursuing Packers defense. Shanahan made it look all too easy. The schemes never let the Packers get comfortable against the run, and by consistently running from condensed formations with capable tight ends, and fullbacks and pre-snap motion, the 49ers ensured no run would be easy to identify.
The Packers have struggled to stop the run for much of the season, but never to this degree.
Official numbers weren’t available Sunday, but the view from the Levi’s Stadium pressbox suggested the 49ers got most of their rushing yards before contact on Sunday. Mostert consistently had open running lanes, and he was often able to out-run defenders or break tackles in space.
In the third quarter, after the Packers cut the lead to 27-7, the 49ers ran seven straight run plays, gaining 79 yards and increasing the lead back to 27 points with a 22-yard score from Mostert. Deebo Samuel, the rookie receiver, got the ball twice on misdirection plays and created 43 easy rushing yards.
According to NFL Research, Mostert became the first player in NFL history to rush for over 200 yards and score four rushing touchdowns in a playoff game. By the end of the first half, Mostert had already gone over 150 rushing yards and scored three times.
Martinez had a nightmare night, the Packers defensive line got pushed around and the secondary had its worst tackling performance of the season.
The Packers won’t be going to Miami for the Super Bowl for many reasons. A complete collapse against the run ranks at the top of the list.