The Green Bay Packers had all the opportunities to beat the San Francisco 49ers. There were too many mistakes late down the stretch and not enough plays. This group has been playing at a high level, and this game stings a bit.
Here is a look at the Packers’ performance against the 49ers.
This article will list the top five worst and best PFF-graded players from each side of the ball. We will also include some stats and some context to the grades.
By Analyzing these stats, we can get a better idea if they match up to what we see statistically. The PFF Grades are not everything, but give a good measure of where the player stands. A grade above 70 is good, and the 60s is average. A grade that is below 50 would be considered below average.
Green Bay Packers Offense
Top Five Offensive Grades
1. Luke Musgrave – PFF Grade: 75.9
2. Romeo Doubs – PFF Grade: 73.5
3. Emanuel Wilson – PFF Grade: 71.3
4. Jon Runyan – PFF Grade: 69.0
5. Zach Tom – PFF Grade: 68.3
Bottom Five Offensive Grades
1. Yosh Nijman – PFF Grade: 40.7
2. Ben Sims – PFF Grade: 43.8
3. Tucker Kraft – PFF Grade: 49.8
4. Elgton Jenkins – PFF Grade: 50.5
5. Dontayvion Wicks – PFF Grade: 52.3
Green Bay Packers Offense Analysis
Musgrave had three receptions on four targets for 14 yards and was productive blocking in the run game. If he can take a big leap next year, he could be in line for a huge year.
Playoff Doubs is a different creature. After torturing the Cowboys, he returned with another great performance vs. the 49ers. He finished with four receptions on six targets for 83 yards.
Zach Tom left the game early with a concussion, and his absence was felt. He missed the last four possessions. On those last four, Love threw for 30 yards and two interceptions. Though the last throw was more of a heave, the pressure started getting to Love when Nijman came in at right tackle. Tom has solidified himself as a very good right tackle and an essential piece to this offense.
Even though he didn’t make the top five, Aaron Jones had another excellent game. Jones had 18 carries for 108 yards. Hopefully, Jones will be around next year. If they can keep him healthy and have a complementary back with him, he will be an essential piece for another playoff run.
Green Bay Packers Defense
Top Five Defensive Grades
1. Karl Brooks – PFF Grade: 90.7
2. Kenny Clark – PFF Grade: 79.2
3. Jaire Alexander – PFF Grade: 69.8
4. Rashan Gary – PFF Grade: 66.5
5. Anthony Johnson Jr. – PFF Grade: 64.5
Bottom Five Defensive Grades
1. Eric Wilson – PFF Grade: 27.6
2. T.J. Slaton – PFF Grade: 42.2
3. Jonathan Owens – PFF Grade: 47.6
4. Keisean Nixon – PFF Grade: 47.9
5. Devonte Wyatt – PFF Grade: 50.2
Green Bay Packers Defense Analysis
Karl Brooks started showing up at the end of the season. The rookie had a promising season overall. Against the 49ers, he had limited snaps (16) but had four pressures on those snaps. Of those 16 snaps, only nine were true pass sets. The Packers found a gem in Brooks, getting him in the sixth round of the NFL Draft.
The defensive line did well at producing pressure but, at times, struggled against the run. Kenny Clark played his heart out on Saturday. He was all over the field. He had two tackles, three hurries, and a sack. The future is bright with the Packers defensive line.
Per PFF, Jaire Alexander was targeted three times for two receptions for 12 yards. The Packers need to find help for the secondary and Alexander. Hopefully, Eric Stokes can get 100%, and Carrington Valentine will improve from his solid rookie year.
It will be interesting to see how the Packers approach the offseason with question marks at safety.
Overall, the Packers’ defense held the 49ers for most of the game but was burned on several chunk plays. The Packers front office and Matt LaFleur have decisions to make with the defensive coaching staff and special teams.
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