Packers beat 49ers, but lose two members of the defense

The Packers 30-24 win over the 49ers was a tale of two halfs.  The Packers dominated the 1st half with a 24-3 lead while the second half saw the Niners storm back with 21 points.  The third ranked rush defense in the NFL was mauled by Ryan Grant’s 129 yards.  San Francisco’s four starting defensive backs combined for 37 total tackles.  The Packers won the time of possession battle 41:01 to 18: 21.  Aaron Rodgers completed 32 of 45 for 344 yards and 2 touchdowns, completing passes to 7 receivers.  Greg Jennings had 5 catches for 126 yards including a 64 yard score.  Jermichael Finley caught 7 balls for 54 yard in his return.  Brandon Jackson was effective in the screen game with 6 catches for 65 yards.  Jordy Nelson caught 3 for 21 including a 7 yard score.  

The defense was aided by the big lead and did enough to hold on for the victory.  Aaron Kampman had 4 tackles and a sack while Nick Collins had an interception.  The Packers won today, but suffered two huge losses.  Kampman and Al Harris are both out for the season with ACL injuries.  Kampman hurt his knee as he was rushing, while Harris was injured in the end zone.  The second half surge by the 49ers is alarming and a reminder that football is 60 minutes.  Alex Smith completed 16 of 33 for 227 yards, 3 scores, and a pick.  Smith played much better in the 2nd half after the preverbal training wheels were taken off.  Vernon Davis, Michael Crabtree, and Frank Gore each caught touchdowns.  The monster tight end caught 6 balls for 108 yards.  Gore only rushed 7 times because the Niners had to throw to get back into the game.  Crabtree hauled in 4 for 77 yards.   

The Packers improve to 6-4 while the Niners drop to 4-6.  The Packers play on Thursday in the early game against the Lions.  Detroit beat the Browns 38-37 on a last second score set up by a pass interference penalty in the end zone.  The outburst is their highest since they beat the Broncos 44-7 in week 9 of the 2007 campaign.

Tags: 49ers, Aaron Kampman, Al Harris, Packers