Benny Sieu-US PRESSWIRE
The Green Bay Packers lost 30-22 to the San Francisco 49ers in their first game of the 2012 NFL season. Green Bay was down 23-7 going into the fourth quarter but still had two quality chances to at least tie the game. As much as the Packers are disappointed with the loss, there are still several positives to take away from the defeat.
The following are five things we learned from the Packers loss to the 49ers:
San Francisco is the real deal
San Francisco knew they were the real deal coming into this season but now everybody else knows it. The 49ers did not get the respect they thought they deserved after just missing out on a Super Bowl berth last season. It is certainly clear they are still one of the best teams in the NFC and at this point have to be the favorites to be the No. 1 seed. It is also clear they have the best defense in the game and with the addition of new wide receivers their offense has gotten a lot better.
Green Bay needs a running game
It is too early to tell if Green Bay’s running game improved with the addition of Cedric Benson because San Francisco has the best run defense in the NFL. However, it was obvious the Packers offensive line is incapable of pushing back defenders and creating holes to run through. Without an established running game, opposing teams are going to tee off on quarterback Aaron Rodgers similar to what the 49ers did on Sunday.
Pass rush improved
Although an interior push is still lacking, the overall pass rush certainly improved from a season ago. The Packers recorded four sacks with Clay Matthews recording 2.5 of them. This is something Green Bay must improve upon as the year goes on but it is comforting to know the Packers are capable of getting to the quarterback once again. However, if the Packers do not get an interior pass rush in the middle elite quarterbacks will just step up in the pocket, which is something Alex Smith failed to do.
Packers must have discipline
Even though the referees made some horrendous calls, the Packers still committed 10 penalties for 77 yards. That is inexcusable for a team with high hopes of reaching the Super Bowl, despite how terrible the officials were. Green Bay must have more discipline out there especially on third downs on both sides of the ball. When it is a manageable third and four, there cannot be any false starts or holding penalties to push the offense back. Likewise, there cannot be defensive holdings or pass interference penalties on the same snap the defense makes a critical stop on third down.
Aaron Rodgers is still a little off
Fans questioned if Rodgers was a little off in training camp but most people wrote it off as being preseason. Well, after Week 1 of the regular season it appears the reigning MVP is not quite the same player as last year. I understand it is only the first week of the season but Rodgers made throws, as well as, mistakes he never made a year ago. Rodgers admitted after the game he made a snap decision, something he never does, on the interception deep in Green Bay’s own territory. I am confident Rodgers will figure things out with his wide receivers and be better than ever come Thursday night.
