The San Francisco 49ers improved to 4-0 in the postseason against Aaron Rodgers as they took down the heavy favorites in the Packers this weekend, 13-10, in the NFC divisional round of the NFL Playoffs. They will face the winners of the Los Angeles Rams-Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Despite the play on the field, this result was a major tip of the cap to 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan as he’s led his squad in two of the last three NFC Championship games. Just imagine — they were down 17-0 in Los Angeles with their playoff lives on the line. They’re now in the NFC Championship game after 10 quarters of brilliant football led by Shanahan.
“That made us who we are. I think that’s why we’re the team we are right now,” Shanahan on the 49ers overcoming adversity. “And that’s why we’re still standing.”
Shanahan is 4-1 in the playoffs as a head coach and is now headed to his second Conference Championship game in three seasons.
“We just find a way. Every week is different,” San Francisco QB Jimmy Garoppolo said. “We’ve done it multiple ways, but just the fight in this team is ridiculous.”
Garoppolo finished with 131 yards, 1 INT and 0 TDs. Garoppolo is 9-2 in his career in games where he has 0 touchdowns. He is 3-0 in the playoffs in those games.
“A lot of people give him crap for whatever, but he’s as cool and collected as a QB as I’ve ever had,” San Francisco defensive end Nick Bosa on Garoppolo. “He’s the perfect guy to lead us to where we need to go.”
The star of the night — given the weather conditions and the low-scoring affair — was 49ers kicker Robbie Gould.
Saturday’s matchup at Lambeau Field ended with the 49ers pounding their way downfield to reach field goal range. Gould connected on a 45-yarder with time expiring to push the 49ers to the next round.
Here’s a fun fact. Garoppolo was a freshman at Rolling Meadows when Gould kicked a 49-yard FG in overtime to give the Bears a 27-24 victory over the Seahawks in the divisional round in 2007.
“You’re a f**king legend man,” Garoppolo yelled when he found Gould after the play.
Following the successful kick this weekend against the Packers, Gould is now 20-for-20 on playoff field goals.
“I mean, it was just offense, defense, special teams – everybody stepping up and doing their part,” Garoppolo wrapped up. “Wouldn’t have it any other way.”
