San Francisco 49ers: Heroes and Zeros vs. Green Bay Packers

The San Francisco 49ers proved victorious against the Green Bay Packers in what could turn out to be a possible NFC Championship Game preview. 

A stingy defense vs. an explosive offense. The old vs. new. For one game, the 49ers brought old school football to the forefront. 

While it is inevitable that the league will continue its shift in becoming more passer friendly, the 49ers gave the Packers some old school medicine. They were able to run the ball and play a hard-nosed defense. 

The same can't be said for the Packers, though we should not discredit their run towards the later stages of this contest. 

Without further ado, here are three heroes and zeroes of Sunday's matchup. 

Heroes: Alex Smith and Randy Moss

Alex Smith was sensational against a very pudgy Packers defense. 

After his successful postseason in 2011, Smith is carrying his momentum into the 2012 regular season. 

Credit can be given to Frank Gore, who surpassed 100 yards rushing on the night, or Michael Crabtree, but Moss dazzled against the Packers defense. 

His numbers are a far cry from his days in Minnesota or New England, but the wily veteran showed he still has plenty left in the tank. 

Heroes: 49ers Defense and Randall Cobb

Fans were worried about either Jordy Nelson or Greg Jennings getting behind the defense, but it was none other than Randall Cobb that stole the spotlight. 

The second-year player out of Kentucky was very effective in the short to intermediate areas and also was a playmaker on special teams, as evident by the controversial 75-yard punt return that Cobb returned to bring his Packers back into the game. 

Despite Cobb's display, the 49ers defense should be commended. Many experts, and even some fans, picked against the 49ers in this matchup.

Many believed the Packers would utilize four or five wide receiver sets, leaving the 49ers defense panting for air. The opposite actually occurred. 

The 49ers defense not only seemed more prepared, but it was also as if the players were a step ahead of Aaron Rodgers and co. 

If the 49ers secondary continues to play at this level, a sixth Super Bowl berth could very well be in the organization's near future. 

Zeroes: Packers Defense and Discipline

The Green Bay Packers' awful defense has returned to wreak havoc in 2012. After having one of the worst defenses in the league last season, the Packers look to continue this trend in the upcoming season. 

The only bright side was the pass rush. Clay Matthews recorded 2.5 sacks, but even he was kept in check by Joe Staley for most of the game. 

While the front seven was solid at getting after the quarterback, the run defense was terrible. Frank Gore rumbled for over 100 rushing yards despite carrying the ball only 15 times. 

What's more worrisome was the Packers secondary. Alex Smith carved up this Packers secondary. It's one thing for an opposing offense to simply out execute you, but it's entirely troubling when your secondary looks confused doing so. 

The Packers seemed lost with all the formations and motions the 49ers were throwing out. Jim Harbaugh and Greg Roman can tend to be exotic with their play-calling, but with a veteran group in that Packers secondary, a performance like that was embarrassing to watch. 

In addition, the Packers were not a disciplined team on Sunday. They racked up a ton of penalties that really killed momentum during several drives.