Packers vs. 49ers: Live Grades and Analysis for Green Bay

The Green Bay Packers lost their season opener against San Francisco 49ers. Check out the final grades and analysis here.

Final Score

Green Bay: 28

San Francisco: 34

Final game analysis for the Green Bay Packers

Pass Offense: Although they lost the game, the Green Bay pass offense was productive as usual. Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb and Jermichael Finley inflicted the majority of the damage as the team managed to reach the end zone three times through the air.

Run Offense: After a horrendous first-half showing, outside of one scoring drive in the fourth quarter, the Packers’ run offense couldn't get anything going in Week 1. Averaging just 3.3 yards per carry as a team, the Packers will need to improve their rushing attack if they want to control games this season.

Pass Defense: With no answer for Colin Kaepernick or Anquan Boldin, the Green Bay pass defense struggled to slow down the 49ers through the air all game long. Their inability to stop Boldin was magnified when the 49ers converted on a huge fourth down late in the fourth quarter with the game on the line.

Run Defense: Even though they couldn't stop the pass, the Packers’ run defense played remarkably well against the 49ers. Holding one of the NFL’s elite rushing teams to 2.6 yards per carry was a major accomplishment for this Green Bay defense.

Special Teams: With no big returns or major mistakes, the Green Bay special teams unit had an average day against the 49ers in Week 1. Sadly, the explosive Randall Cobb never could get it going on punt returns—which didn’t help Green Bay’s cause.

Coaching: By not implementing any second-half adjustments to try and slow down Anquan Boldin and the 49ers' pass offense, head coach Mike McCarthy and his staff let the game slip through their hands.

First-half analysis for the Green Bay Packers

Pass Offense: The Green Bay pass offense was fantastic in the first half. Aaron Rodgers looked sharp completing 14 of 23 passes for 203 yards, two touchdowns and an interception that wasn't his fault. Randall Cobb, Jermichael Finley and Jordy Nelson all had strong showings in the first half.

Run Offense: Thanks to a swarming 49ers defense and what seemed like a countless amount of holding penalties, the Packers struggled to get anything going on the ground. On top of their poor production, rookie Eddie Lacy fumbled—which led to a 49ers touchdown.

Pass Defense: The Green Bay pass defense struggled in the first half. Whenever he had time to throw, Colin Kaepernick moved the football efficiently through the air, completing 13 of 19 passes for 163 yards and two touchdowns.

Run Defense: Despite their issues in pass defense and turnovers, a strong showing from the Packers' run defense in the first half helped keep the game close. Holding the 49ers to 16 yards rushing on 12 attempts, it was clear coming into this game that the Packers were going to try and stop the run.

Special Teams: An overall solid showing from the Packers’ special teams unit. Punter Tim Masthay made a nice tackle on return man Perrish Cox towards the end of the first quarter—which saved a potential big return from taking place.

Coaching: In the first half, the Packers showed a lack of discipline. But in classic Green Bay fashion, despite things going wrong, this gritty Packers team walked into the locker room tied at halftime. Head coach Mike McCarthy needs to make sure his guys clean up the mistakes going forward.