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The San Francisco 49ers held off the Green Bay Packers Sunday afternoon, and they managed to do it with a ground game that was inconsistent, at best. The 49ers have a unique offensive weapon in Colin Kaepernick, but the 49ers offense previously was built around a strong rushing attack. On Sunday, the 49ers had 34 rushes for 90 yards, averaging 2.6 yards per carry.
It was a slow day all around, as the Packers struggled running the ball as well. Of course, as the defenses wore down, the running backs started to pick it up late. For the 49ers, Frank Gore and Kendall Hunter rushed twice for 31 yards on the go-ahead touchdown drive. On the ensuing 49ers drive, Gore had a few small runs that helped move the chains.
The 49ers got some key runs, but the Packers were intent on stopping the run. The 49ers in turn took advantage of that with the pass. It will be interesting to see how the Seattle Seahawks come out next week against the 49ers ground game. The 49ers were held to 82 yards on the ground in Seattle last year, but the 49ers were also down big early against the Seahawks.
If the 49ers keep the game close early, it will make for an interesting chess matchup. We have two offenses that pride themselves on their ground game, but they also have unique talents at quarterback. Which team will blink first? I don't like the Seahawks, but that only adds to what will be a fascinating matchup.