We’ve all seen how this story goes, time in and time out. Yet, every time it happens, the only thing that we can do is shake our heads in simultaneous amazement and disbelief.
Aaron Rodgers led the Green Bay Packers to victory against the 49ers after orchestrating a game-winning drive with less than a minute left, capped by a Mason Crosby 51-yard field goal to win it.
After the 49ers took a one-point lead with a Jimmy Garoppolo 12-yard touchdown pass to fullback Kyle Juszczyk, Rodgers took over at Green Bay’s 25 yard-line with just 37 seconds remaining and no timeouts.
The future Hall of Famer immediately threw a 25-yard dart to Davonte Adams, who finished the game with 12 receptions for 132 yards. Then on 3rd &10, Rodgers and Adams connected again on a 17-yard completion which brought the offense within field goal range, setting the stage for the 15-year veteran kicker Mason Crosby.
“How can you not be romantic about football, man?” Rodgers said after the game in a nod to the Brad Pitt line in Moneyball.
Rodgers had a strong outing, completing 23 of 33 passes for 261 yards and two touchdowns. Adams deserves equal praise, staying in the game after being the recipient of a brutal helmet-to-helmet shot with 7:41 left in the fourth quarter.
“My first thoughts were devising how I wanted to get us in field goal range, then it was how can I get 17 [Adams] the ball,” said Rodgers.
The emotional win versus the 49ers is noteworthy. Offseason frustrations between Rodgers and Green Bay’s front office raised questions over the quarterback’s commitment to leading his roster, especially after the Week One 38-3 debacle against the New Orleans Saints.
However, this comeback victory should put to rest any doubt about where his heart and mind are set.
“I feel good about our team,” Rodgers told the Associated Press. “Week One was an anomaly. I said that and I believe that. We bounced back Week Two. Played a great time tonight right down to the wire. This plane ride is going to feel incredible.”
