New Era.....Same Heartbreak

Graphic via Packers Twitter 

It was the start of a new era for the Packers with Jordan Love replacing Aaron Rodgers at quarterback this season. It was another season of a heartbreaking loss to end the season, however. 

Green Bay fell to the San Francisco 49ers 24-21 on Saturday night in the NFC Divisional Playoffs. 

The 49ers will play the Detroit Lions, who, as I am typing this, beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.  

It was a tremendous football game. 

It was a season in which the Packers exceeded expectations, but that doesn't mean the loss doesn't sting. Especially in the fashion it happened. 

The Packers had a lead with just over a minute to go and led for most of the second half. Then Brock Purdy, Christian McCaffery and company put together a terrific game-winning drive. 

Green Bay had one last shot, but Love, who played a terrific first three quarters, threw a ball across his body that was intercepted and ended the Packers season. 

The Packers had many opportunities that could have changed the outcome of the game, including Anders Carlson missing a field goal that would have extended the lead from four to seven in the fourth quarter. 

Love also had an earlier interception in the fourth as well as missing Aaron Jones on a short-third down pass that would have extended a drive. 

All that being said, it was a great season for the Packers. They exceeded expectations by getting as far as they did in Love's first year as a starter. Getting to the playoffs in year one is something neither Brett Favre or Rodgers did. 

The future is extremely bright in Green Bay. It's not just Love. So many young receivers, an offensive line that is getting better. Sure, there are some things, like the defense and special teams that need to be fixed/cleaned up. That's what the off-season is for. 

There have been some many years recently in which the Packers seasons have ended with heartbreaking, tough losses. 

2013 NFC Wild Card vs San Francisco

2014 NFC Championship (OT) vs Seattle 

2015 NFC Divisional Round (OT) vs Arizona 

2020 NFC Championship vs Tampa Bay

2021 NFC Divisional Round vs San Francisco

Those are just the close, really heartbreaking losses. There have been many other playoff loses, just in that timespan. Plus, there are ones before that like the two to the Giants, especially the 2007 NFC Championship. 

The have also lost their last five postseason meetings to the 49ers. 

This year was different though. With Rodgers you felt like you had to win, or it was a disappointing season. This year, due to exceeding expectations, it didn't feel the same. Still heartbreaking, but excited for the future. 

I know I probably shouldn't root for the Lions as a division rival, but they are a great story. I also don't really like the 49ers. Probably because of all the losses we talked about above. I know and like people who are fans of each of those teams. Brian Silvestro for the Lions and Charlie Mahoney for the 49ers, to name a couple. Good luck to both teams.  

All the said, forever Go Pack Go!