5 reasons 49ers ultimately managed to beat Packers in NFL playoffs

Reason No. 2: George Kittle established himself down the stretch

George Kittle had some uncharacteristic drops. But, despite a few pedestrian moments, Kittle came up huge time and time again.

With the snow falling heavily and the wind swirling, the 49ers offense trudged onto the field during a tied football game with just over three minutes remaining in the fourth. There was little to no doubt that the 49ers were going to run the ball but if they wanted to march down the field, Kittle knew that he was going to need to come up big.

Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo is seldom given many chances to throw the ball. Last night was no different as he threw the rock only 19 times, 11 of which were completed. His biggest, took place on the first play of their final possession.

Garoppolo calmly took the ball from under center and carefully surveyed the field. A streaking George Kittle was spotted immediately. From there, Garoppolo flung the ball in his direction, where the multiple-time Pro Bowler caught it and ran for 12 yards. It was one of only two successful pass attempts Garoppolo connected on during that crucial stretch.

For the game, Kittle snagged four of the six balls thrown his way for 63 yards, a team-best. Without Kittle’s contributions, the 49ers would likely be home at the moment sulking in the misery of a defeat.