49ers biggest studs, duds from NFL playoff win vs. Packers

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San Francisco 49ers defensive end Arik Armstead (91) Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /

49ers Stud: The defense

Defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans is a star. For the second time in as many weeks, his play calling solidified one thing: Defense wins championships. If your opponent can’t score, it can’t win. It’s that simple.

Aaron Rodgers took the field on his first possession and put together the perfect scoring drive. The drive featured three receptions to wide receiver Davante Adams that all resulted in first downs.

It looked like it was going to be a long night for San Francisco. Then the defense clocked in. Rodgers and Co. didn’t see the end zone for the remainder of the game.

The 49ers defense sacked Rodgers five times, forced and recovered a fumble, and held the rushing offense to 67 yards on the ground.

Next week in the conference championship, they’ll need to bring that same intensity that they had every other week.

It’s just fortunate for them that they are fully familiar with their opponent.