WATCH: ‘Gutted’ Packers players absolutely shocked after blowing up a golden opportunity to beat 49ers in the playoffs

And the wait goes on for the Packers.

WATCH: ‘Gutted’ Packers players absolutely shocked after blowing up a golden opportunity to beat 49ers in the playoffs

Green Bay Packers players after losing to San Francisco 49ers in NFC Divisional Playoffs (Screengrab YouTube)

Blaming Anders Carlson for missing a crucial field goal isn’t the only reason the Green Bay Packers lost the game. Bad clock management from Matt LaFleur and a couple of picks from Jordan Love also played a massive part in it.

Banking on the four-game run dating back to midseason, which included the impressive playoff win over the Dallas Cowboys in the wild card, LaFleur had hoped for more of the same. However, the San Francisco 49ers are not Dallas, as evident from their early-season demolition of the Cowboys.

YouTube video

Love has been on quite the run since week 10, recording 2,422 yards, 21 touchdowns, and just one interception. It was a massive improvement compared to his first nine games, in which he threw 10 picks. The 25-year-old did as much as he could, completing 194 yards, two touchdowns, and two picks on 21-of-34 passing.

FS Video

49ers inside linebacker Dre Greenlaw enjoyed both interceptions. The first one came when Love tried to connect with Tucker Craft, but the ball deflected into Greenlaw’s hands.

As a leader of this team, I know this one's going to hurt him. I'm sure he'll be really hard on himself. But I think we saw so much growth throughout the course of the season.
Matt LaFleur said of Love

The turnover gave San Francisco the chance to score a field goal. Then, in the closing stages, Love tried to emulate his predecessors and went for the class jumping pass. But again, Greenlaw was in his path, picked him off, and kept running until his teammates told him to go down so they could have possession back.

A hopeful run for the Packers came to an end. It was their fifth straight postseason loss against the 49ers, dating back to 2012.

Jordan Love is looking to the future

Unlike those who came before him—Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers—this playoff loss isn’t the end for Jordan Love. Rather, it was just a trailer for the things to come in the future. This loss only allows LaFleur to build the platform the Packers need to build for the coveted Super Bowl.

WATCH: 'Gutted' Packers players absolutely shocked after blowing up a golden opportunity to beat 49ers in the playoffs Jordan Love
Jordan Love (Image via IMAGO)

Love is already looking forward to the future and has confidence that this team can do even better next year.

That was the message in the locker room with all our talks right now. Guys were stepping up, saying how motivating it is to be able to attack the offseason. The locker room is motivated.
Love said after the game

The only thing he should hope for is that it’s not another interception that ends their aspiration. Next season, the NFC North will be one of the best divisions to watch.

In Case you missed it: