3 Players Who Blew NFC Championship Game for Packers

Stop me if you've heard this before: the Green Bay Packers looked totally unprepared on offense and defense against the San Francisco 49ers in the postseason. The offense could not score in the first half, and the defense could not stop the run, even when they knew it was coming. The whole team was a disaster, and three players stood out among the most disappointing of all.

3. Preston Smith

Green Bay Packers LB Preston Smith was a non-factor Sunday. / Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

Preston Smith had 12 sacks in the regular season, and picked up two more last week against the Seattle Seahawks. Yet he was nowhere to be seen against the 49ers, recording zero sacks and only two total tackles. The Packers needed their top defenders to help stop the run, and Smith's name was barely called as the 49ers combined to rush for 285 yards.

2. Za'Darius Smith

Green Bay Packers LB Za'Darius Smith struggled Sunday. / Dylan Buell/Getty Images

Za'Darius Smith is the other member of the "Smith Bros." who had an off day on Sunday at the worst possible time. He had five total tackles, and none were for a loss on the play. He was once considered a Pro Bowl snub after having 13.5 sacks in the regular season. Yet when it came to stopping the run, Smith failed to step up as a leader and make a big play in his final chance to make a statement. At least he won't be busy in the big game on Pro Bowl weekend. Maybe he can be a sub.

1. Aaron Rodgers

Green Bay Packers QB Aaron Rodgers lost yet another big game. / Harry How/Getty Images

Aaron Rodgers' final stats are a bit deceiving. He ended up going 31-for-39 for 326 yards and two touchdowns. But he also threw two interceptions, lost a fumble, and was shutout at halftime as the Packers trailed 27-0. He needed to counter the 49ers success running the ball with his arm. Instead, he could hardly get a first down before it was too late, barely throwing the ball down field, and the deficit proved entirely insurmountable.