The game turned on Drivers touchdown, which electrified Lambeau Field while giving the Packers a 21-13 lead early in the second half.
The completion was easy, because Driver was wide open after streaking past cornerback Shawntae Spencers blown coverage. But it was what the 35-year-old Driver did after the catch that lifted his team and the crowd.
Driver shrugged off a tackle by late-arriving safety Reggie Smith at the 49ers 35, then ducked hits by Spencer and cornerback Nate Clements as he made his way down field, before bulling through three players for the final few yards into the end zone.
I thought it ignited our football team, McCarthy said. We needed that.