It is unusual for a minor recovery to be universally praised. Eric Wilson deserved it.
The Green Bay Packers quarterback’s biggest play in the divisional round playoffs against the San Francisco 49ers was when he rushed after a long return.
The 49ers took a 14-13 lead into the third quarter when Casey Nixon fumbled long into 49ers territory. Nixon was hit while crossing the stadium. It was raining and the ball was slippery.
Wilson’s performance was even more impressive. Wilson suddenly sprinted, caught the ball and secured it for a vital recovery. The ball hit the ground and the Packers fans went wild. If Wilson doesn’t run at full speed to chase the ball, the 49ers will fail. But he was busy and the Packers kept the ball. Green Bay scored a few plays later to take the lead. San Francisco came back and won 24-21, but Wilson’s performance was unscathed.
Wilson played seven seasons in the NFL with four different clubs. Since 2020, he has played only two games in defence.
The Packers defense has not started a game this season. But he stuck to that strategy until the end, producing his biggest performance of the postseason on Saturday night.
