By Scooter_McG
Following two road victories to start the season, the 49ers get their home opener in week 3 as they host future Hall of Fame QB Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers. The 49ers had Rodgers and the Packers number in 2019, cruising to victory during both the regular season and post season, but last year the Pack got revenge with a comprehensive win of their own against a depleted 49ers roster.
The Packers started 2021 very poorly, with Aaron Rodgers looking like the offseason distractions had taken their toll while their defense couldn't stop the Saints scoring on the way to a 38-3 loss. But last week the Packers turned things around and beat the Lions 35-17 and looked comfortable throughout.
So which Packers team will turn up this week?
Here's the matchups I think will decide this one.
Nick Bosa/ Dee Ford/ Arik Armstead vs the Packers backup OTs. With both starting LT David Bakhtiari and his backup Elgton Jenkins ruled out for this one, the Packers are expected to move starting RT Billy Turner over to LT, meaning the Packers will be playing backups at both OT spots. This should be a significant advantage for the 49ers and their vaunted DL. If the Packers don't find a way to slow down the 49ers pass rush this could be one very tough afternoon for Aaron Rodgers.
LaFleur vs Ryans. This is probably more important than the matchup against the OTs itself. Realistically, the Packers can't expect their backup OTs to hold up consistently against the likes of Bosa, Ford and Armstead. So it can be expected the Packers will look to run the ball and get the ball out of Rodgers hands quickly. There will almost certainly be a lot of chipping of Bosa going on throughout the game. A key to success for the 49ers will be to keep the running game in check and rally to the ball quickly, to get the Packers into obvious passing situations. But... does LaFleur have something else up his sleeve? This feels like a game the Packers may need to do the unexpected to keep the 49ers defense off balance.
49ers backup RBs vs Packers DL. The 49ers OL has been good in pass protection this season, but has struggled a bit in the running game. Losing Mostert for the year, and now Hasty on IR as well as Mitchell banged up, the 49ers running game is looking vulnerable. Can Sermon, Johnson and company keep the 49ers offense on schedule in this one? The good news is the Packers defensive line has struggled so far this year. Kenny Clark is very good in the middle, but Za'Darius Smith is out injured and the rest of the DL has played poorly. Tyler Lancaster in particular has looked like a weak link and I would expect the 49ers to make targeting him a focus.
With the Packers pass rush non-existence I'd expect Shanny to dial up the routes for Jimmy G early and often. I've heard Sermon's sins were fumbling in training camp as the reason he was a healthy scratch. He's fresh as a daisy from the neck down. It'll be interesting to see how many carries he gets. He's more of an upright runner compared to Mitchell which means more target area to strike.
ReplyDeleteMitchell apparently practiced on Friday. His status for the game will be a Sunday morning decision.
DeleteJimmy G on the money down per Lombardi: "Garoppolo is 10-of-14 for 168 yards (12 yards per attempt) this season with a touchdown and a 135.4 passer rating on third downs. He’s moved the chains six times with throws and three times with his legs."
ReplyDelete“I’m excited our first experience back at Levi’s is going to be a night game,” Kittle said. “We’re going to bring it. Coach Shanahan likes to have fun under the lights. We have a lot of fun plays in prime-time games that opponents might not be looking for.”
ReplyDeleteI can hardly wait!
Scooter
ReplyDeleteI wrote this about the 9er-GB game earlier this week, looks like we basically agree on how it plays out.
GB Packers VS SF 49ers: 9ers win
The weak link in the Packers team is their defense! * Green Bay has one sack on defense this season and They're without Za'Darius Smith, their best pass rusher.
* GB D-line has big bodies who can't threaten McGlinchey with speed around the edge or the interior offensive line with quickness off the snap. This bodes well for JG dropping back and the offense taking more shots down the field.
* The Packers are 20th in passing DVOA and 24th in rushing DVOA. They're already down David Bakhtiari. His replacement, Elgton Jenkins, has an ankle injury. The Packers are giving Jenkins all week to recover to determine whether Jenkins can play. If he does suit up, the odds that Jenkins is 100% is slim.
* I look for Bosa to sack Rodgers twice, Ford and Armstead once.
* I expect JG, Aiyuk, Deebo, Kittle and the 9ers passing game to open up the running game. * I think both RB's Mitchell and Serman will be available to play (Mitchell if needed). Serman should have a good game running the ball and catching passes from JG.
* I expect JG, Aiyuk, Deebo, Kittle and the 9ers passing game will open up the running game.
If I'm Jimmy G I'm throwing the ball to whoever King is covering.
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DeleteRazor I agree, Pick on CB K. King and stay away from J. Alexander.
I Look for Kittle to have a big game against GB's D
Kevin King ruled out due to illness.
DeleteWhoever establishes the run will win this game. With healthy running backs, this one would have been an easy win. But still the edge with the 9ers on this one. Go Niners!
Hey Scooter, can I call you by the nickname "MAC"?
ReplyDeleteSure thing, Mr Fields.
DeleteLol, TOUCHE!
DeleteI was wondering if that was going to be your comeback, Scooter.
Bravo!
The problem when you overreact to everything.
DeleteI'll say this .... the problem comparing those 2 QB's is, not only did Fields have no chance, on the road today (Mac was at home VS lesser team), but Mac Jones has probably already hit his ceiling, or close to it. Fields may have a much higher ceiling based on arm talent and mobility, if he gets it figured out.
DeleteMy point all along was that you can't trade 3 firsts and a third for Jimmy G 2.0 (game manager), you just can't do it!
What's the deal Solomon Thomas?
ReplyDeleteHe is ball'n with the raiders. He is showing more in the last couple of games as a raider than he did all the years as a 49er.
I'm glad that he's found a new home and doing good.
I see the 49ers in a close win tonight. Aaron Rodgers shook off the ugly first game loss and is looking the AR that can hurt any defense.
I think it is a combination of Solomon Thomas getting more reps inside as a 3T and maturing as a player while also playing for a fantastic DC in Gus Bradley who knows exactly what he wants out of his players.
DeleteIn our team, because of his high draft status, ST was looked at as the next sack master. He was also rotated on the edge and interior and reps were taken away by Bucknor and Armstead.
Anyway, very happy for Thomas if he can carve out a starter role in this league!
Agreed, Mugeek49er.
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