NFC Game Of The Week
Green Bay Packers at San Francisco 49ers
Packers: They’ve improved in many aspects of the game. When you look at the difference between the head coaches, you see how much the change was needed. The Packers are 8-2 on top of the NFC North. They’ve done it with a balanced offensive attack. I told my associate Cole Johnson about Aaron Jones. The other day, he tells me he’s now a fan of how he plays. For years, I’ve been saying the Packers had to take pressure off Aaron Rodgers by providing him with a running game to lean on. I understand it’s a passing league, but the running game is still an important aspect of the game. This balance the Packers have on the offensive side is a scary thing for defenses. You can zoom in on Jones all you want, but just remember who the quarterback is. He’s still like that because he’s automatic, like that. The Packers defense has improved tremendously this year. The numbers may still be elevated, but the effort is 2,000 times better than it’s been in previous years. They’re rushing the passer with such consistency. They wrap around to finish tackles. They’ll cover the flat, then the secondary has been better as well. Turnovers have been the Packers key to success this year defensively. The best thing Green Bay did this year with retain Mike Pettine as their defensive coordinator. For the second time in three games, the Packers will make a trip to California for an old-school NFC showdown.
49ers: That was a tough way to lose a game in week ten against Seattle. When you thought they were going to pull away early on, the Seahawks fought to stay in the game. Here’s the thing about the divisional games. They will always be a battle no matter the records. A week after the Patriots lost their first game of the year, the San Francisco 49ers lost their first in overtime in a Monday nighter. How would they regroup the following week? They faced the Arizona Cardinals for the second time in three games. Arizona gave them all they could handle on Halloween and they did it again on Sunday. However, the toughness of a team is shown when you’re back is against the wall. They showed a lot of mental grit in the fourth quarter and pulled away to improve to 9-1. They came back from a 16-point deficit to improve to 9-1. The Niners still have the best record in the NFC. I took a few things away from the win. First, the San Francisco offense struggled to get into a rhythm in the first quarter. They were able to register only one first down. In the second quarter, they were able to bounce back. The second thing I took away was the balance they didn’t display. Jimmy Garoppolo threw the football 45 times. The 49ers offense is at its best when they’re playing balanced football. Matt Breida and Tevin Coleman are intricate parts of this offense. Anytime I see them getting their touches, I’m often reminded of the way Kyle Shanahan used Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman in Atlanta. I’m a big fan of this defense. They play excellent team defense which sets them apart from many other units in the NFL. This will be their second primetime game in three weeks. Another division leader is in town.
Packers Player to Watch: Jake Kumerow– When Adams was nursing a toe injury, the question was who would step up to be Aaron’s top target? It’s been Jake. He’s become one of 12’s top targets. He’s 6’4 which gives Rodgers that possession target down the field. Even with Adams back, Jake is a solid second option. You aren’t getting the football unless you have your quarterback’s trust. He’s earned it.
49ers Player to Watch: Fred Warner– He’s just in his second season in the league, but he’s been one of the Niners best defensive players. He’s a tackling machine. He leads the team in tackles with 70. What I enjoy about his game is how he can play that spy in the middle of the field, cover when necessary or you need him to make the tackle when it comes to stopping the run. He’s stepped his game up after the unfortunate injury to Kwon Alexander.
Final Analysis: I’m happy this one got flexed. Two division leaders just screams primetime. I’ve always said the defensive gameplan is to make Aaron Rodgers beat you from the pocket. San Fran needs to contain him. They also need to flush him to the left side. The 49ers need to get back to balance on offense. Running the football will be key for them. This will come down to the trenches. It’s an old-school NFC showdown for the top seed in the NFC potentially
Prediction: Packers 24 49ers 20
Great write-up as always! It’s definitely gonna be a battle for sure, and with your close-to-accurate predictions, I’m nervous (but ready) for my Niners to do what they do. And the fact that you mentioned Fred Warner, shows that you are a better student of the game than most famed analysts. Keep rocking!