Green Bay Packers v. 49ers: 7 Big Questions about Upcoming Matchup
By Paul Bretl
How does the OL hold up?
This is perhaps my biggest concern about this game. It appears that the Packers will be without Elgton Jenkins, rookies Josh Myers and Royce Newman will be faced with their first true road test, and the Niners pass-rush is very, very good. In two games, the 49ers have recorded 52 pressures–the third-highest total in football.
In order to limit the pass rush as best as they can, Green Bay will have to stick to the run game, rely on quick passes, and likely run out of two-tight end sets often to help with blocking. If the offensive line is bullied, the run game struggles to get going, and Aaron Rodgers is under consistent pressure, this game could spiral out of control quickly.
Can the new Joe Barry defense keep up with Kyle Shanahan?
On the other side of the ball, I’m worried about this matchup that won’t even take place on the field. After two weeks, the Packers’ defense ranks 28th by DVOA. We’ve seen a lack of pressure, blown coverages, miscommunications, and a run defense that has struggled to stop anything. None of this is ever a good thing, but it can become especially painful with Kyle Shanahan on the opposing sidelines.
As I mentioned above, we should expect to see plenty of this Niners rushing attack while Deebo Samuel and George Kittle are chess pieces for Shanahan to create mismatches with. Samuel currently leads the NFL in receiving yards while Kittle can go for a big game at the drop of that hat. Any weakness or breakdown that has been put on tape by this Green Bay defense, Shanahan will likely try to exploit at some point.
Will the Green Bay Packers offense face more Cover-2?
Last season the New Orleans Saints really tried to pressure Aaron Rodgers with different blitzes. This year they played with two-deep safeties and possibly created the blueprint for slowing this Packers offense. In Week 2, the Lions, who primarily played Cover-3 in their Week 1 matchup, again played Cover-2 against Green Bay.
This week is a Niners team who often aligns in Cover-3, but will they switch to primarily a Cover-2 defense for this matchup as well? Two of the best ways to beat Cover-2 are by running the ball and attacking the middle of the field. Don’t be surprised if we see San Francisco take a similar approach and dare Green Bay to beat this two-high safety look.