5 Big Question for Green Bay Packers in Matchup v. 49ers
By Paul Bretl
The Green Bay Packers will begin their playoff journey at home against the San Francisco 49ers this Saturday in the NFC Divisional Round. And it’s a game that does pose some difficult matchups for the Packers.
As part of my weekly preview of Green Bay’s upcoming matchup, I’ll dive into my 5 Big Questions facing the Packers ahead of their game.
Can Green Bay Packers defense take advantage of turnover opportunities?
Although the Green Bay Packers defense didn’t exactly finish the last several weeks of the season on a high note, for much of the year, this unit was very opportunistic when it came to generating takeaways.
When it was all said and done, Green Bay’s 26 takeaways were the eighth-most in football, which includes 18 interceptions–the sixth-most. The Packers also created at least two turnovers in 10 of their 16 regular-season games.
In the Divisional Round, Green Bay will be up against a San Francisco offense with Jimmy Graoppolo under center, and one that relies heavily on the run game. Garoppolo is averaging just under 30 pass attempts per game this season, which is the fourth-fewest in football, and when he does pass, he isn’t exactly pushing the ball downfield–ranking 30th in average depth per target.
However, even with that being the case, Garoppolo seems to serve up an interception opportunity or two every game. This season he has thrown 12 interceptions and his interception rate of 2.7 percent was the 10th highest in football. It’s also important to note that Garoppolo is dealing with an injured thumb and shoulder.
More turnovers create fewer opportunities for the Niners’ offense and more for the Packers–which, of course, is a good thing. Green Bay is 30-0 during the Matt LaFleur era when they win the turnover battle.