Week 11: San Francisco 49ers vs. Green Bay Packers
This is it. The 49ers have found their way out of a four-game losing streak but now face the Green Bay Packers, a team also seeking to find consistency. With the Wild Card spot still in reaching distancefor both teams, this game is a make-or-break game. The 49ers still stand two games behind the division and with the way the Cardinals are playing, the 49ers probably have to win five or six more games to be serious contenders for the NFC West title.
The 49ers have lost 12 of the last 13 meetings with the Packers. Going into Lambeau Field isn't going to be easy either. The weather is expected to be really cold (no snow though). Two former first rounders will start under center in the game. Alex Smith and Aaron Rodgers, both linked from that draft, will try to help their respective teams make that playoff push.
The 49ers will have to help Smith get in rhythm in the passing game as the 49ers have established a more pass-oriented offense. It will be a lot on the young wide receivers in Josh Morgan and Michael Crabtree against veteran cornerbacks Charles Woodson and Al Harris. The 49ers running game must also continue its success, especially with ball control early on the game.
At 4-5, the 49ers are trying to fight their way into relevancy in the NFC. A loss might very well end any playoff hopes for the team. You can call this a "must-win" game. The team doesn't like to call it that, but everyone knows that this game will decide the season for the 49ers.
There are a few keys for the 49ers in this game against the Packers:
The 49ers have lost 12 of the last 13 meetings with the Packers. Going into Lambeau Field isn't going to be easy either. The weather is expected to be really cold (no snow though). Two former first rounders will start under center in the game. Alex Smith and Aaron Rodgers, both linked from that draft, will try to help their respective teams make that playoff push.
The 49ers will have to help Smith get in rhythm in the passing game as the 49ers have established a more pass-oriented offense. It will be a lot on the young wide receivers in Josh Morgan and Michael Crabtree against veteran cornerbacks Charles Woodson and Al Harris. The 49ers running game must also continue its success, especially with ball control early on the game.
At 4-5, the 49ers are trying to fight their way into relevancy in the NFC. A loss might very well end any playoff hopes for the team. You can call this a "must-win" game. The team doesn't like to call it that, but everyone knows that this game will decide the season for the 49ers.
There are a few keys for the 49ers in this game against the Packers:
- Sack Rodgers
If Rodgers gets sacked on average 4.6 times a game, then that must be a good sign for a 49ers pass rush that hasn't done too much this year. Getting to Rodgers will be the priority of the defense. If the offensive line is struggling to protect their quarterback, it might throw off some timing patterns for the Packers. In any case, pres - Ball control from turnovers
The Packers offense can score in bunches. And seeing what the 49ers did to the Bears last week, forcing turnovers and preventing the Packers from scoring will be very important. The defense will once again be tested with a very good quarterback. Preventing the big score through turnovers will be a priority. - No field goals
In a previous article, I talked about the 49ers success rate when in the opponent's 30-yard line. The 49ers cannot have field goals when given the opportunity to score touchdowns. In a game like this, field goals will not be enough for the 49ers to win. Touchdowns haev to be scored.
It is over!
