10 things to beat the 49ers
Here are 10 things the Packers have to do to beat the 49ers. Photos by AP, Matt Becker,and Tyler Gajewski.
If you've been looking forward to this column since the last such version ran, which is to say a few days prior to the Packers' loss to the 49ers in the playoffs, you had to know what the No. 1 thing would be. It was the focus of the Packers' offseason and training camp. Now, it's time to be physical.
Don't be fooled by the read-option diversion. It's Gore the 49ers want to have the ball. They fooled the Falcons into falling for Colin Kaepernick, and then Gore beat them.
It would be foolish to expect the Packers to run to win, as the saying goes. The 49ers were No. 4 in the league against the run last season, and the Packers' running game is a work in progress. Just run it enough to make the 49ers play run. That'll work.
Despite having arguably the best quarterback in football, the Packers lost the rating battle to the 49ers on opening day, 125.6-93.3, and eked out only a 91.5-91.2 win in the rematch. The Packers need to dominate this stat, and that would involve the play of the team's defense, too.
A fumble fielding a punt was one of the deciding plays in the January playoff game. Big games usually turn on those types of mistakes and the Packers can't afford another such event, nor can they afford to miss field goal attempts when they have a chance to put points on the board.
OK, that's a tall order against the 49ers' two lines, but if the Packers can't claim victory up front, they must at least avoid defeat. It would not be cliché in this type of game to say it'll be decided along the line of scrimmage.
Jim Harbaugh will no doubt target the rookie as he did Nick Perry last season, in what was Perry's first game as a pro. Until Hyde gets his feet under him, give him a little help.
The Packers' edge defenders must contain the 49ers quarterback by forcing him to the middle of the field. That's where the big bodies are.
A rookie left tackle against the "Smith Brothers?" That's too daunting of a challenge for a guy in his pro debut to address without the help of a tight end or running back.
There must be no bickering or finger pointing, and that includes not using scheme as an excuse. The preparation for this game has been intense and complete. This team is ready.
