Green Bay Packers v. 49ers: Final Thoughts
Before the Green Bay Packers take on the San Francisco 49ers, here are my final thoughts on the upcoming matchup.
By Paul_Bretl
PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO OUR CHEESEHEAD NATION WEEKLY NEWSLETTER HERE.
__________________________
Born and raised in Green Bay, WI and I still call it home. After my family, watching the Packers, sharing my opinions on the team through my writing and interacting with other fans is my greatest passion. You can find me on Twitter at @Paul_Bretl.
Comments (71)
stockholder
September 24, 2021 at 11:11 am
The Packers can win if they forget the Depth chart. Move Savage IN! And Run like hell. Clock position is the Key.
jannesbjornson
September 24, 2021 at 05:54 pm
Agreed, Playmakers make plays. Statues collect moss and mold.
10ve 💚
September 24, 2021 at 10:02 pm
Totally! The run game will dictate who will win.
NickPerry
September 25, 2021 at 06:09 am
I don't understand why this comment has even one dislike...
Everyone of these suggestions are EXACTLY on the money, at least IMO. The Packers absolutely have to forget about the depth chart, especially when it comes to their D-Line and anything involving Kevin King.
Savage does need to move in but what I'd prefer to see is Alexander follow Samuel. I know that's something we haven't seen but Alexander can shut down Samuel. Maybe that's something the Packers will do to surprise the 49ers. I mean lets face it, the Saints and Lions didn't have anyone worth Alexander following. It could be something Barry shows this week...I HOPE so.
FREE AJ Dillon. The 49ers are like 29th against the run so running A LOT is a must. I'd love to see Dillon finally get say 15 carries and see what happens. 5 just isn't enough.
Excellent comment SH.
dje
September 25, 2021 at 09:33 pm
Nick, what am I missing with King? Why is he still in a Packers uniform and why is he even playing. Thanks!
HarryHodag
September 24, 2021 at 11:28 am
San Fran 34
Packers 24
Only possibility of victory is if the offense can keep up with San Fran and win it at the end. The Packers have an advantage at QB and possibly running back, and at one corner on defense. Other than that, SF has better players.
Archie
September 24, 2021 at 11:33 am
SF corners are not that much. I'd take Stokes & Alexander any day. I think King at slot would be a major mistake. Give Black & Scott more play time and sit King & Sullivan.
Coldworld
September 25, 2021 at 07:57 am
If Barry uses King in the slot and it’s the disaster many of us suspect then will that show why Barry should not be a coordinator? If it does work it will also suggest that he’s not as clueless as I suspect. Playing Stokes does not mean King has to be in the slot. That’s a choice not a necessary consequence.
TarynsEyes
September 24, 2021 at 11:29 am
I heard a statistic on PFT, yes I listen to all sports media, that the Packers with Rodgers are 1-6 when they play in Florida or California, and the lone win coming against the severely decimated Niners last year. I'm not sure it's legit, but it speaks loud, if true.
I assume the week one win against NO played in Jacksonville is discounted as it was a neutral field for both, which means they don't win in these States against their Home teams. Interesting stat regardless.
Archie
September 24, 2021 at 11:35 am
Spread has shrunk from 3.5 to 3 so late money is favoring the Pack. See what the late late money does.
wildbill
September 24, 2021 at 12:00 pm
I can’t believe Rodgers has only played in those states seven times. How far back did they go?
TarynsEyes
September 24, 2021 at 12:32 pm
And rightfully so, as I did a quick check and found it to be wrong just on the 2019 and 2020 games.
10ve 💚
September 24, 2021 at 10:10 pm
"I assume the week one win against NO played in Jacksonville is discounted as it was a neutral field for both"
Wait! And here I thought that the Packers had lost to NO. We should ask NFL.com and Packers.com to correct their mistake ~~
Archie
September 24, 2021 at 11:30 am
Looks to me like it could be a high scoring game. Pack should be able to run/pass as they wish and ditto the 9ers. Could be a one score difference at the end. This projection assumes 9ers DL doesn't wreck havoc on 12. If so, all bets are off. But that is why MLF must feature lots of AJ (Dillon) and AJ. Mix in some Adams, MVS and Tonyan and it could make for a great game. Poor Pack DL, beleagured with no help in sight. Heaven help us if KC misses any time but no one guy is enough. What the hell happened to Keke? And yes, get Slaton and Heflin on the field more to see if they can get the job done. Nothing to lose.
canadapacker
September 24, 2021 at 11:31 am
The only thing that the Pack has in their favor against San Fran is that Mosaert is on IR and Mitchell is hurting - so the run game should not be that strong. Otherwise it figures that with our poor rush and the middle of the field being open - that Kittle will kill us and Deboo Samuel will probably blow by King for TD's Our only hope is for AR to have a great game but dont expect that we can outscore them if we get into a shootout - just make sure that AR doesnt get injured because our Oline is not up to snuff right now.
Packers1985
September 25, 2021 at 01:00 pm
Agreed to most of what you've mentioned above and with the recent injury to Jenkins the things got even worse.
Archie
September 24, 2021 at 11:40 am
Going to the west coast on a short week vs home opener for opponent sounds potentially ominous for Pack. Looking forward to this game as I think it will tell us much more about Pack than games 1&2 combined. That SF is hurting at RB and CB is the only edge I see. That and the possibility of an unreal game from 12. Or, will their pass rush eat us alive?
Jackwagon
September 24, 2021 at 12:03 pm
Their season seemed doomed when they re-signed King. Every QB will look for #20 1st thing when they get to the line of scrimmage. He does not belong in the NFL.
bjkdad44
September 24, 2021 at 07:07 pm
Exactly!
10ve 💚
September 24, 2021 at 10:14 pm
We have 3 trolls here... only they would give you downvote for your statement!
PeteK
September 24, 2021 at 12:04 pm
Niners are banged up and missing some starters on D. If Rodgers gets rid of the ball quickly on short routes, uses roll outs, and mixes in a good dose of running plays this offense might score enough to win this game. Run at Bosa a few times with Dafney as lead and Dillon carrier to slow him up a bit. Pack 30-27
Swisch
September 24, 2021 at 02:02 pm
I like it, Pete.
bjkdad44
September 24, 2021 at 07:08 pm
I guess we must agree to disagree
mnbadger
September 24, 2021 at 12:26 pm
I agree with almost every comment made. Game could range from FG win by Pack or 3 TD loss. I'm calling Crosby wins it at the end 35-34 with an extra point and no time left on the clock. GPG!
Packers0808
September 24, 2021 at 12:27 pm
Please have King on the inactive list, then we have a really good chance of a win.
ricky
September 24, 2021 at 01:13 pm
When the Packers have the ball: Expect to see Jones featured as much as possible. Whether he is successful is another question. If the 49er's LBers can handle Jones, then expect Rodgers to try to find Adams, then look around before getting sacked.
When the 49ers have the ball: Turn the tables, and pass. Throw a lot to Kittle early and often, and make the Packers prove they can stop him. Move the chains, then go for a longer completion to Samuels or run the ball. But throw the ball a lot early in the game to try to get a lead, then let the defense harass Rodgers, who will get frustrated and upset again.
This is an incredibly important game. IF the Packers can manage a win, they'll have broken the spell, gained confidence and made a statement that they need to be taken seriously. If they lose, as everyone is expecting will happen, they'll still win the division and make the playoffs, but forget about the SB. Yes, I really think this game is that big.
On a side note, if the Packers don't make the SB, I'll be pulling for the Rams to win it all. Why? Because it would raise the price for Rodgers, with teams looking at the Rams and going, look what happened when they added a veteran QB to the roster. We should try the same thing.
jhtobias
September 24, 2021 at 01:18 pm
Unless we have replaced lowry lancaster and keke by Sunday cant see how we get off the field .
Blame petine blame barry all you want. Gute is the culprit has not tried to updrade the dline for 2 years.
Maybe the real general manager rodgers can get this done
Offenseis not the problem.
Niners 35
Packers 24
Bure9620
September 24, 2021 at 02:12 pm
Great I was hoping Yosh Nijman could get his first NFL action blocking Nick Bosa.....Player GM better get it out quick......
BAMABADGER
September 24, 2021 at 02:12 pm
Niners 31 Packers 20. Strong DL and LB play by Niners will make up for DB injuries. Unless they cause some turnovers, the Packer D will be on the field a lot.
Packerfansupreme
September 24, 2021 at 03:10 pm
Just heard Jenkins is doubtful.....I dont see how we overcome this. It's going to be a long night come Sunday
Tundraboy
September 24, 2021 at 09:09 pm
This is not good!
LeotisHarris
September 24, 2021 at 10:06 pm
Maybe Swisch could have a robust talk with Jenkins? Chase all lingering doubt from Elgton's mind and replace it with vigor, verve, and esprit de corp! Close your eyes and picture the scene..."Don't be doubtful, Elgton, you manifest all that is right and good. You have grit and tenacity, and I, Swisch believe you to be one capable of believing in yourself and showing true team spirit! Now, run, son. Run and block and engage your opponent on the field and in the trenches. Win your one-on-one battles. Fight with valor!"
If only we could get Swisch to the coast in time to address the team; channel the ghost of Rockne to get the fellas to fight, fight, fight. To go! To win! And, finally to rally the coaches and impart wisdom to run a *triple* reverse, and maybe even (gasp) bust out the Statue of Liberty play! Golly, that would be keen to see. We'd all have a hearty laugh and guffaw at the befuddled 49ers as they wondered what in the world hit them. In the immortal words of Vincent T. Lombardi, they'd say "what the hell is going on out there!"
Alas, I fear it is all only a dream, and our beloved green and gold will fall to the hated 49ers, not because of a lack of grit, vim, vigor, and tenacity, but because the San Francisco Club has better players and better coaches.
Swisch
September 24, 2021 at 03:29 pm
A defining game for the Packers!!!
We must look at least largely professional and robust on defense under new coordinator Joe Barry; and on offense, we must be truly resolute in executing ball control according to the LaFleur/Hackett philosophy.
Let's hope the defense can at least get in the right positions before the snap, and carry out its assignments after. On a related matter, let's mix up the looks on defense, including blitzes, so as not to be predictable. Finally, energy, pursuit, grit, and group tackling.
The key to the offense is whether our quarterback is ready to really run the offense according to the spirit of his head coach. If Jones gets stuffed, run Dillon. If both are stuffed, let's call an array of short passes to go over and around the defense, stretching the field horizontally to create gaps within.
***
If the defense is clueless and sluggish at this point in the regular season, then it's time to wonder if the job is too big for Barry.
If Aaron Rodgers is still resistant to the short and sweet vision of moving the chains in creative choreography -- in this the third game of his third season under LaFleur -- then it's time to move Rodgers to a new team where he can be happy throwing the long ball over and over and over again.
If the showing on either side of the ball is embarrassingly bad, or even disturbingly mediocre, then let's cut our losses and start anew before October.
***
We can't suffer incessant ineptitude on defense, nor ongoing insubordination on offense.
It's a matter of preserving the dignity of all involved with the Packers, for the overall health of the team going forward.
With all of this said, I'm hoping the Packers are sharp instead of dull, strong instead of soft, active instead of passive, cooperative instead of contrary.
Win or lose, if the team displays itself as healthy in effort and attitude and effectiveness, we can ride out this season through thick and thin, confident all will be well by playoff time.
**
With a national game in prime time against a top team, and with enough time to have put the offseason and preseason primarily in the past, it's go time for the Packers.
If the Packers aren't ready to show significant motivation and teamwork and and proficiency this Sunday, we need to move into a new tomorrow on Monday.
It's a deadline for decisiveness.
***
Glad for comments for and against, but please show your work, or at least opine with thoughtfulness.
White92
September 24, 2021 at 07:40 pm
I really do hate saying this, but I think you are largely spot on here. I'm sure many people thought the Packers couldn't do worse than Pettine, but then they found Joe Barry Carroll. Actually the real Joe Barry Carroll might have been the better choice. It seems clear the talent isn't there on defense, and pair that with a historically bad coordinator and its a recipe for disaster. The banged up offensive line will make this game look like game 1.
Tundraboy
September 24, 2021 at 09:12 pm
A 100 upvotes!
Fabio
September 26, 2021 at 07:39 am
"The key to the attack is whether our quarterback is ready to really handle the attack in the spirit of his coach. If Jones fills up, run Dillon. If both are full, we call a series of short passes to get around the defense, stretching the field horizontally to create spaces inside "
I fear that, by the time this happens, the game has already been scored beyond repair and impossible to recover.
Greetings from Italy Swisch
GPG
Bure9620
September 24, 2021 at 04:03 pm
This is really the first time I have ever felt the Packers have no chance of winning a game....I have never felt less confident on both sides of the line of scrimmage before a game.....uuuggghh
Will be at Gillette at the Pats Saints game so I guess won't gave to wait around all day.
flackcatcher
September 24, 2021 at 04:56 pm
Hard to figure either team out so early in the season. But it comes down to which team get the lead first, then the defense can gamble and push the LOS. Injuries as always play a factor, in this case an outsize one because it's so early and teams may feel not good about their back ups. The big X for the Packers is Barry as DC. What has Lafleur done to back up Barry as the defensive play caller. On the offense side Jenkins is 'doubtful'. Could be a real interesting night for Rodgers if he doesn't get rid of the on schedule. A lot of these is so like preseason I'm not even going to guess the score.
A New Era
September 24, 2021 at 05:20 pm
Unfortunately, this contest could show exactly why games are won in the trenches. The Packers have a big advantage in skill players, with the exception of Kittle. However, the Niners have a much better DL and (with Bakhtiari out) an OL too. We do not match up well against them.
The good news is that they are pretty banged up and will have to go very deep on their depth chart at RB. I live in the Bay Area and watch most of their games. They have not looked very good this year either. Jimmy G. is doing reasonably well statistically, but my eyes tell me he is a second tier QB who makes many errant throws. Maybe we can snag a couple of these.
I chalked this one up as a loss when I first saw the schedule, so I won't be depressed by a loss, but I'll be pumped with a win. It would be particularly great to shut up all these front running Whiner fans that surround me.
Packers1985
September 25, 2021 at 01:15 pm
Even I marked it as a loss initially but with the loss against saints i am guessing this is a must win for the team if their aspirations are super bowl. Time to make a statement in the west.
Go Pack Go
MEO73
September 24, 2021 at 06:41 pm
Sadly, SF is the better team right now. Unless the defense is transformed and the offense gets in rythm, this could be another painful game.
bjkdad44
September 24, 2021 at 07:03 pm
Rogers missing 20 yds or more passes so much = missing practice games…
49ers 36
Packers 16
Since'61
September 24, 2021 at 09:45 pm
The first bullet point of the article is a summary of what will be the decisive factor in this game. SF has successfully and consistently harassed their opponents QBs through their first 2 games. The Packers not so much. The Packers will need to reverse this trend for this game. Simply put, the Packers need to win the trenches. If the Packers can run the ball effectively they will be able to utilize play action and keep moving the chains.
On defense stop the 49ers run game and make Garapolo one dimensional. If we don't win the trenches it will be a long evening. Thanks, Since '61
Tundraboy
September 24, 2021 at 09:06 pm
On any given Sunday. The Packers odds look bad but it is a mental battle at this point. They are capable but question is will they show up for the challenge. We won’t know til Sunday. I hope they do.
Since'61
September 24, 2021 at 09:47 pm
Tundra Preparation and attitude are always the keys. Thanks, Since '61
barutanseijin
September 24, 2021 at 09:17 pm
Jenkins is “doubtful“. This could get ugly.
JohnnyLogan
September 24, 2021 at 10:04 pm
This has the makings of a blowout. Lowry, Lancaster, and Keke can't stop the run, regardless of the RB. King trying to stay with Deebo could prove comical. Turner or Kelly against Bosa means lots of Rodgers throws into the stands. Our ILBs vs Kittle?... Oye.
But, but... Rodgers and Adams can have big games. It's entirely possible. And I have a feeling Cobb will be targeted ten times. There's really no point in targeting MVS or Lazard. MVS can only run deep and Lazard just doesn't get open. A bold move would be to sign Josh Gordon. Tampa signed AB and that worked out. Need to take a chance, it won't be expensive, but Rodgers needs someone other than Adams to at least put a scare in the D.
If this is a blowout, the only good outcome will be that Gute will almost have to make major changes to the DL and finally bench Lowry, Lancaster, Keke and King. They should not be starting.
croatpackfan
September 25, 2021 at 01:39 am
I would like to know with what money you'll sign any excellent player. Packers are already in deep trouble with cap. If they add additional cost it may produce loss of 1st round pick. Second, we all knows that AR needs to trust WR to use him. Do you really believe AR would target Gordon at all? That is ridiculous
JohnnyLogan
September 25, 2021 at 12:39 pm
You and your money arguments. Gordon won't be expensive. The Packers keep $8 million in reserve. If they want to make it happen they can. Let me remind you again that every team has the same budget. It's how you use it. We could have had Casey Heyward, we signed King. Lowry and Lancaster money could have bought a better DL.
It's easy to say we don't have the money once the team is formed. But bad decisions made that happen. I'd like to have heard your recommendations before the budget was formed Croat. Almost everyone said pass on King, did you want to sign him? How about Lowry, Lancaster, Patrick... think of the savings. Many of us did.
What do you do for next year Croat?... Do you give MVS a new contract?... How about Lazard?... Or would you take a chance on Gordon opposite Adams?
At some point, when an opportunity presents and a very talented player becomes available because of circumstance you take the risk. It may not work out but his upside is so far greater than MVS or Lazard that you simply have to try. Especially when the two receivers you do have start are among the worst in football.
Maybe you don't remember the Packers passing on Lynch or Randy Moss when each could have been had for a six-pack of your favorite IPA. Lynch wanted to play with his college buddy Rodgers and Moss wanted to play with Favre. The Packers passed, the Seahawks and Patriots signed them and won titles. Tampa did it with Antonio Brown and Gronk and won a title.
It's not about money this time Croat, it's about risk, something the Pack has been averse to far too often.
Thegreatreynoldo
September 26, 2021 at 03:30 am
Gordon is probably worth a shot. Substance abuse is now at most a fine. I don't see too much downside.
Leatherhead
September 24, 2021 at 11:11 pm
The Packers have played 38 games with LaFleur, including playoffs. Our overall record has been 29-9.
Using the league average of 24.8 ppg, the Packers have held the opponent to 24 or fewer points 25 times. They are a perfect 25-0 in those games. IMO, if we can just run our offense and protect the ball then SF will have a hard time winning this game.
The SF defense hasn’t faced an offense like this and they’ve already given up a lot of yards and first downs. That doesn’t seem like they can get off the field, does it?
Xxxxxxxxxxxx
Does anybody think that SF will win their division? Get a wildcard? They could possibly miss the playoffs. They aren’t as good as the Rams and Garrapolo is probably the weakest QB in that division. I just see them as a third or fourth place team.
HarryHodag
September 25, 2021 at 07:14 am
Nice to be an optimist Leatherhead. I'm not sure the offensive line can crack the front seven enough to give the Pack the edge.
BTW-Hodags beat the Red Robins 42-0 in the Bell game.
egbertsouse
September 25, 2021 at 07:46 am
You’re correct. And they still will kick the Packers’ ass.
Bure9620
September 25, 2021 at 10:48 am
Agree with this LH, the defense has been harder to watch the last few years and have given up yards but often they have tightened up in the Red Zone, hence the lower point total. If we hold SF to under 24 points we certainly have a chance.
The X-factor for me in this game is AJ Dillon. We need a heavier dose of him in this game. How to help control a pass rush? Run the ball! How do you battle an aggressive physical defensive front? Run right at them with a 250 pointed back! Be physical too!!! What a concept! If AJ Dillon barely sees the field, we sit in 3 and long and 5 wide....we will be blown out. Run the Rock!
Bure9620
September 25, 2021 at 10:46 am
Agree with this LH, the defense has been harder to watch the last few years and have given up yards but often they have tightened up in the Red Zone, hence the lower point total. If we hold SF to under 24 points we certainly have a chance.
The X-factor for me in this game is AJ Dillon. We need a heavier dose of him in this game. How to help Rodgers and control a pass rush? Run the ball! How do you battle an aggressive physical defensive front? Run right at them with a 250 pound back! Be physical too!!! What a concept! If AJ Dillon barely sees the field, we sit in 3rd and long and 5 wide....we will be blown out. Run the Rock!
Crankbait
September 25, 2021 at 05:29 am
Fire Gute.
HarryHodag
September 25, 2021 at 07:11 am
...the answer to all questions: if something isn't 100% right, fire everybody and hire Pee Wee Herman.
Bearmeat
September 25, 2021 at 08:16 am
Not only do the 9ers win. It’s a blowout. I may go to bed at halftime. 37-3 SF
Bure9620
September 25, 2021 at 10:55 am
If we turn the ball over and sit in 5 wide, yes this will happen.
NitschkeFromTheGrave
September 25, 2021 at 11:48 am
Fans at the Ryders Cup in WI started GROUND SWELL of renewed patriotism by belting out the National Anthem.
This is the ground swell we have been waiting for.
Since the NFL won't allow the national anthem to be televised I'm calling on all game goers to STAND AND BELT IT OUT as the kicker is teeing up the opening kickoff !!!!
And watch what happens......
(PLEASE REPOST, AND KEEP REPOSTING !)
Leatherhead
September 25, 2021 at 12:47 pm
Actually, we should disrespect the alternative anthem, because turnabout is fair play.
Oppy
September 25, 2021 at 01:49 pm
This is the ground swell we have been waiting for?
Is the revolution a go? Is it really happening??
Swisch
September 25, 2021 at 03:21 pm
It's seems so simple that if we can't honor the flag as the symbol of America we don't have a country.
If we can't agree that there's more good about America than bad, we don't have a country.
We're just a bunch of groups jockeying for power, or scrambling to make a living.
The American flag is not about politics, it's about our survival as a country.
***
There are many problems in America -- always have been -- but I believe there's a lot more good about America than bad, a whole lot more.
For one thing, we are the most racially integrated, most tolerant, most welcoming country in human history. We don't have to allow everyone into America in order to celebrate our generosity in allowing so many diverse peoples already.
It's for the most part an amazing act of openness by the American people over time, astoundingly unique in its goodness.
***
Also, our country is the hope for all the world.
If America goes down, so do any other nations of freedom anywhere else.
China and Russia and militant Islam will dominate. Consider living in Beijing or Moscow or Kabul.
America is a bastion of security and a beacon of hope for freedom. We can't afford to take it for granted.
***
So we can't afford to be flippant about the flag, and much less can we afford to be in any way disrespectful.
No matter how rich a person is in China these days, that person is still a slave. No rights to speak and write and worship and assemble and petition.
The government in such places is God, and must be worshipped above all, must be obeyed without question always.
In China, you don't get to protest the flag, unless you want to go missing.
***
By all means, protest in America as a matter of freedom -- but don't trash the nation that gives you the right to protest.
Protest for love of country, to make things better.
Don't protest for hate of the country, to destroy it.
Also, protest outside of football games, not at football games.
Leave sports alone as a place for Americans of different viewpoints to come together. We dearly need these events of unity.
My sincere best to all Americans without exception, and all who support America!!!
Crankbait
September 26, 2021 at 10:38 am
That was beautiful.
Obviously we have a couple of communists on this blog.... who else would ever down vote that !
GPG !
Swisch
September 26, 2021 at 12:38 pm
Thanks so much for your support, Crankbait.
It does mean a lot at a time when it seems that sentiments of common sense and common goodness are under attack by even some people of prominence in the NFL.
On an autumn Sunday of fall breezes and refreshing freedoms, and later Packers football, thank God for America!!!
GPG!
Dr.Rodgers
September 25, 2021 at 06:59 pm
I’m gonna get a megaphone and scream the NATIONAL ANTHEM at the whole neighborhood! I want everyone be very loud. Thanks for your service.
Crankbait
September 26, 2021 at 03:22 am
Followed by a healthy dose of "F" Biden🇺🇸
That would straighten out a few man buns😎
GPG !
GP1
September 26, 2021 at 02:38 am
Which Major country has been in multiple wars since WW2?
Which major country funds coups or invades other countries regularly since WW2?
Which major country allows the shooting of its children?
Which major country actively disenfranchises it's own people from voting?
Which major country had it's parliament and it's elected government violently attacked at the beginning of the year?
Which major country had its elected government subject to attempted overthrow earlier this year?
And you are worried about the anthem?
Crankbait
September 26, 2021 at 04:05 am
AOC ?
Is that you ?
Didn't know you were a Packer fan !
Leatherhead
September 26, 2021 at 01:57 pm
I’m sorry you hate this country. Maybe you should consider relocating to a more virtuous nation?
sohankhan
September 26, 2021 at 10:48 am
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