Before the season started, the Green Bay Packers vs. San Francisco 49ers game would have been considered an important matchup. Given the standings situation in the NFC, this is truly a crucial time for both teams.
Green Bay has a 7-3 record, but is currently in third place in a difficult NFC North. Meanwhile, the 49ers are, surprisingly, sitting at .500 with a 5-5 record.
A Packers’ win in Week 12 would help solidify a playoff spot for Green Bay, while ensuring that San Francisco’s post-season path become increasing difficult.
Key Players for the Packers
Jordan Love has “accomplished” something not seen by a Packers quarterback since the 1944. After yet another turnover, Love has thrown interceptions in his first eight starts of the season.
Mistakes have been the downfall of the offense. Whether it’s the turnovers, dropped passes by the receivers, or penalties, Green Bay has had far too many negative plays this season.
The good news is that last game, the Packers only took one penalty on offense (three total). The pass-catchers also dropped the drops from their repertoire.
Now, Love just has to cut out the interceptions. The 49ers will not be a forgiving defense if the mistakes persist.
Looking at the NFL trade deadline, the Packers only made one move. And it might not be in the direction most were expecting. Given the team’s record, one would have expected Green Bay to be buyers. However, the team actually traded away Preston Smith for a 7th-round pick.
Now, this did not come out of nowhere. New defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley brought a transition from a 4-3 front-seven to a 3-4 system. Throughout his career, Smith was a natural outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense. However, Hafley moved him to defensive end, and he just never fully fit the new position. Therefore, Smith actually requested the trade, which the team granted.
This move could still turn out to be a positive for the Packers. With Smith gone, that likely means more playing time for Lucas Van Ness. The former first-round pick has made impact plays throughout his young career, but he still lacks the snap-to-snap consistency. As his opportunities increase, there is optimism that Van Ness can reach that next level.
Key Players for the 49ers
Head coach Kyle Shanahan has earned the reputation of being one of the best offensive minds in the NFL. His play-calling is excellent, and his offensive system is meant to set up easy throws for the quarterback.
As a result, some consider Brock Purdy to simply be a system quarterback. However, he plays at a superior level than other signal-caller that have passed through the 49ers system under Shanahan.
For instance, let’s compare Purdy to Jimmy Garoppolo. During his 31 starts in San Francisco, Purdy has a 6.2% touchdown rate, 9 yards-per-attempt, and a 6.03% sack rate. Meanwhile, Garoppolo, with the 49ers, produced a 5% touchdown rate, threw for 8.3 yards-per-attempt, and took sacks on 6.58% of plays.
So compared to his predecessor, Purdy is throwing more touchdowns, has a better yards efficiency, and isn’t taking as many sacks. If Purdy is truly just a system quarterback, he is demonstrating the full potential of the system.
Purdy will miss this Week 12 contest, so the system QB concept will be tested. Whoever starts fot the 49ers will certainly have a strong supporting cast. Between running back Christian McCaffrey, tight end George Kittle, as well as wide receivers Jauan Jennings and Deebo Samuel, this team is loaded with talent.
The only thing that seems to stop them is injuries. McCaffrey has only played two games so far this season, while Kittle missed the most recent contest. Meanwhile, Jennings and Samuel have also dealt with injuries throughout the year.
Speaking of injuries, the 49ers may be without their premier pass-rusher as Nick Bosa left the last game and did not return. Without him, it will be difficult for San Francisco to pressure opposing passers.
Keys to Win the Game
For all the creativity surrounding both Matt LaFleur and Kyle Shanahan’s systems, basic blocking is a important ingredient. In order for both offenses to operate properly, offensive line play is key.
Typically the most important matchup in the trenches is an offensive tackle against an edge rusher. For instance, Rashan Gary pass rushing against Trent Williams. Or Lucas Van Ness vs Colton McKivitz. If those Packers defensive ends can put pressure on Brock Purdy, it can go a long way to stalling this talented offense.
Likewise, Green Bay needs to keep Jordan Love clean in the pocket. Love’s decision making is especially suspect when he is under pressure. If the Packers want to take away Love’s mistakes, than he needs proper pass-protection.
There is a significant amount of skill and talent on these teams. But for it to shine through, the details in the trenches have to be locked in. That means no blown blocking assignments, and certainly no pre-snap penalties. It what could be small margin of victory, every yard matters.
This contest will be a true test for both Green Bay and San Francisco. Both the Packers and the 49ers have sky-high expectations for this season, and their head-to-head matchup could influence playoff positioning come January.
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