Cory's Corner: Keep The Teenage Invincibility
The Packers are having too much fun enjoying the wins to waste time worrying about losing.
It was poetic irony.
The Packers backed into the playoffs on the last day of the regular season. The Cowboys head coach was Mike McCarthy, who earned a Super Bowl title and a .618 regular season winning percentage as Green Bay’s head coach. Jordan Love was making his first NFL playoff start after wrapping up his first season as a starting quarterback. This was the first playoff game for Packers coach Matt LaFleur without former quarterback Aaron Rodgers. And finally, Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott threw for 2,450 yards with 22 touchdowns and only three interceptions at home this year.
That’s what makes the Packers 48-32 win in Sunday’s NFC Wild Card Playoff even sweeter. Most of Dallas was looking ahead to a potential rematch with the 49ers. I bet many in the Dallas Metroplex already had plane tickets for Northern California.
There was one problem: the Packers have been in playoff form since New Year’s Eve, when they blew the doors off the Vikings. After losing at home to the Buccaneers, Green Bay needed three-straight wins to ensure a playoff spot. They calmly got those and now are aiming for more.
I love how confident LaFleur is in Love and he proved it by taking the ball and scoring on the very first drive. Love was 4-for-4 on that drive and he was so good that the Packers only saw one third down. It continued into the second quarter as he went 6-for-6 on a 10-play, 93-yard drive. That drive ended with Love throwing a picture perfect 20-yard touchdown throw to Dontayvion Wicks when he knew that Dallas was bringing the house on an all-out blitz. The moment that landed in Wicks’ waiting arms in the back of the end zone, if the football world didn’t already know how good Love was, they knew it then.
“He’s a dude,” said LaFleur about Love. “He’s a real dude.”
He sure is. But it wasn’t just Love. Romeo Doubs, who didn’t tally a 100-yard receiving game all season, blew up with six catches for 148 yards and a touchdown. Thanks to pesky hamstring injuries, running back Aaron Jones came into the game with only two rushing touchdowns and on Sunday he carved up the Dallas defense with three rushing touchdowns and 118 yards — his fourth straight 100-yard rushing effort. Or how about cornerback Jaire Alexander? Despite all of the noise that was being created because of him, he made one of the best catches of the year by making a diving interception on Dallas’ second offensive possession. And I could not forget safety Darnell Savage. He jumped the route intended for CeeDee Lamb and scampered 64 yards to give the Packers a commanding 27-0 lead. The interesting thing about that interception was that it was Savage’s first of the season.
We knew that this Packers team was going to make mistakes and look clunky at times, but what we didn’t know was when they are at their best, they can beat anyone. I said anyone. I honestly think the Packers can beat the vaunted 49ers next Saturday night.
Why not? Jordan Love is currently the hottest quarterback in the league alongside Houston’s C.J. Stroud, both of whom notched a passer rating of 157.2. Love actually would have grabbed the Holy Grail with a perfect passer rating of 158.3 but an incomplete pass to Tucker Kraft with 2:33 left caused that number to go down.
After seeing seasons of long faces from Rodgers, it is so refreshing to see this team. This team has fun and just plays with a teenage invincibility that’s fun to watch. Nobody was pointing fingers in October after they lost four straight, they made a point to collectively get better and they have.
And that’s why this team is so good. They can beat you in so many different ways. I mean, Jayden Reed is the best wideout on this team and he didn’t even notch a reception but I guarantee you that he was front and center congratulating Doubs and Wicks when they made big plays.
The offensive randomness that was thought to be a negative back in August has quickly turned into a positive when it matters most.
Matt LaFleur said it’s been cool to watch the evolution of Jordan Love’s abilities.
Pointed to this touchdown pass to Dontayvion Wicks as one of those plays he could sit there and watch all day. pic.twitter.com/3Xhx1zdcGe
— Lily Zhao (@LilySZhao) January 15, 2024
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Cory Jennerjohn is a graduate from UW-Oshkosh and has been in sports media for over 15 years. He was a co-host on "Clubhouse Live" and has also done various radio and TV work as well. He has written for newspapers, magazines and websites. He currently is a columnist for CHTV and also does various podcasts. He recently earned his Masters degree from the University of Iowa. He can be found on Twitter: @Coryjennerjohn
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Comments (105)
Cheezehead72
January 16, 2024 at 06:23 am
So I have been wrong about this team all season. But then it was expected that it would be difficult to predict this team. I predicted a 5 or 6 win season. They proved me wrong. I predicted that they would not make the playoffs. They proved me wrong. I predicted they could not beat any team if they went to the playoffs. They proved me wrong. I predicted that they would lose to Dallas as late as right before the game. They proved me wrong.
Now on to Santa Clara (not San Francisco) and I predict they will lose. It is up to you all to prove me wrong again. You are a young team that is not expected to win so go out there and play the game and have fun. Let the chips fall where they may.
NickPerry
January 16, 2024 at 06:31 am
You're definitely on a roll Cheezehead72...KEEP it up please!
HawkPacker
January 16, 2024 at 09:02 am
I would agree in that I can't see them beating the 49ers. They have talent everywhere and a better coach based on previous meetings with them.
I also did not expect them to beat Dallas and what I continue to say-we are playing with house money.
I can't wait for Sunday's game. Sb exciting.
Cheezehead72
January 16, 2024 at 09:34 am
Packers play Saturday night. I do not want you to miss it.
HawkPacker
January 16, 2024 at 09:42 am
Thanks...it is being taped so no worries.
T7Steve
January 16, 2024 at 06:28 am
Young and enthusiastic. A good combination or redundant?
Get better this week prepping for the 9ers. Won't be taking anyone by surprise anymore.
The O & D lines that have been playing well, will need to pick it up a notch for this game.
I hope MLF has been thinking what he was going to do against his old nemesis since the last disappointment and have some answers figured out for what he knows will be the biggest challenge of his career.
Guam
January 16, 2024 at 07:49 am
Your last paragraph is key T7Steve. Lafleur has been outcoached by Shanahan the last few matchup's and for the Packers to have a chance, Lafleur is going to have to turn that around. He has a lot more weapons to work with now than in previous matchups, but I think the key will be how well our O-line plays against the SF front four. All the weapons in the world won't help if Love is running for his life.
And Joe Barry is going to have to have a good game plan too.........
RCPackerFan
January 16, 2024 at 08:27 am
"Lafleur has been outcoached by Shanahan the last few matchup's"
Has he though?
The last matchup was the divisional playoff game in 2021. They lost 13-10. They played them earlier in the year and lost 30-28. In 2020 they beat the 49ers 34-17.
T7Steve
January 16, 2024 at 09:28 am
You know what he means.
Leatherhead
January 16, 2024 at 09:49 am
He means Shanahan outcoaches a lot of people,and that's part of the reason SF has the #1 seed. He's a good coach. Maybe the best in the league right now.
Coldworld
January 16, 2024 at 11:05 am
It’s hard to out coach your mentor with his own system. To do it you have to have evolved beyond his conception of it. A lot of what we have done recently is straight out of his playbook. It’s going to take a lot of innovation to fool the 49ers as Dallas was regularly on both sides of the ball.
It may be that our best hope on O is t LaFleur but the improvisation in calls and plays that Love has started to show. He’s not necessarily going with the call or with the expected target, but what is presented. That, to me, has been the true revelation and elevation.
To do that we need at least decent protection from the OL and Jones to have another great game. On D we are going to have to stop a talented run game and an accomplished TE over the middle as well as their WRs. Can Barry do it? They are very good at converting 3rd downs and in the red zone.
Purdy is good under pressure, partly by design of the system. He gets the ball out fast. If we are to pressure him fast enough, we will need to blitz, which we hardly did versus the Cowboys.
Cracking the 49ers will need us to score early and to keep doing it. The O is going to have to lead and the D needs to get off the field. Their D is genuinely good. Prevent will kill against this team. You have to go for the ball from the outset and get ahead, take out their run game and short passing comfort zone.
The 49ers do have a weakness. Most of their secondary is not fast. If we are to win, it may well be by exploiting that. Reed, Watson, Melton all have premier speed. We may not surprise by system but we could overwhelm with that. Using it will create space for others underneath. I expect a very different offensive game plan in the passing game. On the ground, run at Bosa early and often. Tire him.
Leatherhead
January 16, 2024 at 12:54 pm
So, according to you, we need to play a heavy box so that we can stuff the run and then simultaneously pressure Purdy while keeping all of those very dangerous receivers closely covered so they don't burn us for a long TD. Got it.
Coldworld
January 16, 2024 at 02:24 pm
That’s why they are tough. They will go empty from their run group too, and successfully with their RB and TEs plus Debo. However, if you let them, they will just run behind great blocking and kill with the occasional deep ball and happily accept our submission. We have seen that before.
Pressuring Purdy hasn’t worked too well as a result in part of that flexibility, in part because he just takes the quick option. If we are going to disrupt, the occasional unblocked blitz or stunt that gets in his face very rapidly is probably more effective than what we saw against the cowboys. Better to confuse Purdy with coverages than hope to stop him with coverage sacks.
Everything starts with containing their run game and short passing over the middle. Barry is going to have to be creative, but if McCaffrey is winning, they will just stick with it and add the odd dagger pass. That’s their ideal.
Your recommendation will likely keep Love off the field and them hogging possession. They are very good at that. Sorry that’s not an easy challenge, but that’s why they are the one seed. It’s a very balanced offense. The best defense against them is a lead that narrows their options. Second is to stop the run and attack the ball looking for turnovers when it is thrown.
Leatherhead
January 16, 2024 at 03:09 pm
First, what would you define as "containing" their run game? 50 yards total? 100? 150? Or would you put it on a yards/carry? But I'd like you to give me a number on this nebulous term you've used.
This "hogging possession" stuff is just backwards. It's not 'make it take it'. It's alternating possession. It's our offense's job to stay on the field and score. It has very little to do with what our defense is doing.
Confusing Purdy with coverages. Did we add some HOF CBs to our roster this week? We've got rookies and UDFAs trying to limit a very dangerous group of receivers, and I'd keep it as simple as I possibly could.
So, get back to me on this "containing" stuff with a number. Personally,I'd rather let them slam it into the line 6 times for 30 yards than throw it six times for 60 yards, but to each his own.
Coldworld
January 16, 2024 at 06:25 pm
Confusing Purdy with coverages … exactly what we did to Dak.
Leatherhead
January 16, 2024 at 09:45 pm
Still waiting on what “contain” means. 150 Yards?
WestCoastPackerBacker
January 16, 2024 at 02:12 pm
Sometimes it is as simple as one team having an off day at exactly the wrong time, despite the best preparation. SF has lost some games they should have won this season so they are not invincible.
Swisch
January 16, 2024 at 02:31 pm
Perhaps focus on taking away their run game and their medium passes, especially to Kittle.
Force Purdy to beat us deep.
Give our defensive backs the challenge in coverage to not let Purdy beat us deep.
Mix in some blitzes to keep Purdy guessing.
I think we could even allow a couple of successful deep plays by the 49ers and still win, if our offense is sharp.
If the Packers lose, I'd rather have it done by a couple or more deep thrusts of the sword than a multitude of pinpricks.
I don't want to see our defenders too much on the defensive. Let's charge from time to time.
***
I'm actually scared about the Packers getting overwhelmed and blown away by all of the talent of the 49ers, but I'm also holding out genuine hope for us winning.
It ultimately goes past the stats and the schemes to the people, and I'm looking forward to our guys rising to the challenge and possibly shocking the sports world.
barutanseijin
January 16, 2024 at 04:23 pm
Players not plays, that’s how you beat them. Baltimore punched them in the mouth & made Purdy look like a chump, clever Shanahan scheme be damned.
Guam
January 16, 2024 at 04:42 pm
I think this is going to be a chess match between Shanahan and Barry (which worries me). I don't think Barry can sit back in his beloved soft zone with four rushers and give Shanahan and Purdy the same defense every play. The 49ers are just too balanced and too good offensively to not take advantage of that.
Barry is going to have to mix up his fronts and coverages and try to confuse Purdy. The Ravens did that well and Purdy threw multiple picks. Is Barry capable of that? IDK.
Additionally, Love and the offense are going to have to be on their game. Nothing turns the opposing offense more one dimensional than playing from behind and it would really help the Packer defense if the offense jumped out to a lead. And that will be a challenge against a good SF defense.
Houndog
January 16, 2024 at 12:10 pm
Let's not forget that the 9er's also had there own 3-game losing streak to the Browns, Vikings, and Bengals. Not exactly powerhouses!
The Ravens made them look like Sunday's Cowboys, and the Rams won a 2nd string stinker! They are not invincible.
That said, I would expect them to be extremely well prepared. They will spend the entire week watching and analyzing film and preparing their game plan, they'll be ready.
No more element of surprise for the Packers, no one will overlook them again. Your "best game" is a requirement this week.
In Belichick's words, "Just Do Your Job"
GPG!
RCPackerFan
January 16, 2024 at 10:23 am
Shanahan is a great coach and is very good with scheming. Coming off a bye I guarantee he will have some unscouted new looks. He is a tremendous offensive mind.
That being said, he hasn't exactly gotten the job done with some of the best teams in the league. He got to one super bowl and lost. His overall record is 70-52 (.574). As a comparison LaFleur's overall record is 59-30 (.663). Shanahan has made the playoffs in 4 of his 7 years as a HC. LaFleur has made in 4 of his 5 years.
I'm not saying LaFleur is a better HC then Shanahan. But for all the talk about how great Shanahan is, he hasn't gotten the job done.
LeotisHarris
January 16, 2024 at 03:39 pm
Good call, RC. The hyperbole surrounding Kyle the Genius has always baffled me. How can a coach with a regular season record of 64-49 and a post season record of 6-3 be described as anything except above average.
I'll say it again, let me know when Kyle the Genius, the NFL's 2016 Asst Coach of the Year, and bloated butt-boy John Lynch win anything of significance.
Leatherhead
January 16, 2024 at 04:09 pm
Hyperbole. In the right hands, it can be entertaining. But facts like 64-49 are stubborn things.
Back in the Cold War days, we had built up in our mind this image of a fearsome opponent, and the reality was they were having a hard time building boats that wouldn't sink. (Yes, that's a K19 Widowmaker reference). I hope we aren't doing that with the 49ers.
Admittedly, the 49ers have had our number for a while, especially under LaFleur. But anybody can have a bad day. In fact, if you're lucky, sometimes you can cause a bad day. A really, really bad day.
They're still radiating pain in Texas from the loss. It's like an aura around people. They had a bad day.
LeotisHarris
January 16, 2024 at 04:28 pm
"They're still radiating pain in Texas from the loss. It's like an aura around people. They had a bad day."
Hopefully Jerry will find way to transform his pain into acts that will soothe the masses. Maybe a free Taco Tuesday in Arlington? Everyone welcome, courtesy of Jerry Jones! More likely a good coaching staff purge and the arrival of the next savior.
Speaking of having another teams number, folks in Texas must shudder when they see the Packers logo. We had a rough patch getting past them in the 90s, but, man, there are nightmares there for Dallas fans to last an eternity. And, if you're a certain age, you can go down the "if Wille Davis gets blocked" or "if Starr slipped" it would be the Tom Landry Trophy. Schadenfreude.
K19, Jesus, the Soviets.
LLCHESTY
January 16, 2024 at 06:41 pm
They did get send us lots of mathematicians when the curtain fell that came up with fancy things like CDOs and forced a Republican President to act like a socialist. So there's that.
LeotisHarris
January 16, 2024 at 08:52 pm
I still consider ketchup a vegetable.
Bitternotsour
January 16, 2024 at 10:27 pm
it reminds me of the time on 6th ave (midtown) in NYC, a junkie stormed into mcdonalds and took 4 ketchup packets and tore into them and sucked them down, well, like a vegetable I suppose...
Bitternotsour
January 16, 2024 at 07:13 pm
64-49 with pedestrian quarterbacks is (in my mind) impressive. They made bold moves to improve their running back situation with McCaffrey, and they've been largely rewarded. Seemingly their stupid move up in the draft for a quarterback who they immediately jettisoned will eventually bite them, regardless of landing Purdy.
Shanahan is a pretty visionary offensive talent. What he did with Deebo Samuel, man, what a bold maneuver. Where did that come from. There aren't many that have 4000 yards receiving and over a 1000 yards as a running back.
I'd say we better have a couple of trick plays in the playbook this week.
Guam
January 16, 2024 at 04:03 pm
The only advantage RC is I will bet that Shanahan was scheming for the Cowboys, not the Packers. Shanahan may have had to start over on Monday looking at the Packer defense.
LLCHESTY
January 16, 2024 at 06:37 pm
Or not. He could see the writing on the wall.
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/kyle-shanahan-began-preparing-for-pack...
Guam
January 16, 2024 at 04:00 pm
Lafleur is 2-3 versus Shanahan despite having a HOF QB for all five games. I think Shanahan has gotten the better of LaFleur, but it is not total dominance.
jvole
January 16, 2024 at 06:57 am
I don't know if there is a direct quote from a San Fran player, but after losing to them in past years one often heard the 'Packers are a soft team' mantra. Well, I hope the lineman on both sides read those stories and bring the leather. Win or lose, San Fran should feel it.
GregC
January 16, 2024 at 06:58 am
After what they did to the Cowboys, the Packers have to be considered as contenders now. The Niners are really good, though: more talented and better-coached than the Cowboys. So it's pretty hard to pick the Packers in this one. But if things go well, they could win it. I think the offense will put up some points. I'm less sure about the defense.
I still have flashbacks about that last playoff game in San Francisco a few years ago, when the Niners didn't even need to throw the ball to dominate the Packers. That was when the defense was run by Mike Petine, who lacked interest in stopping the run. Joe Barry's defense has been pretty similar, although they have stepped it up against the run in recent weeks, which gives me at least a little bit of hope.
One thing they've cleaned up on offense is the dropped passes. The receivers have been catching almost everything, which is a sign that they are focused and confident and in sync with their quarterback.
By the way, backing into the playoffs means getting in despite losing your last game. The Packers won their last game.
Also: Romeo Doubs had 151 receiving yards, not 148.
MainePackFan
January 16, 2024 at 08:52 am
"By the way, backing into the playoffs means getting in despite losing your last game. The Packers won their last game."
My thoughts exactly T7.
HawkPacker
January 16, 2024 at 09:05 am
Mine as well. I was going to comment on that but no need now.
LambeauPlain
January 16, 2024 at 07:22 am
Win the coin toss to again start the game on Offense where your two best players (Jordan and AJ) can help set the tone & an opportunity grab momentum.
I expect if the Niners win the toss, they will also take the ball. Kyle won't let his friend Matt have that advantage now.
I share Cory's enthusiasm about the "Team" but he is only talking about the Offense in this article. No discussion about "teenage invincibility" on the D or STs. What about them?
T7Steve
January 16, 2024 at 08:16 am
Yah, no such thing as 1 or 2 out of 3 phases for this game. They all have to bring it and bring it HARD.
Again, as they've shown all season, the Packers play the tough ones well and seem to let up for the lesser opponents.
Swisch
January 16, 2024 at 09:22 am
Let's hope Joe Barry lets loose some of our youthful exuberance on defense.
We don't have to blitz as often as the Bucs did last night in shutting down the Eagles, but I'd like to see us blitz significantly more often (and even at times when holding a lead).
Especially as underdogs, we don't want to play recklessly, but I think more aggressively.
***
These young guys on the Packers are competitors, and to get the best out of them is to give them opportunities to be dashing and daring.
They can't always be playing it safe on their heels; they have to have plays of going forward on their toes.
That surge of excitement from making a big play helps to overcome the fatigue.
We need the discipline, but we also need to mix in the daring.
RCPackerFan
January 16, 2024 at 07:28 am
Is there a QB in the league playing better then what Love is right now? I truly don't know the answer to that, but the run Love is on. I wouldn't take any other QB right now. He is seeing the field extremely well and he is making the right adjustments pre snap.
Is there a coincidence that we for the first time this year had all of our preferred weapons on the field (except for Dillon), and we put up 41 points on offense? I don't think its a coincidence. We finally have all of our weapons on the field and that makes for a very dangerous offense. We finally had Jones and Watson together. We got Musgrave back and got to pair him with Kraft. Doubs, Reed, and Wicks were all good to go, and oh yeah, lets not forget that we have a newish guy making plays for us in Melton. The key to it all is the OL, and they are playing very well overall.
The part I like the most about this offense right now is that it is a team offense. We don't have individuals demanding for more playing time or more targets or more anything. Watson comes back after missing a lot of time and he was targeted 1 time I believe. But he drew the attention of the cowboys on a lot of plays, opening up things for Doubs and others.
mrtundra
January 16, 2024 at 07:35 am
TEAM!!!
mrtundra
January 16, 2024 at 07:31 am
I have this feeling that GB will beat SF, on Saturday night. Looking forward to a good game and hoping this Packers' team continues its winning ways! We need to pressure Purdy a lot. Everyone who contributed to the win over Dallas will have to step up, again, with the 49ers. It's the playoffs, fellas! Let's get this done! GO PACK, GO!!!
stockholder
January 16, 2024 at 07:43 am
This team now has a target on their back.
The Dallas win woke up the NFL.
I'm Expecting a physical 49er team.
And if they don't fight like it's a rivalry,
they will tank.
Tank. Tank . Tank.
Everyone felt it from the start.
And now the odds makers are expecting it.
The Packers made a statement.
It's now about who wants it the most.
How they play in SF has nothing to do with future.
The future is now.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
January 16, 2024 at 11:42 am
They've won rivalry games (also all elimination games basically) in 3 consecutive weeks by a total of 47 points. If they lose, it wont be for lack of fight.
cpwalsh
January 16, 2024 at 12:41 pm
All the Packers needed in entering the game with Dallas was for a seed of doubt, like a glowing ember, to be planted in their brains. In Dallas case it was there in both MM brain as well as Dak’s. That coin toss win and first drive score allowed that ember to start glowing in their heads and by Daks first interception it was consuming their brains and panic ensued.
For San Francisco, Green Bay’s win set that little seed of doubt in their minds also. Their confidence and ego won’t allow them to recognize it, but Matt and Jordan, et al, could add enough oxygen to that ember of doubt within their heads, to cause it to burst into flames, with a strong GB start!
Burn Baby, Burn!
Go Pack, Go!
Since'61
January 16, 2024 at 07:47 am
Packers are peaking at the right time. This reminds me me very much of the 2010 SB team. Looking forward to see if the Packers can keep it going against the 49ers. Go Pack Go! Thanks, Since '61
GregC
January 16, 2024 at 08:38 am
That pick-six just before halftime was eerily similar to what happened in the Atlanta game during the 2010 playoffs. The whole game reminded me of that game. They need to play all road games to get to the Super Bowl, just like it was that year. After what's happened in recent years, I don't much like home playoff games anyway.
MainePackFan
January 16, 2024 at 09:33 am
For what it's worth:
SF is 5-3 at home. They have outscored their opponents 218-153. Seems dominating doesn't it?
However:
They started out 3-0 and outscored their opponents 107-38 beating the Giants, Cardinals and Cowboys.
Since then:
They are 2-3, and have lost their last 2. Those two losses came against playoff teams (Rams and Ravens). In the last 5 games they have been outscored 115-111.
I know it doesn't matter, but I'm bored : )
GregC
January 16, 2024 at 11:11 am
Their starters didn't play vs. the Rams, but the loss to the Ravens was legit, and they kind of got smoked. I doubt that Purdy will turn the ball over that many times again, but who knows?
LambeauPlain
January 16, 2024 at 12:03 pm
I am reading Purdy has these small T Rex hands and rainy weather is not handy for him... may cause him to fumble. Love on the other hand, has hands the size of an Ent and has a decidedly hands down advantage in the hands matchup.
MainePackFan
January 16, 2024 at 12:52 pm
True, but the overall message is that the 49ers have had more struggles at home than on the road (at least offensively), especially over the last 12 games of the season.
They started out 5-0 and averaged 33 pts. per game
They went 7-5 the rest of the way. (27pts. per)
over the last 12 games:
5-2 on the road (30 pts. per)
2-3 at home (22 pts per)
Brock Purdy has a passer rating of 99.9 with 1,321 yards, 6 touchdowns and 7 interceptions in his last 4 games at home this season ( he didn't play week 18 as you pointed out).
Brock Purdy has a passer rating of 113.7 with 1,688 yards, 16 touchdowns and 4 interceptions in his last 7 games on the road this season.
I found it interesting.
MainePackFan
January 16, 2024 at 01:12 pm
Just to prove how bored I am:
since the Packers 3-6 start:
Jordan Love has a passer rating of 115.7 with 1,233 yards, 12 touchdowns and 1 interception in his last 5 games on the road this season. (includes the Dallas game)
Leatherhead
January 16, 2024 at 03:32 pm
SF had some injury problems during a brief losing streak, but other than that I think the Ravens game was the only legit loss for the 49ers. I think they're the best team in the league.
Last week, we blocked guys, fed Jones, and got plays from several receivers. I think that's a good plan for this week, too.
MainePackFan
January 16, 2024 at 07:00 pm
I agree LH, I think they are they are certainly the best team in the NFC, and they definitely won't underestimate this Packers team.
That said, the 49ers have not been invincible at home in their last 5 games. Even if you rightly discount the loss to the Rams, their record of 7-5 in their last 12 games with 3 of those losses coming at home (they also lost to Cincinnati) should give us hope.
This game, more than any other game, will come down to the big uglies on both sides of the ball. if the Packers can match the 49ers physicality, this game will be decided by QB play. If that happens, I like our odds.
Houndog
January 16, 2024 at 12:29 pm
Maine,
They actually beat the powerhouse Commanders between the Ravens and Rams, 27-10. Just sayin'.
I'm bored as well, can't wait for Saturday!
Had the pleasure of seeing a Cowboy fan (meat cutter) I know at a local Safeway store yesterday, he now owes me a rack of prime rib! Might put it on the BBQ Saturday. It seems every time I break out the Johnsonville brats the Packers play like shit! I've tied Mac-n-cheese with the 7-8 y/o cheddar from Lena, WI with the same results!
Maybe I've got to substitute Miller GD for the Budweiser!
LOL!
MainePackFan
January 16, 2024 at 12:53 pm
Nice!!
T7Steve
January 16, 2024 at 02:09 pm
Have to use Miller for a team in Wisconsin.
Save the winning ribs for after the game or Sunday. You can't have your cake and eat it too.
It would even be better luck to be magnanimous and invite the poor Cowboy fan who lost the bet over to share. Show him how real fans can act after a win. Cowboy fans tend to chortle after they get a win.
NickPerry
January 16, 2024 at 07:51 am
I'm just going to enjoy the game, no expectations. WHAT this team doing is amazing and it's just so much damn fun to watch. The season has been an enormous success.
Matt LaFleur has shown me something this season I didn't think he could. Like him or not, the dude can coach offensive football. AND, he's getting much, MUCH better at the "Other Stuff" too.
If Brian Gutenkunst isn't executive of the year, then they need to take that award and shove it up each of the voters asses....TWICE!
I don't know what will happen on Sunday but I honestly believe it won't be a 49er blowout. Something I was sure of a few weeks ago if they played the 49ers. But SOMEHOW Barry's defense HAS to force a punt or two, `a FG instead of a TD, or maybe a TO or two.
IF that happens this game gets VERY interesting. The 49ers are getting Armstead back and he's a beast. Josh Meyers, Jon Runyan/Sean Rhyan will have their work cut out for them. At the end of the day I have a feeling Jordan Love can keep them in the game. Hopefully Biasacci's STs and Barry's D can do the same.
Win or Lose I can't wait till Saturday Night!
Lets Go!!
T7Steve
January 16, 2024 at 08:51 am
It would be nice if a rested Dillan is back to run right at them and do a little bashing for Jones.
Get in their young QBs face and make him uncomfortable. He's shown against the Ravens and others he can get upset and make mistakes,
No expectations but I want an old school try. If they beat us, they beat us but let's not beat ourselves. As MLF said, the youth excuse went away after about week 5.
Coldworld
January 16, 2024 at 11:19 am
It would be nice if LaFleur would run Wilson if Jones needs a breather and Dillon is out. We have to be willing to run at that DL consistently. If Dillon is back, I’d like to see him play some fullback snaps in this game.
LambeauPlain
January 16, 2024 at 12:08 pm
I'd like that look too...what do they call it...The Pony?
They have not run much 22 personnel have they (2 backs, 2 TEs)? That might be worth a try and get the niners off their Defensive game plan.
jannesbjornson
January 16, 2024 at 11:10 pm
Not with a stinger. He would be a good option in the flats, or backside screens to go 1:1 with some CBs. Walker always had good games vs.Chase Young in the BIG. The 12 personnel is perfect to beat down on the edge guys, chipping, or releasing on route schemes. Watson may be a redzone target. I don't believe they will risk him going full throttle, given his hammy issues.
barutanseijin
January 16, 2024 at 05:07 pm
I’d rather they sit Dillon vs SF. Jones is way better, even in situations where it looks like Dillon would be the better option. Dillon just doesn’t get the job done consistently enough. If you have to spell Jones, run Wilson.
Cheezehead72
January 16, 2024 at 09:37 am
Packers play Saturday night
RCPackerFan
January 16, 2024 at 09:56 am
"I'm just going to enjoy the game, no expectations. WHAT this team doing is amazing and it's just so much damn fun to watch. The season has been an enormous success."
100% agree.
I want them to win, but regardless of what happens I am so happy to be where we are.
"Matt LaFleur has shown me something this season I didn't think he could. Like him or not, the dude can coach offensive football. AND, he's getting much, MUCH better at the "Other Stuff" too."
I have never stopped supporting LaFleur. I have always felt he was the right coach for us. Is he perfect? No, far from it. But tell me a perfect coach out there. LaFleur runs the offense and has been doing a tremendous job since he got here.
"If Brian Gutenkunst isn't executive of the year, then they need to take that award and shove it up each of the voters asses....TWICE!"
Gutey won't win. LaFleur didn't come close to winning HC of the year. In fact he wasn't even a top 10 vote getter. Think about this for a minute. LaFleur the HC of a team with almost no expectations, a first year starting QB, all rookie and 2nd year WR and TE's. Loses his All pro LT, has to play half the season without 2 of of his top weapons. And they still make the playoffs. He coached his ass off and didn't sniff HC of the year. Gutey is in the same boat. They made the colossal shift by trading away Rodgers. Then he absolutely nailed the draft. LVN, Musgrave, Reed, Kraft, Wooden, Wicks, Brooks, Carlson, Valentine, Johnson have all been regular players/starters.
And its not just the players they drafted, but its how they got the players. They traded Rodgers for picks 13,42,207.
3 they took LVN
42 they took Musgrave
207 they took Carlson.
They had the 45th pick which they traded to the Lions for the 48th and 159th picks. They then traded the 48th pick to the Bucs and got the 50th and 179th pick.
Pick 50 they took Reed
159 they took Dontaviyon Wicks
179 they took Karl Brooks.
So for the 45th pick they ended up with 3 players. All of which have been major players for them this year!
Reed was 6th in rookie receiving yards, tied for most TD's.
Wicks was 11th in rookie receiving yards. 10th in TD receptions.
Brooks tied for 7th for rookies in sacks, Tied for 2nd in forced fumbles and tied for first in fumble recoveries.
T7Steve
January 16, 2024 at 02:21 pm
That's not even mentioning the undrafted free agents they had produce this year.
I think Melton is going to cook in the 9ers game.
Everyone talks about how some of these guys are so open when Love throws to them. Looking at Dusty's clip seem to show one or two others open on those plays too. Unreal!
Wes Hod. says to look at the play that Musgrave was so open to catch his TD and see Melton drawing the safeties to the other side of the field with his worrisome speed.
Your post gave me the gut feeling that it's going to happen, RCP.
Bitternotsour
January 16, 2024 at 10:27 am
The only competition for exec of the year will be Houston, but they get to draft with really high picks, and they have to answer for drafting Deshaun Watson, the forced handjob(s) quarterback.
Maybe Detroit?
Packers0808
January 16, 2024 at 07:56 am
Two things from me, If Pack plays like they did against the Cowboys they will beat the 49ers. Outside of 4th quarter and too early subbing they played almost flawless. Second I enjoy watching this team and their enthusiasm w/o all the theatrics and looks of Rodgers as I said before. I remember predicting 11-6 record for team, wrong on losses but damn guys get that number 11 in San Francisco by the Bay. How glorious that win will be!
barutanseijin
January 16, 2024 at 05:13 pm
I think Lafleur wanted to give his defense some rest. Dallas had something like 95 snaps. That’s a lot and some of those guys were out there for the bulk of those snaps. He had to think about the next game.
NJ-RICK
January 16, 2024 at 08:07 am
Is this the 2010 NFL/SB playoffs again...? Sure seems like it... Packers are major underdogs this week, they have nothing to lose all the pressure is on the 49ers. The only problem is the 49ers are a physical, aggressive smash mouth style football team and the Packers never play well against these type of teams. Packer fans, no pressure sit back relax and enjoy the game... The Packers have already accomplished more this season then I would have ever imagined... Kudos to Matt LaFleur and his staff. I'm still not a big fan of upper MGT... Go Pack GO..!
SicSemperTyrannis
January 16, 2024 at 08:24 am
GB played against exactly that type of team: Detroit, KC and Dallas.
All wins.
GPG!
Doug_In_Sandpoint
January 16, 2024 at 08:23 am
I really could have done without that 8-week rebuild. I know many teams take years, but after trading Rasul and looking at a top ten pick, I felt it was up to me to straighten things out at the Chargers game. While I’m not saying that I am entirely responsible for the turnaround (or even 50% responsible) I’m sure that my appearance there and my game day Jersey choices since have played a part.
That being said, teenage invincibility, player speed/talent, drafting, coaching, play calling, scheduling, and locker room attitude has made this season about as interesting as I’ve ever experienced. And the resulting playoff games have given me two additional precious weeks of texting and calling friends and family. A few more moments of connection with my son abroad (Peace Corps). A few more opportunities to savor memories of playoffs past with my dad who would be loving this current iteration of our favorite team. For all of this I am supremely thankful to the Packers and (of course) CHTV.
Bitternotsour
January 16, 2024 at 10:31 am
Oh sure, trot out the Peace Corps. It all adds up now. Your thoughtful well-written posts, your joy in rebuilding and the journey, your enduring optimism. I'll even bet money you have advanced liberal arts degrees.
Figures.
Doug_In_Sandpoint
January 16, 2024 at 11:17 am
Not quite. MBA at Northwestern, but I disavow that university now. The apple fell a bit far from the tree. Great kid, but we don't see eye to eye on politics. But we agree on the Pack and that is enough.
golfpacker1
January 16, 2024 at 08:36 am
GregC commented above about how well the Packers receivers are catching the ball. That is important in every game but will be crucial in this one. Love throwing the ball on time and good play calling have also contributed. The only drop was Kraft late in the game which shocked me because he has looked like a seasoned vet the last 6 games. Watching the Eagles dropping so many balls last nite was shocking. It leads to 3 and outs and your defense on the field too much. 2 teams on different trajectories to end the year. Packers are finishing strong and the Eagles fell apart. BYE EAGLES BYE.
Win or lose this game we can be really proud of this team. I like our chances and Purdy is due for a bad game. Come on teenagers! Lets keep it going.
LeotisHarris
January 16, 2024 at 08:49 am
It's a wild and wacky NFL, for sure. Suddenly the mighty Eagles dynasty with their world-class GM and ballsy manly-man coach is finished. Go figure.
No easy task ahead in California, but just like Dak, Kyle the Genius and his crew have yet to win anything. Sure, danger abounds as it did with Lamb and Parsons, but this Packers team is hot and not intimidated. Why not us?
Bitternotsour
January 16, 2024 at 10:34 am
The ballsy manly-man spit the bit, overreacted to his defensive play calling, and wrecked his team. #sad
Houndog
January 16, 2024 at 12:41 pm
Leotis,
If you saw what I thought I saw was that the Eagles were beaten when they walked ON TO the field!
They had no life, no energy whatsoever, it was like they just wanted to go home.
I couldn't believe my eyes!
Swisch
January 16, 2024 at 08:58 am
It's a tough challenge against the formidable 49ers as the top seed and with a week of rest.
The first order of business against them on Saturday is to avoid being blown out, preferably by taking an early lead as we did against the Cowboys, and in the regular season in daunting matchups against the Lions and 49ers.
Otherwise, let's scrap to stay in the game, and then see if we can somehow pull it out in the end.
Let's hope the youthful exuberance of the Packers will overcome any fatigue.
Like in the backyard as a kid, go play some football!
***
Being young and carefree, may our players simply give it their very best shot.
The only letdown for me as a fan would be if our guys didn't go all out as far as playing hard and smart.
I don't want any complacency after the high against the Cowboys.
There's no guarantee for next year, so max out this season.
Dare to win!
Make it 2010 all over again.
Coldworld
January 16, 2024 at 11:23 am
Purdy has a great temperament. He’s unlikely to be rattled. He’s rather like Love in that respect, but with more Clifford be like physical talent. He plays in a system that gets the ball out fast and doesn’t ask too much of him. He’s been very good under pressure.
He can be baffled: but that means not just pressure but shutting down the middle and short and making him throw deeper in longer developing plays. That’s when the cracks appear. Hard to do though. They run well and their OL is good as are their skill players.
Swisch
January 16, 2024 at 12:02 pm
It's a good point that there are some teams that are more vulnerable to the blitz than others, and maybe the blitz isn't the way to go very often against the 49ers.
Although, as you seem to indicate Coldworld, maybe still try some blitzes here and there, play tight on the short routes, and force Purdy to beat us deep.
That would seem to mean trusting our defensive backs to cover man-to-man and tightly on some plays, a challenge which they might relish.
Perhaps one of our safeties has the ball skills to play centerfield in coverage to help thwart the deep ball.
It'll be fun to see what Barry come up with.
***
A big concern of mine is to not be predictable, because we don't want Purdy to get too comfortable.
The 49ers offense is so stacked with talent that it may be wise to limit the blitzes after all; at the same time, why not take some calculated and creative risks to try to throw them off their game?
***
As for Barry, it doesn't seem wise for him to change his ways altogether, but I think what fans are crying out for (and maybe his own players) is for him to be somewhat adaptable.
Perhaps it could be said that too much passivity is a form of recklessness.
Even as our defenders are rightfully coached to follow their assignments with dedication, let's also allow them some room to test their talents with deeds of daring.
T7Steve
January 16, 2024 at 02:29 pm
"play tight on the short routes, and force Purdy to beat us deep."
By doing that it also allows the Packers LBs and maybe the slot and/or a safety to stay closer to the LOS and contain him easier if he gets the urge to scramble.
TXCHEESE
January 16, 2024 at 09:37 am
Not sure if the Pack has the Teenage Invincibility feeling. I think these guys are really locked in on improving every week. They do enjoy the benefit again this coming week, of having no pressure. This is all SF's to lose and GB's to gain. The '9ers are a really good team, and GB will have to play nearly mistake free and win the turnover battle to hang with them.
The playoffs have allowed JB and the defense to hit the reset button, and hopefully they take full advantage of that and remain aggressive. Agree with the comment earlier, they need to pressure Purdy and make him throw off schedule. To do that the front 7 have to keep CMC in check and not let them take over the game.
Leatherhead
January 16, 2024 at 09:56 am
If we're playing a front 7, that means we're playing 4 guys in coverage against Aiyuk, Deebo, and the rest. It pretty much guarantees a bad matchup against Kittle or CMC in coverage.
I'd play three corners and two safeties. The last thing we need is SF getting some long TDs.....make them drive the ball the length of the field, at least.
Coldworld
January 16, 2024 at 11:36 am
The 49ers have one of the lower run:pass ratios. They succeed in the passing game by running more than most teams. If you don’t stop the run effectively then you won’t beat them and they will just keep possession and run and run. They have an average of near 5 yards per carry, 4th in the NFL, despite their high run rate. Go light on this team and it will end our season. That’s what they want us to do. Stop the run, get our O on the field and try to get ahead.
Leatherhead
January 16, 2024 at 12:21 pm
Yes, but they score more points through the air than they do on the ground. So that's what I'd want to stop most. I think loading up the box and sacrificing containment on Kittle, Aiyuk, and Samuel is kind of asking to give up some big plays in the air.
Their run average is near 5 yards per carry. Purdy is averaging twice that PER ATTEMPT, he's completing 70% of them, and his average completion is 13 yards.
10>5. Better to encourage them to keep in on the ground.
LambeauPlain
January 16, 2024 at 12:29 pm
Unfortunately, going light is Barry's primal instinct. This is my greatest concern for the game. Niners run game vs Barry's prevent (the win) defense.
Barry has been goaded into ignoring his instincts to bring 'em a few times (first half last week), but he has been addicted to it for 7 years as a DC.
Frustratingly, Barry has the talent and depth to crowd the box to derail niners rush plan. I'd bring 5 consistently, 6 occasionally, and even 7 in certain situations.
Depth took a bit of hit losing Enagbare, but Cox has his chance now...and Walker can rush the passer, disrupt running lanes... and is good at it when Barry lets him go.
2019 NFCCG remains a nightmare when the niners infantry ground pounded Pettine's light boxes all game long.
Swisch
January 16, 2024 at 02:20 pm
LambeauPlain, I agree with you about loading up to stop the run.
I'd rather risk giving up a big play or two than having the 49ers just pound away at us in the run game for long times of possession.
Let's let Jaire go with a lot of man-to-man against Aiyuk and/or Samuel, and in general give our coverage guys a chance to shine.
If we take risks and lose, I can live with it. We're underdogs, anyway.
What would drive me crazy is to see our defense get gashed the whole game with the run.
If we lose, let's not do it being pushed backward; let's take some risks going forward.
Give our talented defenders opportunities to assert themselves physically, and to make some plays.
Leatherhead
January 16, 2024 at 01:05 pm
Coldworld, you totally have the cart pushing the horse here. They don't succeed in the pass game by running more than most teams; they're able to run more than most teams because they're ahead and they have a very good RB.
Most of their yards come through the air. Most of their TDs come through the air. 1/3 of McCaffrey's TDs have come on passes. The majority of their plays are passes.
If the AVERAGE is 4.8 yards/carry, that means that MOST of the runs are for 4 yards or less and the average is bumped up by a couple of long ones.
Leatherhead
January 16, 2024 at 09:53 am
This is a winnable game, just like every other one. But we're going to have to play real well. No turnovers, very few negative plays on offense (sacks, incompletes, runs for no gain). Again, I think we have to look at scoring 30 points.....I don't see this as a 20-17 game.
Bitternotsour
January 16, 2024 at 10:47 am
30 points would be amazing. We have the better QB, an equal running back, and it might even be a push at tight end now. It would be amazing.
The 49'ers start 3 top ten picks on the defensive line. Yikes.
Fred Warner is pretty much all-world.
Their weakness appears to be the secondary, but they mitigate it with that pass rush. LaFleur has had Sean McVay's number, but Shanahan has owned him thus far. This is probably his best opportunity, I'm really excited.
Leatherhead
January 16, 2024 at 12:22 pm
Another way we can compensate for a weaker secondary is by encouraging teams to run, not throw. People hate that idea, but SF is a much more dangerous team in the air than they are on the ground.
Bitternotsour
January 16, 2024 at 03:19 pm
are they though? i have ptsd thinking of Raheem Mostert gauging our defense. My memory is that SF want to run it down your throat with Shanahan's zone scheme and all.
Leatherhead
January 16, 2024 at 04:43 pm
Well, they're the top passing team in the NFC. Most passing TDs, most yards/pass, most yards/attempt........and fewest attempts!! Highly efficient, big play passing game. The majority of their points were scored through the air and a majority of their running TDs were set up by a completion. They complete 70% for 10 yards/attempt!!! That's insane.
barutanseijin
January 16, 2024 at 05:22 pm
The Santa Clara OL outside of Williams is decent but not great. The Packers need to be able to get some pressure on Purdy.
NFLfan
January 16, 2024 at 10:31 am
Good chance it will be a rainy game...bring the longer cleats. And, I'll be interested to see what lucky chaps are assigned to Nick Bosa-lol.
Jordan Love has more autonomy than Purdy so hopefully, he's watching a lot of tape this week.
Kyle Shanahan takes no prisoners.
Packer_Fan
January 16, 2024 at 10:55 am
Lafluer has the team playing with a lot of confidence. Off target throws, wrong routes, dropped balls, penalties and all the things that teams do have improved over the past two months. Credit to Lafluer and to Love that is leading the group.
But what this has done is create a team that thinks that can't be stopped. Very, very dangerous team to play. I don't know how long this will last. But let's grab it with gusto and ride if for as long as it goes. Go Pack Go
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
January 16, 2024 at 11:39 am
Who else is going to Detroit for the NFC Championship Game?
Leatherhead
January 16, 2024 at 12:25 pm
I underestimated Tampa once, against us, and then again, against Philly. I'm not going to make the same mistake.
Houndog
January 16, 2024 at 12:51 pm
Here we go,
This is what it'll take
"We can beat these guys, but it's not about outsmarting them or having a better scheme. Football is about kicking someone's ass. Football is about physically pounding your opponent. If you want to win this game, you have to beat the shit out of these guys."
(Mike Holmgren, Jan. 6, 1996) Before the Packer beat the 49ers.
lou
January 16, 2024 at 06:08 pm
Speaking of "America's Team", there have been so many books on the Lombardi Packers but this one got little promotion and is one of the best I have read. Check it out;
https://www.amazon.com/First-Americas-Team-Green-Packers/dp/B00AK3SY4Q
Swisch
January 16, 2024 at 07:23 pm
Thanks for the recommendation.
barutanseijin
January 16, 2024 at 07:01 pm
In the most recent games against the 9ers, the Packers won one nailbiter in Santa Clara in the regular season and in the other the 49ers defense suffocated the Packer offense. In neither case did Shananahan’s genius offense beat them. Rodgers and Davante Adams had good games against them out West, so the 49ers made sure to shut those guys down in that divisional game. Love might be harder to contain because he’s willing to throw to more than just one guy.
WD
January 17, 2024 at 07:22 am
The Niners have always figured out a way to win. Or, more often the Packers find a way to lose. I think the last loss to them was due to the play of special teams. That was horrific. Hopefully, it does not come down to an extra point or a missed field goal. Niners have a reliable kicker. Packer's do not. To be polite he is young and inexperienced. Hope I am wrong.
golfpacker1
January 18, 2024 at 09:41 am
Fred Warner was my hope for pick @ LB in the 2018 draft. He was top 10 LB at best in the ratings but was the best coverage LB in that draft. The Niners saw something in him too and picked him early 3rd round. Yeah he has turned out pretty good.
This year the LBs I like are Payton Wilson-N C State and Junior Colson-Michigan. Both really good tacklers as well as good coverage. Colson is heavier @ 250lbs, but Wilson is taller @ 6'4, 235lbs and faster. Probably 3rd or 4th rounders. Later sleeper is Omar Speights-LSU.