Roster Moves & Finding Grooves

ROSTER MOVES

As stated previously, two new names have popped up on the IR list in TE Spencer Havner and LB Brandon Chillar. My prediction of one roster spot going to LB Robert Francois has indeed been confirmed. I won't toot my own horn, that was kind of a no-brainer. The other open spot has been awarded to CB Josh Gordy.

For those of you who don't know Gordy (I see everyone's hand shot up there), he's been on the Packers practice squad since just prior to the start of the regular season this year. He is a non-drafted free agent out of Central Michigan. You may or may not recall that rookie LB Frank Zombo was also an undrafted player from Central Michigan. Something in the water? Let's hope so. Gordy is 5'1" and 195 lbs and will wear number 40.

FINDING THE GROOVE

The last time the Packers faced the 49ers, it wasn't even close. Aaron Rodgers found his groove early, and kept carving all day to the tune of 300+ passing yards and 2 touchdowns. This year's 49ers team is a shell of it's former self and frankly, if Green Bay has trouble getting off the ground here, they may want to start with the man in the mirror. WR Michael Crabtree is a legitimate threat, but QB Troy Smith just isn't grasping the NFL rhythm yet. His throws are impatient and often off the mark. If the Clay Matthews Moving Company can penetrate the offensive line and move pieces around, it should be a pick-a-nic for the Packers ball-hawking secondary. Star RB Frank Gore was lost for the season last week, making the job of Green bay linebackers even easier. Gore had been averaging 4.2 yards per carry and was on pace to go over 1,000 yards rushing. Behind him is wily veteran Brian Westbrook. He certainly represents a threat, but his numbers have been underwhelming thus far in both rushing and receiving. He has 28 carries for 145 yards and 1 score. For you non-math majors, that's a 5.2 yard average. Not bad for an old free agent nobody else would bid on. Don't sleep on him! The 49ers also have TE Vernon Davis, who may be the closest thing to Jermichael Finley outside of maybe San Diego's Antonio Gates. He's averaging 13+ yards per catch and is a studious blocking back as well - Very dangerous. But again, given these sparse weapons and a largely demoralized team, the Packers should have no problem defending their home turf tomorrow afternoon.

Game Prediction:

49ers 12 - Packers 35