The visiting Packers were again humbled by the home-team Niners to open the season—a highly touted rematch of last year's playoff rout. With a final score of 43-28, this latter contest was much more competitive than the prior, but San Francisco continues to be the Achilles heel on an otherwise formidable Green Bay football team. I had the pleasure of watching this game at the abode of some Niner fan friends. Wait—let me rephrase. My viewing experience was less than optimal. Here are some quick takeaways.
 |
| Photo credit: 49ers.com |
Eddie Lately: The Packers seemed poised to unveil a new balanced attack on the back of rookie rusher Eddie Lacy. But those who expected great things from the get were foolish to ignore San Francisco's epic run defense. With a stingy defensive front lead by Smith & Smith (that's Justin at DT and Aldon at LB), not to mention LB's Navorro Bowman and Patrick Willis just to name a few, it was another long day for the Packers offensive backfield.
Lacy ended the day with 14 carries for 41 yards (a mere 2.9 YPC average), but did score on a goal line leaper—a game highlight for the young back. On the flip side, Lacy's lowlight came in the second quarter when LB Navorro Bowman dislodged the ball from the rookie's grip, forcing a fumble that lead directly to a Niners touchdown. The Packers had chances to make up for that, but it was ultimately the difference in the game.
Fans would be remiss to bemoan Lacy so soon, though. When it all shakes out, the 49ers will finish the season with a top three run defense, and the Packers will not face such a threat for the entire balance of the season.
 |
| Photo credit: 49ers.com |
|
|
Second Thought Secondary: Simply put, the Packers need
Casey Hayward and Morgan Burnett. With the defensive line and linebackers wholly occupied with containing Colin Kaepernick, the secondary minus the two starters was routinely exploited in the middle of the field. New Niners weapon Anquan Boldin may be slow, but he caught everything thrown his way, bowling forward with a kinetic energy that left the secondary constantly on their heels. Such is the threat of Boldin, a giant body with great hands who is constantly moving forward.
Notably smoked in this contest were safeties M.D. Jennings and Jerron McMillian, who just could not keep tabs on San Francisco's wideouts for as long as QB Colin Kaepernick tends to linger with the ball in his hand.
 |
| Photo Credit: Packers.com |
|
Jolly's Return a Spark: With most fans focusing on a new-look Packers rushing attack, it's worth noting that the return of DL Johnny Jolly appeared to give the team something they've lacked in his three year absence: attitude and a consistent pass rush. Green Bay twice wrangled the nimble Kaepernick for sacks, no small feet when you consider the strength and competency of San Francisco's offensive line, not to mention Kaepernick's incredible elusiveness. Jolly himself was credited with one of the two sacks, corralling the gazelle-like quarterback out of bounds for a loss.
The imposing defenseman could be seen many times on the sidelines firing up the squad for the occasion, including the frequently exploited young safeties.
No comments:
Post a Comment