I hope the Packers are ready!

Here are the Packers, Week 11, a Sunday Night Showdown with the San Francisco 49ers for supremacy in the NFC. Who would have predicted the Packers would be in this position at this point in the season. Coaches Matt LaFleur and Mike Pettine along with their staffs have had two weeks to prepare for the 49ers. With the last two games the 49ers have played, some of their weaknesses have been exposed. QB Jimmy Garoppolo can succumb to pressure and be careless with the ball. I hope Pettine has some schemes put in place that haven’t been shown thus far. I’m not sure what the Packers offense can do differently, but LaFleur better have a new wrinkle or two in store for the 49ers aggressive defense.

The Packers defense, as we all know, has been suspect against the run and explosive plays, especially to tight ends. On offense it has been a lack of consistency from the wide outs and a tendency to abandon the run too soon (a hang over from McCarthy). I’m hoping the 49ers see a heavy dose of Jones and Williams, with Jones playing some slot receiver. A commitment to the run will soften San Francisco’s secondary and allow Aaron Rodgers time to progress through his options. The fear in the back end of the 49ers defense is Richard Sherman’s veteran experience and familiarity with Rodgers from his days with Seattle.

Familiarity of players is not the only connection between the two teams. Coach LaFleur’s brother Mike, is the 49ers passing game coordinator, DC Robert Saleh is a close friend, and HC Mike Shanahan coached for Packers DC Mike Pettine in Cleveland. So ultimately it will come down to a battle of similarities and friends, on and off the field. Any time you have #12 in the Green and Gold you have an opportunity to win. In 2019, we have seen the Packers win without having to totally rely on Aaron’s arm (and sometimes legs) to win games. Let’s just plan on a highly competitive game, with the Packers coming out on top in a close one, 23-21.

As Always, Go Pack Go!

PackerGreg