The 49ers can help the Packers win on Sunday against the Bills. How is this, you ask? Well, it’s simple. The Green Bay Packers can look back at how the 49ers have been successful against them in the past and implement that same strategy against the Bills on Sunday Night Football.
So what did that game plan look like all of those times against the once high-scoring Packers team?
The Offense
The 49ers Offense in those games against the Packers was frustrating for Green Bay, to say the least. The Packers will need to be just as frustrating on Sunday. How were they (49ers) frustrating?
Offensive Efficiency
The offensive strategy for the 49ers was efficiency. They ran the ball effectively on first down to stay ahead of the sticks to make second and third down easier. When the 49ers did pass the ball, it was high-completion type throws that were out quick. The 49ers also made sure to reduce the amount of offensive penalties so they would not find themselves in must-pass situations. So how do the Packers make sure they play efficiently on Sunday?
The Packers have struggled this year with mental mistakes that have caused them to fall behind the sticks early which has made it extremely difficult for them to play efficient ball. This means reducing the penalties. The Packers are one of the least penalized teams in football but when they have had penalties, it has been in the worst spots. These penalties have made first and ten more like first and twenty on occasion making it more difficult to run the ball effectively which leads me to…
RUN THE BALL! I know things such as penalties can dictate how much a team can run the ball, but regardless of what defense is being shown pre-snap or if it’s first and twenty, the Packers need to run the ball. Doesn’t matter. Run the ball. This will force the Bills to move their safeties up and will open up highly-efficient passing lanes to keep the Bills defense honest.
Of course, keeping the offense efficient does another great thing for the Packers and that is to chew up the time of possession and keep Josh Allen and his highly potent offense on the sideline. This has another positive effect too, and that is to keep the Packers defense well-rested.
The Defense
The 49ers Defense in those games against the Packers was also frustrating. They played tough and would punch the Packers in the face (metaphorically). How did the 49ers play aggressively against the Packers in those games?
Defensive Aggression
The 49ers Defense played aggressively against the Packers. They were not afraid to bring blitzes but also were not opposed to rushing with just four defenders. When one person attempted to make a tackle, other defenders were coming in to help make the gang tackle. Tackles were hard-hitting, too. The 49ers made every attempt to force a turnover on every tackle. They also played close man-to-man defense and made the Packers receivers work for it. The Packers will need to play this same type of aggressive strategy against the Bills to have a chance.
The Packers have three great corners in Jaire Alexander, Rasul Douglas, and Eric Stokes. I know Stokes has had struggles but the talent is there. These guys need to make it as difficult as possible for the Bills wide receivers, and they have the ability to do so. They need to play man against the Bills defenders and if they get beat every now and then, so be it. They are good enough to not allow it to happen every play. This will give the pass rush a chance against that Bills offensive line, who will be missing their starting right tackle Spencer Brown.
If the defensive backs for the Packers can be successful enough, then this should allow the Packers pass rush to get to Josh Allen. They will still have to be careful as to not over pursue Josh Allen though because he hurt them with his legs. Containing and tackling Josh Allen will be essential for the Packers to get the win.
Tackling aggressively will also need to be a priority for the Packers. Missed tackles should not be tolerated in this game as the Packers have been hit-and-miss with tackling this season. Not every tackle should be made alone–gang tackles will be necessary.
If the Packers can punch the Bills in the mouth so to speak (just like the 49ers have done to them in the past), then the Packers can pull off the upset against the Bills on Sunday Night Football.
Damon is a diehard, fully-immersed cheesehead who currently lives in southern Missouri. He teaches at a local high school and has a family YouTube channel about all things Packers. You can follow him on twitter at @packersfamily and on YouTube at The Packers Family.
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