5 things Packers must do to beat 49ers in Week 6
The Green Bay Packers will welcome the San Francisco 49ers to Lambeau Field for a primetime matchup on “Monday Night Football,” wrapping up Week 6 in the NFL.
Here’s a look at five things the Packers need to do to beat the 49ers Monday night:
1. Stop the run
The 49ers are sixth in the NFL in total rushing yards (681) and yards per carry (5.0) after five games. Rookie standout Matt Breida (ankle) might not play, but the 49ers still understand how to run the football with efficiency. The last thing the Packers want is for Kyle Shanahan’s offense to be controlling the football all night with an effective attack on the ground. Stopping the run will force backup quarterback C.J. Beathard to do the heavy lifting for the 49ers. The Packers will like their chances if they can turn the 49ers into a one-dimensional operation on offense.
2. Get yards after catch
Only two teams in the NFL are giving up more yards after the catch than the 49ers this season. The San Francisco secondary is having issues in man-to-man coverage and with tackling receivers. The Packers have players in passing game capable of stressing the weak point, especially if Aaron Rodgers is quick and decisive distributing the football. This isn’t a game to play sandlot ball. Get the ball out on time and let the receivers do the work after the catch.
3. Turn over backup QB
Beathard has been surprisingly effective since taking over for injured starter Jimmy Garoppolo, but turnovers have doomed the 49ers in back-to-back games. Shanahan’s scheme can only do so much to protect Beathard. The Packers will have turnover opportunities if they can put the backup quarterback into stressful situations, especially on third down. Forcing Beathard into tough down-and-distances will allow defensive coordinator Mike Pettine to dial up a few clever pressures and coverages. The Packers defense could create a flurry of takeaways.
4. Contain TE weapon
No offense in the NFL plays more snaps with two receivers, two backs and one tight end on the field than the 49ers. It’s Shanahan’s base set, with tight end George Kittle as the top target in the passing game. Kittle is averaging 17.3 yards per catch, with four catches over 20 yards and two over 40. He’s hit at least 79 receiving yards in four of five games. The Packers will need to find ways of getting him covered, regardless of the personnel on the field. The safeties, linebackers and slot cornerbacks must always know where No. 85 is on the field. No biting on play-action, either. Kittle has been especially dangerous off run fakes.
5. Eliminate unforced errors
Probably the most important one on the list. The Packers have made a habit out of beating themselves through the first five games, mostly with avoidable penalties, easy giveaways or basic communication errors. Generally speaking, the Packers have just been sloppy, especially on offense. It’s well past time to get it cleaned up. The Packers are due for a fast start and a sharply played game over 60 minutes. What is Mike McCarthy’s team capable of if they put together two solid halves on offense and defense? Maybe Monday night will provide the answer.