Well, not much has gone according to plan (with, maybe the exception of the Bills game), but at least our starting quarterback is still playing, which is more than our opponent this week can say.
The 49ers have dropped three in a row since Jimmy Garappolo got hurt. Replacement CJ Beathard hasn’t been a train wreck, but he’s thrown 4 interceptions to go with his 4 touchdowns in his two starts, which isn’t amazing. It’s not even really that good. Which works out well because the Packers don’t look like they could beat a good team right now.
After shooting themselves in the foot, the shin, and the nutsack last week, they could use a little stability going into the bye (because when they come out of it, they go on the road to two of the best teams in the league).
Beating the 49ers at home on a Monday shouldn’t be difficult. Really, they just need to stop fumbling deep in their own territory and missing five kicks (oh, and not getting jobbed by the refs would help).
After re-watching last game, something became very clear… again. It’s been clear for a long time, really. If Aaron Rodgers just takes the quick strike as soon as someone gets open, they should be able to regularly march down the field.
Now, I’m not gonna bash Rodgers for not doing this because, as he’s shown a billion times, great things can happen when he takes his time and dances around until he finds what he likes. But things are different now. He’s playing without Jordy Nelson and maybe without Randall Cobb again – those are guys he has a freakish rapport with. He’s also not 100% and his throwing motion seems visibly altered by his ability to plant – there’s a lot of flicks and slings in there.
Those things make me hope he finally alters his game this week. The other thing that could be altered is the coach’s dedication to the run game.
Remember all those years when McCarthy stubbornly ran when it wasn’t working. Well, now that it’s working, I guess he feels like they don’t need to run any more.
Really, the offense needs to just get back to the basics. Quick passes and a lot of running.
The 49ers defense hasn’t held anyone under 24 points all year. A team with Aaron Rodgers, Davante Adams, and Aaron Jones should be able to move the ball just fine against this team.
On defense, the Packers should be good enough against a middling team with a backup quarterback. Three of San Francisco’s offensive linemen didn’t practice Thursday. If that doesn’t help get the defense set on the right track at home, I don’t know what would.
Question of the Week
Who will get sacks for the Packers this week?
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Predictions
Jamaal Williams gets a score
Davante Adams gets a score
Aaron Rodgers runs for 30 yards
Mike Daniels gets a sack
The defense comes up with multiple takeaways
Ha Ha Clinton-Dix takes a bad angle on a tackle attempt
Mason Crosby bounces back and doesn’t miss
I don’t think everything comes together and clicks, but I think they will do more than enough to win at home against an inferior opponent.
Packers 27, 49ers 13