San Francisco 49ers @ Green Bay Packers: A Prospector's Guide
by David Fucillo on Dec 1, 2010 10:01 AM PST
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The 49ers head to the potentially frozen tundra of Lambeau Field to face the Green Bay Packers this Sunday. The 49ers visited Green Bay last year and almost pulled what would have been a sizable upset. After trailing 23-3, the 49ers marched back in the second half and cut the lead to six. However the 49ers defense was unable to make one final stop to get the offense another chance.
This season the 49ers head into Lambeau looking to steal a huge road win in their bid to get back into the NFC West divisional race. The 49ers do not have to win this game to make the playoffs, but notching a win this Sunday would be monstrous. Although the 49ers have won four of their last six games, it has been against opposition that was not exactly in the best position to take advantage of the struggling 49ers.
A win is a win is a win, but the 49ers beat the Raiders before they got hot, the Broncos who suck, the Rams at Candlestick when the Rams have generally struggled on the road, and the Cardinals who also suck. The question becomes whether the 49ers can win or at least play well on some kind of remotely consistent level. They blew a golden opportunity to take a big step forward against Tampa Bay amidst a two-game winning streak, and they lost all the momentum they gained.
This Sunday, it'd be great to win the game, but it'd be nice to at least see them show up with a decent effort. While the win over Arizona was nice, the 49ers still had me nervous considering the way they used a similar game plan as they had done in the past. They were fortunate to be playing a crappy team that appears to have given up on the season. Now we get to see what the 49ers can do against a quality team. If the 49ers manage to knock off the Packers, there will be no doubting it is an impressive victory and I might be more open to the idea that the 49ers can win enough games to win the division.
The line for this game is sitting somewhere between 9.5 and 11 points. The 49ers have shown an ability to play up against some quality teams. Of course they were also smoked by the Chiefs and the Bucs so I guess that just goes towards their inconsistency. The upside to this game is that whatever happens we should know a bit more about the 49ers, good or bad.
Once again I've attached a prediction poll. Head after the jump for random tidbits about this matchup.
San Francisco will travel to the Frozen Tundra for the second consecutive season to face the Green Bay Packers. Lambeau Field has proven to be a tough place for the Niners to pick up a win in recent years as the team will look to change their misfortune in this early December battle of NFC foes. Green Bay leads the overall series 33-26-1, including knocking off the Niners last season, 24-30.
The 49ers defense made a statement against the Cardinals offense in the Monday Night Football matchup at Arizona this past Monday. San Francisco held the Cardinals to a mere 13 yards rushing, marking just the fourth time in franchise history that the defense held an opponent to 13 yards rushing or less for an entire game.
RB Brian Westbrook shined under the bright lights in prime time by racking up 136 rushing yards on 23 attempts and one TD, his first 100-yard game since 12/7/08 at NYG (33 atts. for 131 yards and 1 TD). Westbrook's 136 yards rushing are the most on Monday Night Football this season.
49ers-Packers Connections
Coaches
- 49ers secondary coach Johnnie Lynn coached with Packers WR coach Jimmy Robinson on the New York Giants staff (2002-03).
- 49ers WR coach Jerry Sullivan's son, Jon-Eric Sullivan, is in his 10th year as a college scout for the Packers.
49ers LB Patrick Willis was tutored by Packers special teams coordinator Shawn Slocum at the University of Mississippi when Slocum served as linebackers coach during the 2005 season.
- Packers head coach Mike McCarthy served as offensive coordinator with the 49ers in 2005.
- Packers tight ends coach Ben McAdoo was the asst. offensive line coach/quality control for the 49ers during the 2005 season.
PACKERS-NOR CAL CONNECTIONS: Packers QB Aaron Rodgers (2003-04) and LB Desmond Bishop (2005-06) both played at Cal ... Packers WR James Jones played at San Jose State from 2003-05.
49ERS GREEN BAY CONNECTIONS: Special assistant to head coach Bill Nayes got his start in the NFL as an administrative assistant/football operations with Green Bay from1997-99. Nayes, who is also a graduate from the Univ. of Wisconsin, also served as a football operations assistant with the University (1994-97) and later as Asst. AD/Director of Football Operations (2006-08) ... Pro personnel scout Quentus Cumby spent the summer of 2005 as an intern with the Packers player personnel department.
FORMER 49ERS: Packers LB Matt Wilhelm played in a total of 11 games (1 start) for the 49ers during the 2009 season. He was released from the 49ers following the 2010 training camp.
BURNING UP - 49ers WR Kyle Williams and Packers RB Dimitri Nance were teammates at Arizona State University from 2006-09.
BAYOU BENGALS - 49ers DT Ricky Jean Francois Packers QB Matt Flynn and FB Quinn Johnson were all teammates at LSU from 2006-07.
O-H-I-O! - 49ers CB Nate Clements, Packers LB Matt Wilhelm and DE/NT Ryan Pickett were all teammates at Ohio State University from 1999-2000. 49ers QB Troy Smith and WR Ted Ginn were teammates with Packers LB A.J. Hawk from 2004-05.
LION LOVE - 49ers LB NaVorro Bowman and Packers TE Andrew Quarless were teammates at Penn State University from 2006-09.
TROJAN TIES - 49ers S Taylor Mays and G Chilo Rachal, and Packers LB Clay Matthews were all teammates at USC from 2006-07.
ROCKY TOP - 49ers NT Aubrayo Franklin, LB Parys Haralson, and Packers C Scott Wells were all teammates at the University of Tennessee during the 2002 season.
Series Highlights
Matchups: 60
Series Record: Packers Lead Series 33-26-1
49ers Away Record vs. Packers: Packers lead series 22-10
First Meeting: 11/26/50, Packers win 25-21
Last Meeting: 11/22/09, Packers win 30-24
Current Streak: Lost 7
Longest 49ers Win Streak: 7 (12/10/50-12/5/54)
Longest Packers Win Streak: 7 (10/14/96-Present)
Most 49ers Points: 48 (2 times - Last 12/7/58)
Most Packers Points: 41 (10/23/60), 41-14, at Green Bay
49ers Shutouts: 1 (12/5/54 - 49ers win 35-0)
Packers Shutouts: 2 times (Last: 11/19/67 - Packers win 13-0)
SAN FRANCISCO 24 GREEN BAY 30
At Green Bay, WI, November 22, 2009
After digging themselves a 23-3 hole at halftime, the Niners battled valiantly in the 2nd stanza, only to come up short by less than a TD. The afternoon began with the teams trading FGs. After an impressive drive by the Packers, San Francisco's defense managed to hold the Packers to just a 23-yard Mason Crosby FG. The Niners offense seemed up to the task by answering immediately with their own scoring drive, highlighted by a 42-yard RB Frank Gore scamper and a 46-yard Joe Nedney FG. The home team marched the length of the field on their next possession and again Crosby connected, this time from 27 yards.
Sadly for the visitors, the 2nd quarter was highlighted by a Packers offensive explosion. The scoring began with a 64-yard TD pass from QB Aaron Rodgers to WR Greg Jennings. After an SF 3-n-out, the Packers took over at their own 19 yard-line. Rodgers directed his unit 81 yards and sealed the drive with a 7-yard TD pass to Jordy Nelson. The Niners again struggled to a 3-n-out on their ensuing possession, and the Packers capitalized with another Crosby FG (27 yards), sending SF to the locker room down 23-3.
The 49ers came out of halftime like a completely different squad on both sides of the ball. After trading scoreless possessions, SF QB Alex Smith connected with rookie WR Michael Crabtree, who made a spectacular play on the ball over Pro Bowl CB Al Harris for a 38-yard score and the only points of the 3rd quarter On the 49ers 1st offensive play of the final qtr., and backed up in their own end of the field, an errant Smith pass landed in the awaiting hands of GB S Nick Collins, who returned the ball to the SF 11. Three plays later, Packers RB Ryan Grant ran in from the 1 yard-line to give his team a 30-10 lead.
Following a 76-yard kickoff return by 49ers WR Josh Morgan, who was stepping in for the injured RB Michael Robinson, Smith connected with TE Vernon Davis down the middle of the field on a 24-yard TD pass. The San Francisco defense answered the call on the next series and forced GB to punt. Smith took over at his own 17 yard-line and completed 6 of 8 pass attempts on an 83-yard scoring drive, capped by a 10-yard toss to Gore. Despite the 49ers 2nd-half transformation, the Packers took over and embarked on a 10-play drive that ran out the final 5:56 remaining in the game to seal the 30-24 victory.
2010 Statistics
| 49ERS (rank) | PACKERS (rank) | |
| 4-7 (3rd NFCW) | Record | 7-4 (2nd NFCN) |
| 17.0 (31st) | Points per game | 24.5 (8th) |
| 320.3 (23rd) | Total Offense | 354.0 (12th) |
| 110.8 (17th) | Rushing Offense | 98.4 (23rd) |
| 209.5 (21st) | Passing Offense | 255.6 (7th) |
| 29:45 (22nd) | Possession Avg | 30:13 (16th) |
| 20.5 (t-10th) | Points allowed/gm | 15.1 (1st) |
| 316.8 (11th) | Total Defense | 320.7 (12th) |
| 98.3 (8th) | Rushing Defense | 112.5 (18th) |
| 218.5 (16th) | Passing Defense | 208.2 (10th) |
| 23 (t-13th) | Sacks | 31 (t-5th) |
| 46.0 (6th) | Punting Avg (Gross) | 43.2 (23rd) |
| -5 (t-24th) | Turnover Differential | +6(t-6th) |
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Comments
I don't know why
but for some reason I think the Niners can pull this one off. As good a team as I think Green Bay is, and as bad a team I think we are, something’s telling me we can go to the frozen tundra up there and ram the ball down their throats. I know they’re not Arizona’s defense, but we seem to fair pretty well against teams with no running game dating back to 2009 even though our pass defense isn’t very good. I think Manusky’s good at containing offenses that are one dimensional. If we can limit Rodgers and keep them off the field, while controlling the clock with the running game and not making stupid mistakes, I think we’re in business.
You are right
Rogers is good, but I think he struggles more with zone coverage. He plays well under blitzes, which we don’t do. We have a chance. I think if we can score early….do some of that boring control the clock thing and play decent D, we can win a close game.
by FrznCarboNiner on Dec 1, 2010 10:52 AM PST up reply actions
Zone cover
I don’t know why you think there zone cover is so good I ive in the Bay Area and they show them on TV here and thier corners gt beat all the time with the guys we hav they will pick apart the 9ers defence.
I'm smoking crack too.
This is the first time in a long time I think that the Niners can pull an upset. Maybe it was the O-line actually blowing the Cardinals backwards.
by Bob In Beaverton on Dec 1, 2010 12:19 PM PST up reply actions
They did the same thing against the Saints
There too inconsistent, we dont know wich line will show up
by EcERyda69 on Dec 1, 2010 3:40 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
Plus
the lack of turnovers so far this year makes me think the defense is due for a breakout week or two in the turnover department…..or at least I hope
49ers: 28 votes. Packers: 40 votes
you guys are 
9/8/10: 49ers go 11-5, Lose to Falcons first round. Smitty: 3500/25/15. Gore: 1300 yards, 10 TDs. Crabtree: 1000 yards, 7 TDs. Vernon: 900 yards, 8 TDs
by MichaelClutchtree on Dec 1, 2010 10:47 AM PST reply actions
crap. fooch delete the first one
9/8/10: 49ers go 11-5, Lose to Falcons first round. Smitty: 3500/25/15. Gore: 1300 yards, 10 TDs. Crabtree: 1000 yards, 7 TDs. Vernon: 900 yards, 8 TDs
by MichaelClutchtree on Dec 1, 2010 10:47 AM PST up reply actions
Packers vs CRY BABIES
If the Packers play the way they always play at home they will beat these cry babies 9ers they beat the Rams because of a flag not because they were a better team then look who they beat Monday nite.I live in the Bay Area and we hav a High School football team that could hav beat the Red bird,the 9res suck and hav for the last few years the only thing they hav in common with the Pack is they both hav coaches that suck.The biggest problem we hav and let me say by we I mean GREEN BAY cause I’m a die hard PACKERS fan all my life is we don’t hav a running game.THAT WILL BE ARE DOWN FALL IN THE PLAY OFF,you would think that as soon as Grant got hurt TT/MM would hav gotten Lyunch he and AR were team mate in college and he would hav given us that part of the game.But as always thier EGO’S GOT IN THE WAY,so lets go and beat the cry babies back to the bay so I can shut up the 9ers fan that think there going to beat us.
Think you're on the wrong site to try and dissuade 49er fans from talking about their team
You might want to check where you’re posting your comment before you post it.
And I’m betting GB doesn’t respect the 49ers and won’t prepare like they should. Win or lose, it’s going to be close.
Troll fail
Ninersnation is home of the rational 49er fan that is disappointed in their team. No one thinks a win is possible unless GB lays an egg and the Niners perform well.
Where does cry baby come from? Like from FortyWHINERS or something? Yeah, that hurt a lot back in third grade
by mcwagner on Dec 1, 2010 12:37 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
I hope you find your punctuation soon
Have you tried putting up a poster, or advertising on milk cartons?
Proud member of the legendary David Carr thread and the famous Green Thread.
The grammar...the punctuation...
It hurts, IT HURTS!!!
Why is it that trolls never know how to write well, use punctuation, or form coherent sentences?
"If you can accept losing, you can't win." ~Vince Lombardi
Tweet Tweet.
by ZeroIndulgence on Dec 1, 2010 1:28 PM PST up reply actions
Like Al Bundy decided to post a comment
The PACKERS will when cause I was scored 4 touchdowns in a high school football game. I’m a man’s man, you’re a bunch of Marcy Darcy 49ers fan crybabies.
"Coach, it came down like a hail marry"
Dude
For starters, this isn’t your site. Be respectful.
Second, Marshawn Lynch has a 3.5 YPC Average this year. That’s less than Brandon Jackson and John Kuhn, who hapens to be a Fullback carrying a share of the load. Just give up on it man, Lynch would have been a wasted 3rd Round Pick. It sucks we have no running game, but wasting valuable draft picks for an underachiever is not the answer. Come on man, you know better than that.
"No player is greater than a team."
-Vince Lombardi
We got this like a porn star has an STD.
Ya not the greatest of analogies but it works
Kellen Moore is awesome
by manraj7 on Dec 1, 2010 11:59 AM PST via mobile reply actions
A porn star is actually very clear of STDs due to the constant screening and constant awareness. A bar fly would be a lot more dangerous. So if have been hesitating about sleeping with your favorite adult star, go ahead and have a fun night
by mcwagner on Dec 1, 2010 12:44 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
Hi my name is Mcwagner and I like to ruin a perfectly good analogy.
I shall change it up we got this like a hooker has stds
Kellen Moore is awesome
by manraj7 on Dec 1, 2010 12:50 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
your sister?
Zinger!
My logic will blow up great analogies all day baby. A bird in the hand is worth as much as two in the bush? Fool! I hate birds, they are worthless
by mcwagner on Dec 1, 2010 2:12 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
I totally planned that
Kellen Moore is awesome
by manraj7 on Dec 1, 2010 12:46 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
I thought it was good given the site decorum
porn star has a better ring than “individual who sells sexual favors for small amounts of money to support a drug habit” or crack [site decorum]
I thought Packers had a bye week
Anyways, guaranteed win for Green Bay.
their secondary does
the DEs will still have to stuff the runs up the middle
The Niners probably won't win this game...
I mean, really, beating the Cardinals is nothing to write home about. The Packers are a legitimately good team.
However, the Niners this year have lost badly to bad teams, and looked ok against good teams (Atlanta and NO come to mind). So, anything is possible. I’d definately take the Niners and the points if the line stays between 10 and 11…that’s for sure.
"If you can accept losing, you can't win." ~Vince Lombardi
Tweet Tweet.
gut feeling
I’m just thinking we might be able to grind out a win here. Green Bay can’t run so we’ll be blitzing Rodgers and hopefully get enough pressure on him to keep him off balance. It worked for Atlanta the grind it out and beat Aaron up thing.
I want the Niners to win, but the Packers will probably win
For every game this season, I’d expected the Niners to win. But this time I don’t.
The team played a Singletarian emotion-filled smashmouth game which they dominated despite a sloppy passing game. With a short week, and on the Permafrost, they are probably ready for a big emotional let-down. They have lost their bell-cow by milking too much, and the coaches have no discernible Plan B. Even Anthony Davis had a good game on Monday, and I don’t recall that he’s had two good games in a row. (Isn’t he matched up against Clay Matthews?) Th special teams are depleted. Dom Capers is going to call all sorts of stunts and zone blitzes while keeping Troy in the pocket. Rodgers is playing at Pro Bowl level and the Packers are coming off a close loss. We can rely on the coaches to be predictable. This could get ugly very quickly for the Niners.
I’m fervently hoping that I’m totally wrong, and that the Niners would come attacking on all fronts on the offense, and Manusky will game plan like he did for the Colts last year, and the Packer won’t know what hit them. I mean, this game is given up for lost. Why not the players have some fun and not have Sing be so darn uptight?
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