49ers vs Packers Preview, powerhouse offenses showcase in NFC Divisional Round

Liam O'Connor

January, 18th, 2023

(The 49ers offense hurdles during a drive)

The San Francisco 49ers put in a tremendous effort to secure the No. 1 seed in the NFC, earning themselves a bye before facing the Green Bay Packers, a team riding high on recent success. Led by Jordan Love and holding not only the youngest roster in the league, but the youngest roster to make the playoffs in over 30 years, the Packers convincingly defeated the Dallas Cowboys on the road, securing a spot in the NFC divisional round of the playoffs.

The 49ers enjoy the advantage of an extra week to prepare for the Packers at Levi's Stadium, where they haven't lost a playoff game since 2012, holding a six-game postseason winning streak.

A victory for San Francisco would propel them to the NFC Championship game for the fourth time in the past five postseasons. Coach Kyle Shanahan emphasized their focus on studying film and preparing for the crucial matchup.

The development of Green Bay quarterback Jordan Love has emerged as a key storyline. There have been man7 positive developments for Love, attributing his success to the growth of the young players around him. The Packers' youthful team, filled with first- and second-year players, has gradually come together, presenting a challenge for opposing defenses with unpredictable offensive contributors.

San Francisco, led by offensive maestro Kyle Shanahan, possesses a wealth of playmakers. With All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey, Tight End George Kittle, and Pro Bowler Brandon Aiyuk, it will be hard for this struggling Green bay defense to contain this offense. One weak spot for the Packers defense has been defending the tight end [position, and with arguably the best tight end lining up for San Francisco, the Green Bay linebacker will need to find new zones. Teams that have succeeded against San Francisco grabbed an early lead, forcing the 49ers to rely more on the passing game, but Brock Purdy has shown the ability to win the game with passing this year.

On the Green Bay side, the effective running game of Aaron Jones has been a recent highlight. His success is attributed to improved offensive line combinations, versatile linemen, and a more open playbook under Coach Matt LaFleur.

The Key for the juggernaut 49ers seems to be to open up the game running the ball and to use that momentum to open up the passing game against the Green Bay secondary. With Kyle Shanahan at the helm along with Christian McCafferey being a key piece of this offense, this would be an easy plan to execute. The 49ers defense led by Steve Wilks will not only need to generate pressure on young quarterback Jordan Love, but will need the secondary to hold up as he scrambles away. Dallas was able to pressure Love a lot in their wildcard matchup, but allowed long down the field throws during those plays.

The difference between these Niners and those Cowboys is that these 49ers players know not to mess around, and they are hoping that their play will lead them to another title game appearance.

(49ers Coach Kyle Shanahan stands on the sideline in a preseason game vs the packers)