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49ers 2009 opponent breakdown: Green Bay Packers (Week 11)
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Aaron Rodgers wants to prove that can lead the Pack
back to the playoffs.
(AP Photo/Evan Siegle)
The Packers host the 49ers in Week 11 and for the 49ers, they will go up against quarterback Aaron Rodgers. In 2005, there was a debate as to whether or not the 49ers should have gone with Rodgers or Alex Smith. The point is pretty much moot now since Smith has been suffering injuries and switching offensive coordinators for years while Rodgers got to learn right behind Brett Favre. It's no longer a fair comparison.
But in this game, the 49ers will have a tough task in facing a team that still has a lot of players from the 2007 playoff team intact.
2008 Record: 6-10 (3rd NFC North)
Last meeting: 12/10/06 @ San Francisco (Packers win 30-19)
2009 schedule: Week 11 @ Green Bay
Top 3 best players: WR Greg Jennings, LB Aaron Kampman, CB Charles Woodson
Notable draft picks: NT BJ Raji, LB Clay Matthews
Notable new acquisitions: C Duke Preston, S Anthony Smith
Notable losses: DT Colin Cole
The Packers are looking for second-year starter Aaron Rodgers to help lead the team back to the playoffs. After his first full season in which Rodgers threw for 28 touchdowns, the team expects the rest of the offense to get back on track.
Rodgers had a lot of help from receivers Greg Jennings and Donald Driver. Combined, the two had 154 catches and half of Rodgers' passing touchdowns. Tight end Donald Lee's numbers were down last year, but his chances may increase as Rodgers starts to feel comfortable in his second season as starter.
Running back Ryan Grant was disappointed at his inconsistent play last year. Even though he finished over 1,000 yards on the ground, it was clearly not the same as it was in 2007 when the Packers became the #12 seed in the NFC. Look for Grant to have a bounce back year.
The offensive line's starting lineup has yet to be determined. Right now, a lot of spots are up in the air. Veteran Chad Clifton didn't participate in any on-field team activities due to his knees. He might be out of the starting tackle spot if he doesn't get back on the field.
The Packers defense features a lot of very explosive talent. Starting with the secondary, Charles Woodson has emerged as a great ballhawk since joining the Packers in 2006. Al Harris, the other starting cornerback, has been a consistent workhorse for the Packers since 2003. He missed four games last year, but we should expect him to be back to form this season.
I wanted to also mention free safety Nick Collins as one of the team's best players. Collison's tackle totals were back up to par after a down 2007 season and his seven interceptions last year tied him with Charles Woodson for team highs.
Rookie BJ Raji has been getting a lot of practice time at defensive end rather than his natural position at nose tackle. It will be interesting to see if the Packers stick with him there as the team works out its 3-4 defense.
The linebackers for the Packers are very impressive. Aside from two-time Pro Bowler Aaron Kampman, AJ Hawk and Nick Barnett both have shown tremendous growth over the past three seasons. Barnett only played in nine games last year, but if healthy, he and Hawk, along with rookie Clay Matthews could definitely become a problem for the 49ers running game.
The 49ers' best chance may be stopping the Packers' rushing attack. If they can manage to force the Packers offense to pass more, maybe that can force a turnover through the air.
However, it will be hard to see the 49ers stealing one on the road. The defense has actually upgraded with rookies Raji and Matthews. And with Rodgers showing clear improvement in his passing game with a veteran club, the 49ers look outmatched in this game.
Trying out Twitter for 49ers updates. Check me out here @SLam49ers
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