Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley says the team is preparing for a talented 49ers offense
Jeff Hafley talks the Packers defense after the win in Chicago and looking ahead to Sunday’s game with the 49ers.
GREEN BAY – The Green Bay Packers welcome in the NFC rival San Francisco 49ers to Lambeau Field on Sunday. Kickoff for the game is set for 3:25 p.m.
While the Packers are 7-3 with seven games being decided by a touchdown or less, the 49ers are 5-5 with four of the losses being by 6 points or less.
Jose Sanchez III, 49ers reporter for On SI, has a look at the Packers’ next opponent.
The 49ers are .500 on the season, 1-3 in the NFC West and it’s possible they could miss the playoffs. What do you make of the season to date?
Sanchez: “It’s been a disappointing season to say the least, but also not surprising. The 49ers were dealt their third consecutive heartbreaking loss to end their season. The fact that it was in the Super Bowl and in overtime only amplifies the pain. This is a team that looks emotionally worn down and possibly broke. It’s why they have blown three games in the fourth quarter this year. It’s similar to their Super Bowl loss. The hangover is real for this team whether they believe it or not. Playing hard and locked in for the regular season isn’t possible for them after being in real meaningful playoff games for years now. I don’t see any possibility of them waking up.”
The team has really struggled late in games. Most recently, losing on a late touchdown to the Seahawks. What have you noticed in those moments?
Sanchez: “They’re losing the late-game moments because they aren’t keeping their foot on their opponent’s necks, specifically the offense. It has been abysmal this year, especially in the red zone. They are only scoring a touchdown on roughly 48 percent of their trips, which is down by 20 percent from last season. Not even Christian McCaffrey is helping them with it. If they don’t get out to a sizable lead, then there is always a chance to beat them.”
The 49ers received a boost when George Kittle said he was playing this weekend. What’s the latest on the health of the team?
Sanchez: “The health isn’t looking good for the 49ers. Nick Bosa missed his second practice this week with a hip injury that worsened against Seattle. I doubt he plays. All-Pro cornerback Charvarius Ward is back with the team after some time away due to tragic events, but he probably won’t play this week. Trent Williams has been out of practice too, but he’s proven he doesn’t need it. Lastly, Brock Purdy is limited in practice with soreness in his throwing shoulder. That’s concerning. He’s certainly a toss-up right now on playing.”
What’s 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan saying about facing the Packers?
Sanchez: “He hasn’t said a whole lot on the Packers. Most of his messaging has been about his own team, which is the correct method. All of the shortcomings for the 49ers this year have been their own doing. They are their own worst enemy. The only thing that he cited about the Packers that he was asked was Josh Jacobs. Defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen echoed that as well. Jacobs is a player that they are not looking forward to playing. Shanahan thought he was the best running back they faced two years ago when he was on the Raiders. So, Jacobs is going to be the stark difference for the 49ers. Otherwise, they know what they are getting themselves into after facing the Packers a bunch in the last five years.”
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