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 – Here are five things to watch as the Green Bay Packers face the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday at Lambeau Field.
No Nick Bosa would be a plus for the Packers
The Packers handled Nick Bosa in their playoff loss to the 49ers in January, but it took a lot of effort. So, if Bosa can’t play because of oblique and hip injuries, they won’t be shedding a tear. In five games against the Packers since 2019, Bosa has four sacks, 17 tackles, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. Bosa is on a four-game sack streak despite being slowed by his injury and has seven for the season. He has 36 tackles, including three for loss and an interception. “He’s a hell of a player,” offensive line coach Luke Butkus said. “Everybody knows that. Film doesn’t lie. So, we’re going to prepare that he’s playing. We’ve got to have that mindset that we’re going to get his best on both the right and left. If he doesn’t play, he doesn’t. But we can’t think about that.”
Jordan Love’s good health means more mobility and more options
It was apparent to players and coaches alike that quarterback Jordan Love was moving a lot better in the victory over the Chicago Bears. Love took a big hit and still laced a throw to receiver Christian Watson for a 60-yard gain and made several strong throws on the run. While dealing with knee and groin injuries, Love hasn’t left the pocket as much, but after that performance the Packers have a chance to design some movement plays and deep drop-backs where he’ll be able to take off running if nothing is open. “Only he knows how he feels exactly,” quarterbacks coach Tom Clements said. “So, there may have been times where he didn’t take off, and otherwise he might have, but that’s something that he can regulate. We didn’t say don’t run, And now he’s pretty much, I would say, back to being healthy. So he’s just playing his normal game.”
Packers might have to settle for some shorter completions before going deep
The 49ers don’t have a complicated defense, but they do make it hard to beat them with passes deep down the field because of how they play their safeties and drop their linebackers into coverage. They’re happy to let a team complete a short pass because they’ve got players like linebacker Fred Warner who can rally to the ball. Love may have to be more patient than normal this week. “They do a good job just melting and getting deep with those deeper routes and forcing you to check it down,” offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich said. “So, basically, we’ve just got to take what they give us and stay on schedule with our game plan. We’ve got to make sure when those (deep) plays come, we hit them. But if not, just take the checkdowns.”
Packers haven’t given up on receiver Dontayvion Wicks
Despite receiver Dontayvion Wicks going two games without a catch and just four targeted passes, the coaches still think he can be a big part of the offense. Wicks has had a tough year, catching just 16 of the 44 passes thrown to him for 192 yards and four touchdowns. In this past five games, he has six catches for 68 yards and one touchdown. “If you were to watch one-on-ones in practice or watch the reps, you’d be like, ‘Wow, they can’t guard him. Wow, he did make the catch,’” passing game coordinator Jason Vrable said. “Our staff, the quarterback, people believe in him, I’ll put him out there on third-and-5 with the game on the line because he’s done it a lot before. I know he’s a good route-runner. I know he’s strong and competitive, so that’s where he knows I believe in him, Matt believes in him and Jordan believes in him. We have no doubt that he can make the play. Now, it’s just your job, your mental clarity and make a play.”
Familiar faces abound on 49ers roster
If you’ve followed sports around here for a while, you might find yourself wondering where you heard some of these names while watching the 49ers. As far as starters, former Packers linebacker De’Vondre Campbell won’t soon be forgotten around here given his All-Pro selection in 2021 and social media scuffles with fans. Then there’s punter Pat O’Donnell, who was signed to replace injured punter Mitch Wishnowsky and will be in uniform Sunday. The 49ers also have cornerback Isaac Yiadom and long snapper Taybor Pepper, both former Packers, and running back Patrick Taylor, who was on the 53-man roster until Christian McCaffrey came back from injured reserve. He’s on the practice squad and could be elevated Sunday. If you’re a Wisconsin fan, you might remember running back Isaac Guerendo, who spent three seasons in Madison before transferring to Louisville in 2023. And you might see a familiar face in or out of uniform on the sideline. Former Badgers quarterback Tanner Mordecai is on the 49ers’ practice squad. If quarterback Brock Purdy can’t play, the 49ers have two other quarterbacks on the roster – Josh Dobbs and Brandon Allen – so it’s questionable whether Mordecai would be elevated. If not, he will be on the sideline if the 49ers bring their practice squad players on the road.
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