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Packers vs. 49ers: 5 Things to Watch for San Francisco in Preseason Bout

By Peter Panacy

October 4, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Green Bay Packers tight end Richard Rodgers (82) runs with the football against San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker Michael Wilhoite (57) during the third quarter at Levi's Stadium. The Packers defeated the 49ers 17-3. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
October 4, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Green Bay Packers tight end Richard Rodgers (82) runs with the football against San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker Michael Wilhoite (57) during the third quarter at Levi's Stadium. The Packers defeated the 49ers 17-3. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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The San Francisco 49ers host the Green Bay Packers in each team’s third preseason game of 2016. Niner Noise details five focal points for the red and gold as the regular season draws near.

October 4, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) passes the football against San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Ahmad Brooks (55) during the first quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
October 4, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) passes the football against San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Ahmad Brooks (55) during the first quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

It’s nothing close to the real thing, but Week 3 of the preseason closely resembles the regular season more than any other NFL exhibition contest.

So the San Francisco 49ers hosting the Green Bay Packers on Friday, August 26 has to feel like the next chapter of this long rivalry.

Well, not necessarily.

Head coach Chip Kelly won’t be opening up the playbook for his offense, at least not completely. And we should probably expect some relatively vanilla defensive schemes from defensive coordinator Jim O’Neil.

Nonetheless, this third preseason week offers some critical vantage points for the red and gold as they prepare to make the first wave of roster cuts, which will trim the current 90-man roster down to 75 players.

The 53-man roster will be announced following the Niners’ fourth and final preseason game.

Before we get to that point, let’s evaluate five aspects and factors drawing our attention between Green Bay and San Francisco.

Next: Can the 49ers Maintain the Pass Rush?