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](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/5b7be4f64ab26b5f851039aac9c766ba8a5c277c47a4d9d4eb4903d2203dd167.jpg)
Consistency from the 49ers Pass Rush
Would you believe it? The 49ers have a total of nine sacks over two preseason games. And this is coming from a defense that ranked No. 29 in the league last year with just 28 quarterback takedowns.
OK, so this is still preseason football. And Niners pass-rushers are often going up against second- and third-string units.
Still, it’s a good thing to see players like linebacker Marcus Rush and EDGE Tank Carradine imposing their will when given the opportunity. Just ask Pro Football Focus’ Jeff Deeney:
It's preseason and mostly vs. backups but the top two pass rush grades among all 3-4 OLBs belong to Marcus Rush and Tank Carradine. #49ers
— Jeff Deeney (@PFF_Jeff) August 21, 2016
Green Bay had one of the better pass-blocking offensive lines in the league last year — No. 5, per PFF — so the 49ers pass rush has an opportunity to show whether or not these early numbers are an anomaly or a sign of things to come.
It’s important too. San Francisco will be without top pass-rusher Aaron Lynch (suspension) for the first four games of 2016.
Next: Will a Wide Receiver Please Stand Up?