Niner Noise
FanSided

49ers: 3 players who are X-factors vs. Packers in NFC Championship game

By Jeremy Wohlfart

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 24: Defensive end Nick Bosa #97 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after making a tackle during the first half of the game against the Green Bay Packers at Levi's Stadium on November 24, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 24: Defensive end Nick Bosa #97 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after making a tackle during the first half of the game against the Green Bay Packers at Levi's Stadium on November 24, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 11: Richard Sherman #25 of the San Francisco 49ers runs on to the field for their game against the Seattle Seahawks at Levi’s Stadium on November 11, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

No. 2: Richard Sherman

It makes one pause when you consider that cornerback Richard Sherman was once, arguably, the most hated player in the National Football League to San Francisco 49ers fans worldwide.

Nowadays, he’s one of the most beloved personalities on the roster. His brash manner, once arrogant to San Francisco, is now endearing.

The fact that Sherman is still locking down receivers on a weekly basis doesn’t hurt either.

The Packers rely a lot on receiver Davante Adams when passing the ball. Adams was unstoppable against the Seattle Seahawks in the playoffs, with eight catches for 160 yards and two touchdowns.

He had less of an impact against San Francisco in the regular season, having to settle for routes underneath and not being able to break open. He had seven catches for 43 yards and a touchdown that was a tap pass, and thus more a run than him actually getting open against the San Francisco secondary.

The 49ers don’t match corners on receivers, so Sherman won’t be solely responsible for Adams. But it’s his job to take away the favorite weapon of quarterback Aaron Rodgers when he’s matched up against him.

Doing so would take away a significant part of the Packers’ passing offense.