5 Packers weaknesses 49ers can attack in NFC Championship game
By Chris Wilson
No. 2: A 49ers Strong-Side Pass Rush
Aaron Rodgers still remains an elusive quarterback despite being 36 years old. And he only took 36 sacks this season, which ranked 14th among all quarterbacks. The Green Bay Packers’ offensive line, meanwhile, ranked 10th in pass protection, according to Football Outsiders.
That said, the 49ers registered five sacks on Rodgers the last time these two teams played, essentially taking over the game and limiting Rodgers to a mere 104 passing yards during that primetime contest.
With Dee Ford back, the Niners are even better equipped to make Rodgers’ life under center difficult.
Right tackle Bryan Bulaga missed the divisional round against Seattle with an illness, but one should expect him to be good to go against the 49ers. According to Pro Football Focus, though, Bulaga allowed four sacks and 26 quarterback hurries on the season.
Right guard Billy Turner was even worse, allowing seven sacks and a team-high 50 pressures.
This plays right into Dee Ford’s hands, as well as defensive tackle Arik Armstead, who’ll likely switch inside for obvious pass-rushing situations. Both Ford and Armstead had sacks against the Vikings last week, as did defensive linemen Nick Bosa, DeForest Buckner and Solomon Thomas.
If there was ever a time for San Francisco’s defensive line to play at its highest capacity, it’s on Sunday.