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49ers: Blueprint for stopping Aaron Rodgers, Packers in NFC Championship

By Elvis Jerez

Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers with Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers with Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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ARLINGTON, TX – OCTOBER 6: Aaron Jones #33 of the Green Bay Packers celebrates after scoring his fourth touchdown during a game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on October 6, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX – OCTOBER 6: Aaron Jones #33 of the Green Bay Packers celebrates after scoring his fourth touchdown during a game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on October 6, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

Stop The Run

On the flip side, the Packers are likely to launch similar tactics against the 49ers. Green Bay has a solid running back in Aaron Jones, and if they get any rhythm going with him, it will deplete the Niners’ defense, put time of possession in their favor, sideline Garoppolo, and give the Packers’ defense respite to fight another down.

Having SAM linebacker Kwon Alexander healthy and ready to fight on Sunday should give the 49ers the stopping power they need to thwart Jones’ impact.

In the Divisional Round against the Minnesota Vikings, Alexander proved instrumental in limiting running back Dalvin Cook to a measly 18 yards on nine carries.

Bring The Heat

Rodgers is a superb pocket passer, but he’s particularly lethal when he rolls out of the pocket. He stays calm, goes through his progressions, and can dial up a laser on the dime to an open receiver downfield.

Rodgers is a different type of “mobile” quarterback. Unlike quarterbacks Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens and Russell Wilson of the Seattle Seahawks, who inflict crippling damage with the rushing yardage they rack up, Rodgers is perfectly happy staying behind the line of scrimmage.

Rodgers is smart, decisive, experienced, and can still hurl a 60-yard bomb on command while making it seem effortless.

Edge rushers Nick Bosa, Dee Ford, Arik Armstead, and MIKE linebacker Fred Warner must ruthlessly remind Rodgers that Levi’s Stadium is their house, and in this house, you mind your manners.

https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1198775400068837377?s=20

Doing so should lead to victory.