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

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This could easily turn into one of those games where Garoppolo’s talent as a passer could be in demand. The 49ers must go into this with a certain level of humility, acknowledging the reality that any given Sunday, anything can happen.

Especially when playing against Rodgers and his talented crew.

If this game somehow turns into a shootout in the Bay, then Jimmy-G will have to be on point. He’ll need to be smart about his passes, and more importantly, get rid of the ball quickly to avoid sacks and unnecessary hits.

In this matchup, every single yard will matter.

The 49ers offensive line has to protect Garoppolo. Tackles Joe Staley and Mike McGlinchey will have almost all they can handle against the Packers’ pass rushers.

Staley has been on fire in the last few weeks, but McGlinchey needs to limit the penalties and keep his assignment in check.

Of course, none of this matters if the receiving corps doesn’t rise to the challenge.

Wide receivers, Kendrick Bourne, Emmanuel Sanders, and tight end George Kittle must run clean routes and take what is given to them—and more. Thankfully, these three studs excel at creating yards after the catch.

Kittle is the key. Last week, he saw a limited receiving role and was used in blocking situations. This must be reversed against the Packers.

Their stout unit made short order of the Seahawks’ tight ends whenever they blocked, and the Packers sacked Wison five times.

The 49ers have a real chance to not only win this week against the Packers, but to win Super Bowl LIV and hoist a sixth Lombardi trophy. If they pull this off, the 49ers would join the Pittsburgh Steelers and New England Patriots in a three-way tie for six Super Bowl wins apiece.

Somehow, this feels like destiny.

All of the pieces are coming together. This feels good.