4 reasons why 49ers will be better vs. Packers this time around
By Peter Panacy
Reason No. 3: 49ers will have a better game plan vs. Davante Adams
It sounds much simpler than it actually is. But the Niners’ top defensive modus operandi during the divisional round should be to take away Packers All-Pro wide receiver Davante Adams as much as possible.
In a sense, San Francisco had success in this facet during the Wild Card round, limiting Cowboys No. 1 wide receiver CeeDee Lamb to just one catch for 21 yards, and Green Bay doesn’t have an elite-level secondary wideout on its roster like Dallas has with Amari Cooper.
Unless you count Packers wideouts Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Allen Lazard at the same level as Cooper, which you shouldn’t.
Adams was amazing in that game in Week 3, hauling in 12 passes for 132 yards and a touchdown. But it’s important to acknowledge the fact the 49ers were still figuring out their cornerback situation, which had previously been hindered by the season-ending ACL tear suffered by No. 1 corner Jason Verrett in Week 1.
It took time, but the Niners are much better equipped now with Emmanuel Moseley and the up-and-coming rookie, Ambry Thomas, who has shown steady improvement each game late in the season.
The Niners will have to pay extra attention to Adams, and Aaron Rodgers targeting him is still a massive threat.
But don’t expect Adams to take over quite as he did in Week 3.