Nick Bosa is key for 49ers to defeat Aaron Rodgers, Packers
By Chris Wilson
History nearly repeats itself for 49ers in Dallas
The final minute of Sunday’s game felt eerily similar to the 49ers’ recent showdown with the Packers in Week 3 of the NFL regular season.
Back in September, 49ers rookie defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans’ last-minute game plan was woefully ineffective, as quarterback Aaron Rodgers drove the ball 42 yards in 35 seconds by exclusively passing to uncovered All-Pro wide receiver Davante Adams.
The game-winning drive proved to be a turning point in both teams’ seasons; It kicked off a four-game slide for San Francisco but jump-started the Packers’ season and the transformation of Rodgers from retirement candidate to All Pro with likely MVP honors.
Related: 49ers match up well against the Green Bay Packers
Ryans continued to struggle with situational football on Sunday as Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott cruised down the field against an ineffective defensive line in dire need of its top pass-rusher, and a secondary in dire need of guidance from their coach. A total 45 yards and 32 seconds later, the 49ers were saved by the bell — and a poor decision by Prescott — and avoided an unfathomable early exit from the playoffs.
Ryans’ inexperience, and the team’s lack of established talent at the cornerback position, only increase the need for Nick Bosa to be available at full strength this weekend.