Green Bay Packers
Stop Kaepernick
Easier said than done, the Green Bay Packers spent an entire offseason trying to figure out how to win this game. Most of that preparation went into stopping Kaepernick and the read option. As the Baltimore Ravens proved in the Super Bowl, it can be done. The Packers will need to place pressure on the quarterback early and often. Stopping the read option will most likely require hitting Kaepernick, even when he hands the ball off.
Establish the run
The other major project for the Packers in the offseason was to improve its running game. Earlier this year, Packers coach Mike McCarthy guaranteed the running game will be improved. This is the kind of game where it will be essential. With a vicious pass rush, the 49ers are not the type of team the Packers, who are starting a rookie at left tackle, want to be one-dimensional and put quarterback Aaron Rodgers in harm’s way over and over again. Rookie running back Eddie Lacy flashed during the preseason and could be a major factor.
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San Francisco 49ers
Take away the big play
The 49ers had the No. 4-ranked pass defense in the league a season ago. The team was the best in the NFL in taking away the big plays. Taking away the big play and forcing the Packers to be methodical was one of the main reason’s the 49ers came away victorious against the Packers twice last season.
Balanced attack
The 49ers will run the ball. They will also augment the ground attack with the read-option. But to be successful, Colin Kaepernick will have to establish that he can throw the ball. To do so he will have to gel with a stable of new receivers and without his favorite target, Michael Crabtree, who begins the season on the physically unable to perform list.
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Other keys
Must-see matchup
Welcome to the NFL, David Bahktiari. The Packers rookie left tackle is getting thrown into the deep end of the pool right away, and he will either sink or swim. Bahktiari will be tasked with taking on Aldon Smith, who had 19.5 sacks last year. The Packers turned to Bahktiari after Bryan Bulaga, perhaps the Packers’ best offensive lineman, went down for the year with a knee injury. It’s likely the Packers will provide the rookie some help against such an elite pass rusher, but if Bahktiari doesn’t measure up, Rodgers may not have time to pass the ball. If Rodgers has time, he should be able to exploit 49ers’ rookie safety Eric Reed.
Hot seat
Mason Crosby is still on notice. The kicker who survived a brutal season a year ago and a kicking competition during training camp shouldn’t feel any security heading into the regular season. While he’s kicked better recently, Crosby is probably on a very short leash. It may only take a few misses for the Packers to get on the phone to the other kickers they’ve looked at this preseason.
About due
Tight end Jermichael Finley has been on the verge of breaking out since his rookie year in 2008. Injury, attitude and inconsistency have all conspired to keep it from actually happening. This year could be different. Finley is healthy, has a new attitude and is coming off one of his best training camps ever. Finley finally living up to the potential would mean big things for the Packers’ offense.
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