Packers vs. 49ers Preview – Packers News @ PFT

fpadmin | 09/04/2012

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‘] GREEN BAY – It does, in fact, get better than this.
San Francisco at Green Bay in last year’s NFC Championship Game would have qualified as more important than Sunday’s 49ers-Packers regular season opener at Lambeau Field.
The eventual Super Bowl champion New York Giants had other plans, however, so this game was put on hold until Sunday.
Now we will get answers to the most pressing two questions.
** Will the Packers’ revamped run defense stonewall the 49ers’ powerful running game? The 49ers rushed for 2,044 yards and an average of 4.1-yards per carry last season. Pro Bowl running back Frank Gore is the lead dog, but he has plenty of help in ex-Giants free-agent Brandon Jacobs, speedy second-round draft pick LaMichael James and shifty Kendal Hunter.
The Packers’ run defense will be tested in this pass-fail exam. If the Packers’ defense fails, the 49ers won’t have to pass much at all. They will be content to stuff it down Green Bay’s throat. The 49ers averaged more than 31 carries per game a year ago.
After an entire offseason spent talking about the Packers’ pass rush, the fact is that B.J. Raji, Ryan Pickett, Jerel Worthy and the others better be ready to stop the run. Even if the Packers’ high-powered offense builds an early lead, the 49ers and head coach Jim Harbaugh won’t be quick to abandon the running game.
So what does that mean for Green Bay’s defense? Fortunately, a couple of factors are working in the Packers’ favor.
First, the 49ers aren’t quite sure what Green Bay’s defensive line is capable of. Where they attack in the run game (at linebacker D.J. Smith) seems obvious, but how well they execute it remains to be seen.
Second, the Packers’ linebackers are faster (even with Smith) and their defensive backs are much more physical in run support.
The 49ers simply won’t be able to lineup and run over Green Bay. The Packers’ humiliating 2011 season, coupled with a riled up home crowd, should carry the Packers’ defense in the opener.
** Can the 49ers’ highly regarded defense stop the Packers’ dynamic offense? The 49ers are led by a trio of Pro Bowl defenders – defensive tackle Justin Smith and inside linebackers Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman – who didn’t allow a rushing touchdown or a 100-yard rusher in the 49ers’ first 14 games last season. The Packers’ Cedric Benson is going to take a shot at both in the season opener.
Do the Packers have what it takes offensively to thwart the 49ers?
In a word, absolutely, because the Packers’ offense isn’t going to be as good as it was in 2011. It is going to be better.
Aaron Rodgers threw for more than 4,000 yards with 45 touchdowns to only six interceptions. His quarterback rating was record-setting. His third down efficiency was obscene.
Nevertheless, Rodgers can be better by not having to do so much.
He should benefit from at least the threat of a running game with Benson. He also should find it easier to move the chains as Alex Green develops into a reliable third-down back.
Starting receivers Greg Jennings and Jordy Nelson are as dynamic a one-two punch as there is in the NFL. Second-year pro Randall Cobb is ascending and veterans James Jones and Donald Driver are reliable, able-bodied playmakers.
Tight end Jermichael Finley is completely healthy and ready to maximize his mammoth potential.
The Packers’ offense in 2011 won games by outscoring opponents. This season, the offense will win games by dominating the action. They will be able to run it when necessary and throw it when they prefer.
Rodgers’ ability to read defenses and manipulate play calls at the line of scrimmage is only going to increase as he matures.
The special teams is a concern in so far as punt and kick coverage, especially given the 49ers’ proficiency with Ted Ginn, Jr., one of the NFL’s best. Also, the Niners’ David Akers (a record 44 field goals in 2011) and punter Andy Lee (a record 44-yard net) are very good, but the Packers’ Mason Crosby and Tim Masthay also are among the best.
The Packers’ McCarthy and the 49ers’ Harbaugh are among the NFL’s most respected head coaches, and their staffs are hard-working and creative. The 49ers will use “jumbo” formations with massive defensive tackles, and the read option with backup QB Colin Kaepernick. The Packers also will be creative near the goal line.
So how does the opener play out?
After a sluggish start offensively, the Packers will get it ramped up in time to score a 34-24 victory over San Francisco. Rodgers will throw for three touchdowns, and Green will rush for another. As good as the 49ers’ defense is, it will be Green Bay’s defense getting its redemption.
Chris Havel is a Packers News expert and national best-selling author. His latest book is Lombardi: An Illustrated Life. Havel can be heard Monday through Friday from 4-6 p.m. CDT on WDUZ FM 107.5 The Fan, or on AM-1400, as well as Fan Internet Radio (www.thefan1075.com). Havel also hosts Event USA’ Player Autograph Parties the evening before home games.

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Kudos to Amy for making sure that the tickets to the tailgate party were waiting for me at the reception desk! Your personal phone call and text messages went above and beyond customer satisfaction! I can't wait for the 2024 season, rest assured that my go-to Packer's game supplier will be Event USA for a long time.
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-Jean-Pierre Mallette, Montréal, Canada

"Thank you so much Cathy, greatly appreciate your help. As always, EventUSA has been awesome to deal with in booking the Lodge Kohler package for the Tampa Bay Game, particularly for me traveling from Sydney, Australia, it takes the stress out of the booking process. "

-Kayle

"Good Morning, Nicole - Everything you did turned out great. The seats were great. Access to the air conditioned club lounge was great. Lots of Packers fans in the club lounge and overall at the stadium. The tailgate party at the fancy restaurant in the hotel was fabulous. The servers just kept on bringing out different sliders and desserts. Good thing that I got in a 30-minute run along the river in the morning. So, thank you! You may be speaking with me in November if I can work out getting up to Green Bay for a game. It's been too long since my last time. One of the best aspects of this weekend was interacting with so many people from Wisconsin and learning their personal stories of things Packers. And we even met a couple from St. Petersburg, Florida (my home county) and were able to tell them about the Varsity Club tavern and Packers bar in Clearwater where Mark Murphy's mother is in attendance -- very nice lady whose retirement home is in Clearwater, which borders my little city of Dunedin. Pre-COVID, I always went to the Varsity when the Packers games weren't televised locally -- lots of Wisconsin natives there, too + they serve brats and sauerkraut during Packers games. I'm glad that you are working for Event USA. "

-- Martin Lawyer, Dunedin, Florida

"Dennis - I was blessed to join Amy and some of your customers at the Morton's tailgate as well as after the game. She does an amazing job for you. Every single customer I met praised Event USA for being able to arrange the hotel and tickets and fabulous tailgate party in such a quick time. Having been to some great tour tailgate parties in Jacksonville and Kansas City and old San Francisco, a lot can be said of the long-term benefit of having really great tailgate parties. Morton's was probably one of the best - amazing food, patio sitting on the riverfront, walk to stadium, open bar!!! It was first class fun!!!"

-Matt

"Hi Amy- Just wanted to say thank you for making Jacksonville happen! We had a wonderful time and looking forward to more Packers games with Event USA in the future! Even though the game was not what we expected- we are packers fans for life-lol! Go pack go!!"

-Julie Mastrianni

"I want to thank Event USA and in particular Amy Flores for the Jacksonville trip. We have used you before and always were very pleased with the packages you have set up and your service. My son who lives in Charleston, SC and myself who lives in Minnesota, decided we needed to do a guys trip and decided to go through your company to see the opener in New Orleans. I initially called and talked with Amy about some questions I had and booked our trip. After itinerary and info was emailed to us, it soon became apparent that the trip to New Orleans wouldn’t happen. In steps Amy, wondering if we would be interested in Dallas if the game was moved there and a package was set up. Then finally the move to Jacksonville and continued communication from Amy on our interest. It was getting late at that point and I was wondering if she would be able to pull off setting up a package in Jacksonville. She did it. We went to Jacksonville and had a great time. The accommodations and the tail gate were fabulous. If only the Packer team we were hoping for had made the trip. Thank you Event USA and in particular Amy Flores."

-Tom Sohrweide, White Bear Lake, MN

"Thank you for all your help. I had a great time at the Packer-Raider game opening day. I have already begun telling interested Packer fans in Sacramento about your service. The next time I come to Green Bay for a game, I’ll be sure to ask for your help. God bless you and God bless the Green Bay Packers."

-Frank Chavez, Sacramento

"I just wanted to say that I had such a great time. The whole weekend was so much fun. I enjoyed the Player Autograph Party and the tailgate party was just the best. After coming from a country that loves soccer, it was nice to mix with people who have the same interests as me. Thank you once again, Green Bay is one very special place."

-Beverley Moore, Lancaster

"My accommodations at the Best Western Midway were excellent. I was picked up at the airport and returned promptly. No problems at all. Your representative at the hotel on game day was very pleasant and helpful. The tailgate party was super, great food, great drinks and lots of fun. Obviously, Lambeau Field and the game itself was great. I will continue to use Event USA in the future, and I will definitely tell anyone who I come across to give you a call. One last thing, the hospitality I experienced in Green Bay was incredible. I have traveled to many places, and I don’t think there are more friendly people than the people of Green Bay. Thank you again and see you next year!"

-David Anastas, Worchester

"My wife and I booked the tour to Tampa. The trip was so well organized from start to finish. It started with the people in the office with their friendly help over the phone, to receiving the tickets in the mail, and meeting the tour guides with their upbeat personalities. Signs guided us in the airport and information was posted in our motel lobbies to keep us posted. Your people had everything in order. Talk about organization, you had it. Event USA made this a most memorable trip. Thanks for all involved."

-Dick Koerner, Neenah

"I wish to convey my sincere thanks and gratitude for providing my husband and I with, what he refers to as the greatest experience of my life, apart from my wedding day."

-Lara and Matt Appleton, Thornhill, Ontario

"Thanks for all your help, the great tickets and service, and the chance to help me make one of my son’s dreams come true, seeing the Packers playing at home in Lambeau Field."

-Sam Jones, Sedalia

"I just want to thank you for the wonderful job your staff did last weekend for the Packers vs. Lions game. This was our first time utilizing your program and we were not disappointed at all. In fact, we can’t wait to schedule and event for next season’s games. From my first experience with your staff placing my order until the very end at checkout of the hotel, everything was perfect. You truly out-do yourselves to please everyone. Thanks again for making our stay in Green Bay one of the best."

-Kim Ewing and Bruce DeMaine, Ann Arbor

"Thanks so much for the best weekend ever! You not only got us in all the Magazines, TV, WWW pages and even the big screen at Lambeau Field, but Disney World on the side? Nice job – You and your family are top notch – we were on the best tour for the Super Bowl! Seeing the Green Bay Packers win back the Lombardi Trophy was a life long dream of this Packer fan, and you all were so dedicated to the job of taking care of us that, like the Packers, we were a winning team! Keep me on your list."

-William D Lorge, Representative to the Wisconsin State Assembly