2023 Division round at the SF

[ExpatPacker]

Last week Watson was very quiet. I think we always proceed with caution for a player in his first week back.
I think Watson could become a focus tomorrow. I wouldn’t even be surprised to see us go after a deep kill shot early in. In the past? SF played much faster and more physical than GB. That disparity is largely diminished. I think we forgot what Watson brings ti the table. He’s a legit deep threat that can score in 8 seconds flat. That fact either causes teams to disrespect us and pay dearly or respect us and give up some 1st downs here n there.

I wonder whether Watson's going to be fully ready tomorrow given that he just got back last week and caught one pass for 9 yards. I also wonder about Reed. He was targeted 3 times and caught none.

 

[ExpatPacker]

Could be. Now they caught Dallas earlier in the season. Where we caught them late season so plenty of time has evolved.

The biggest factor is we played them at Dallas and I think that should be pointed out. After all, Dallas had won 16 home games in a row and we came in there and hit them like a Mack truck. They were a 7.5 point favorite and we beat them by 16+

Now I totally understand SF being favorites, but 9.5 points is a bit much after factoring the Packers are in a 4 game Win stretch and stomped the p oo p oo out of Dallas.

It’s ok though. But curiosity has me thinking. Let’s say we beat SF by 10 points. Are we still an underdog after that?

The talking heads basically have their script. SF defense will focus on stopping the run forcing Love to beat them through the air. That will allow Bosa and the boys to pin their ears back and make Love's life difficult. On the other side of the ball Packers defense won't be able to stop CMC and that will leave Kittles and Deebo free for Purdy to shred the Packers defense. It's a tidy little script that makes the game look over before it even starts. And that's why it means next to nothing...

 

[PackerDNA]

I wonder whether Watson's going to be fully ready tomorrow given that he just got back last week and caught one pass for 9 yards. I also wonder about Reed. He was targeted 3 times and caught none.

Our top two receivers combined for one catch and 9 yards. And yet the offense still puts up over 40 points and nearly 400 yards. I think that bodes well for us.

 

[rmontro]

Let’s say we beat SF by 10 points. Are we still an underdog after that?

I think we'd be favored over Detroit, maybe not against Tampa. But let's find out.
Really, I think a lot of SF being favored by 9.5 has to do with their recent historical dominance of us.

I wonder whether Watson's going to be fully ready tomorrow given that he just got back last week and caught one pass for 9 yards.

Next man up. This seems to be one of those years where that actually works.

 

[McKnowledge]

I think Love is gonna break out against this 49ers secondary.

Without a true No.1 WR the entire receiving corp are potential X-Factors.

I foresee big games from Musgrave and Kraft, which I hope means they are utilized.

Aaron Jones will have quite the challenge against the 49ers front.

I think Green Bay should take the spread (currently -9.5) personally and once again start out the game firing...Packers are playing with house money and the dealers should be nervous.

If Green Bay pulls the upset, Packers are going to Vegas!!!

Don't play timid, don't coach timidly, and keep their foot on the 49ers neck if Green Bay gets a good lead.

Go Pack Go!!!

 

[OldSchool101]

I wonder whether Watson's going to be fully ready tomorrow given that he just got back last week and caught one pass for 9 yards. I also wonder about Reed. He was targeted 3 times and caught none.

He was removed from the injury report altogether, so that’s a big positive.

Also in Watson’s first game this season (9/28/23 Detroit) he was similarly used sparingly (46% Offensive snaps). Christian went on to play 84% of possible O snaps the following week.
Watson never played below 75% of snaps in any week across a 7 game stretch until he had a setback 12/03/2023 and played 73%.

My guess is #9 will be
1. Used between his usual 80% snaps and his entry 46% snaps because we have realized other potential playmakers (spreading the ball around on purpose) and he’s had similar setbacks.
2. He’ll go his usual ~80% snap area

 

[Poppa San]

I wouldn’t even be surprised to see us go after a deep kill shot early in.

I still contend the the first big pass to Doubs last week was drawn up to be a deep shot to Watson. Dallas triple teamed him leaving Doubs wide open on the star.

 

[OkieCheesehead]

We were also #1 seed in 2011 with a 15-1 record. That was more painful than anything Jerry experienced last Sunday.

I’m still not over that game

 

[BrokenArrow]

Without a true No.1 WR the entire receiving corp are potential X-Factors.

You know, I've never seen a definitive explanation of what, exactly, a "true #1 WR" is. I'll say this though. If we don't have one on this team, then we don't need one. And if the definition is having one guy who is there to rely on game in and game out, I'm not sure I want one.

 

[Voyageur]

Watching the Packers against the 49ers is like looking in a mirror. Both teams are built similarly, and both have their strengths and weaknesses. In fact, both Head Coaches come from the Bill Walsh tree of coaching.

Enjoy the game. The 49ers are more experienced, and the Packers are very young, and will be even stronger next year. Half of the players that are in our lineup haven't even began to near their prime.

No matter what happens against the 49ers, the Packers are winners. Nobody thought they'd ever make it this far. Enjoy the ride.

If we lose, next year is going to be even better. If we lose, nobody expected us to win anyway. We're playing on house money.

 

[ExpatPacker]

I’m still not over that game

Me either. Rodgers was off from snap 1 and I can forget Jerdroppal Paddlehands. And that Hail Mary at the end of the 1st half was sickening.

 

[weeds]

Got up a little earlier than usual. Went to KwikTrip to get my cup of REAL coffee (wife only keep Keurig stuff in-house), was listening to CBS sports radio talking heads in the short 5 minute drive, and the term "house money" was used 4 times. That term has joined "We're gonna take it to the next level" and "It is what it is" ...amongst others in the pages of "Weeds Most Eye-roll Invoking Sports Cliches and Other Stuff" (available at your nearest landfill now).

All of the drivel served up since the Pack beat the Cowbags last weekend has not changed my thinking that this team can beat the 49'ers.

Truth be told, they've proven that they play up or down to the competition in my opinion. That's not a good thing in the long run and we'll see how it goes tonight. This thing reminds me so much of the lead up the Packers/49'ers 1995 Divisional playoff game that it's just uncanny. Which brings me to my point...

I'm believing that this game, like '95, is going to come down to coaching, plain and simple. In '95 Holmgren wanted more than anything to beat his former club who were also the defending Super Bowl Champions ... and leave NO DOUBT because the Packers were still after-thoughts leading up to that game. Still in the rebuilding process with plenty of holes for Wolf to fill, seemed like many of the starters were castoffs from other teams, but still upgrades from what they inherited. If you've read Wolf's book The Packer Way, you know what he was doing.

LeFluer, in my mind is still chasing Shanahan - they're besties if you believe the press - and I have to think that in this case, the teacher has spanked the student. Frankly ... our losses to the 9'ers have been the result of their staff making our staff look 3rd tier (has to be 3rd tier because the 9'ers haven't won anything neither but still beat us). In fairness ... Holmgren had Fritz Shurmur, who as DC for the Rams made a career out of making the 9'ers lives miserable and brought that legacy here) while LeFluer, at his own choosing, has THAT GUY...can THAT GUY dial up something that Shanahan hasn't already blown out of the water? Can LeFluer pull a Volkswagon out of his a** and serve up something Shanahan hasn't already blown out of the water? Again, we shall see.

Still and the same, I've seen nothing, nor heard nothing, that convinces me that this team can't pull off a '95 victory of their own. THEIR coming out party, if you will. There, I've said it - they can make their own legacy, or say, "Hey, we're not supposed to be here anyway ... so, we're "playing on house money'" and go home satisfied. Should these guys, and I'm talking the coaching staff too, decide that they belong at this level, which they've proven they can run with the "elites", we have a real shot at beating these guys because we DO belong here - your record says who you are.

 

[ExpatPacker]

I think Love is gonna break out against this 49ers secondary.

i don't think it makes sense to talk about breakout games for Love anymore. He's had them. He's arrived. It's more like, can he keep it up? If he can play up to the level he did last week against the Cowboys that would be amazing.

 

[ExpatPacker]

All of the drivel served up since the Pack beat the Cowbags last weekend has not changed my thinking that this team can beat the 49'ers.

Add to the drivel the one about the Packers being such a young team they lack experience but they don't know any better. The plus-and-minus BS. I'm reasonably confident they know what a playoff game is and what it means. They were just in one last week.

 

[longtimefan]

Add to the drivel the one about the Packers being such a young team they lack experience but they don't know any better. The plus-and-minus BS. I'm reasonably confident they know what a playoff game is and what it means. They were just in one last week.

They were in it last 3 weeks of season

 

[PackerDNA]

We and others have all gone over the captain obvious keys to victory. Don't turn the ball over. Don't drop passes. No killer penalties. Tackle well. Focus and execute.
But to me there are two big keys to this game.
1-the 49ers are always known for their physical play. The Packers have to match that physicality.
1A-this game will be decided in the pits. If the Packers can hold their own or win the lines of scrimmage, their chances of winning go up exponentially.
No matter what, I'm proud of this bunch and I'm just going to sit back and enjoy this game tonight. Don't just be happy to be here fellas. Focus, give everything you've got, and what will be will be. Go Pack!

 

[gopkrs]

The predictions on weather have been all over the place. That said, I'd like SF to win the toss and defer. In case the wind is important and we can choose which side to take for the 4th quarter. I don't care if Watson catches passes if he can take a couple of defenders with him. But I think he will catch a few for first downs. Maybe deep also. Go Pack Go!

 

[Team Ronny]

Add to the drivel the one about the Packers being such a young team they lack experience but they don't know any better. The plus-and-minus BS. I'm reasonably confident they know what a playoff game is and what it means. They were just in one last week.

Most of their starters on defense are veterans too..that whole too young crap is old.

 

[games]

Apparently, a radio station app sent out a broadcast text to subscribers about the halftime entertainment at the Super Bowl.
This is from the "Things that make you go hmm..." department.

You must be logged in to see this image or video!

 

[AmishMafia]

Add to the drivel the one about the Packers being such a young team they lack experience but they don't know any better. The plus-and-minus BS. I'm reasonably confident they know what a playoff game is and what it means. They were just in one last week.

The whole meaning of this and House Money is that the Packers have no public expectations on them. No pressure. They can play freely and try to win. The 49ers have a play not to lose mentality. Advantage to the Packers.

Thoughts:

I heard LB Warner Said they need to stuff the run game and put it on Love's shoulders. I think Warner is in for a surprise.

Our offense is focused on confusing the LBs. This is the best LB group we have faved. Are they going to be confused.

I am hoping for rain - advantage for the Packers.

I may be as concerned with Kittle as I am with CMC.

I think we have a real chance to win and it will be a high scoring game. Packers 37 49ers 33

 

[OUpackfan]

Go Pack Go!!! Game Day

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

I may be as concerned with Kittle as I am with CMC.

I am with you on that. I have seen way too many TE's torch the Packers defenses over the years.

 

[AmishMafia]

Apparently, a radio station app sent out a broadcast text to subscribers about the halftime entertainment at the Super Bowl.
This is from the "Things that make you go hmm..." department.

You must be logged in to see this image or video!

So the NFL season is scripted and the radio stations are in on it.

Damn, you think these radio station managers would make millions betting on these games.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

You know, I just noticed this, both #1 seeds are playing tomorrow. So that means the #1 seed now gets 13 days rest, and goes up against a team that only gets 6 days to prepare. That's a big advantage. So how is it we were the #1 seed two years in a row and couldn't get out of the conference?

Sometimes "rest" is overrated. Honestly, throw out the injuries sustained in the Dallas game and I would rather be the Packers right now. They have a ton of momentum going into todays game. The 49'ers not only had last week off, but they basically rested their starters in the final game against the Rams. Which means that most of the 49'er starters haven't played in a meaningful game in 3 weeks. Even that game was against the 4-13 Commanders and the 9'ers coasted to a 27-10 win. Meanwhile, it is business as usual for the Packers, another must win game to stay alive.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

So the NFL season is scripted and the radio stations are in on it.

Damn, you think these radio station managers would make millions betting on these games.

You must be logged in to see this image or video!