Packers vs. 49ers: High-Stakes Duel in Week 12 Showdown
The Green Bay Packers are set to face the San Francisco 49ers for the first time since their tough NFC Divisional Round loss that ended their run in the Vince Lombardi Trophy sweepstakes. Coming off a narrow win over their ultimate rivals, the Bears, the Packers are looking to find their rhythm, one where fans aren’t left aging 30 years from the stress of watching the game. Meanwhile, the 49ers are fighting to stay in the playoff race after a close loss to the Seahawks, which has them at the bottom of their division. The Packers are hoping to bounce back after a Bears game that really shouldn’t have been that close.
Green Bay had trouble containing Caleb Williams’ legs last Sunday, with the rookie quarterback compiling 70 rushing yards on just nine attempts. Defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley will need to make sure the Packers aren’t as generous with Brock Purdy, who is second among quarterbacks with 37 scrambles. Packers players, coaches, and fans remember all too well what happens when the rushing defense can’t even stop a snail sliding across the field. Raheem Mostert still gives every cheesehead nightmares.
Packers quarterback Jordan Love will also need to take care of the ball, as the 49ers are one of just nine teams with 10 or more interceptions this season. While the 49ers are good at giveth the ball to the offense, the Packers defense is quick to taketh it back. Purdy has also done his fair share of turnovers, with eight of the 13 offensive turnovers coming from his interceptions. It is worth noting he is dealing with a right shoulder injury, but Purdy is still expected to play this Sunday.
Purdy isn’t the only key player in red and gold dealing with injuries. Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, defensive lineman Javon Hargrave, and safety Talanoa Hufanga have all been placed on injured reserve. Defensive end Nick Bosa is also likely to miss time with a hip and oblique injury. One of the league’s top tight ends, George Kittle, missed last week due to a hamstring injury. As for running back Christian McCaffrey, while his calf/Achilles injury had him sidelined for a while, he’s been back on the field recently, though he’s still working his way back to full health.
The 49ers have been Matt LaFleur’s kryptonite, consistently ending the Packers’ Super Bowl hopes. Now, with this game in the regular season, LaFleur has a chance to stop the 49ers from sneaking into the postseason. Instead of facing the team that has crushed their Super Bowl dreams year after year, the Packers can ensure they don’t even get the chance to make the playoffs. Whether the Packers will rise to the occasion or fall to the 49ers once again will be answered this Sunday. Don’t miss the game on Sunday, Nov. 24th, at 4:25 p.m. ET on FOX.
