Demovsky: But won’t the 49ers have to respect the Packers’ running game a little bit more with the addition of rookie Eddie Lacy? He looks like their first legitimate running back since Ryan Grant in 2009. If the Packers can establish Lacy on first down, they might be able to keep themselves out of obvious passing situations, and then Aldon Smith wouldn’t be able to tee off and jet-rush up the field on every second and third down.

Williamson: That is certainly the Packers' hope. It is clear that getting their ground game back on track was a focal point of the offseason. This is a passer’s league, but getting yardage on the ground and keeping Kaepernick off the field will surely help Green Bay’s cause as much the relief that it would give Rodgers. But here’s the rub -- San Francisco is a monster against the run. The 49ers allowed just 3.7 yards per rush last season, third-best in the NFL. The Packers will be hard-pressed to break their streak of 43 regular-season games without a 100-yard rusher.

Something I would like, is for Mike McCarthy not to get into patterns. Sometimes it seems like he normally runs the ball on 2nd down and passes the ball on third down (even 3rd and short) to the point where I felt like everyone knew that was happening.

I think some fans will go crazy the first short yardage power run 1st down or touch down they see, because it feels like it's been so long. (though Benson and Starks did get some they didn't stay healthy for long).

Originally Posted by: beast