10 things to watch in Packers-49ers
By Tom Silverstein of the Journal Sentinel
Dec. 4, 2010 |(44) Comments
Green Bay -- Here are my 10 things to watch on Sunday
1. Capturing Troy: After filling in for injured Alex Smith Oct. 24, Smith has won three of his four starts. Smith has good scrambling ability, but the most he has rushed for in a game is 45 yards. He will look to throw whenever he can. Still, the Packers havent been very good at containing quarterbacks and may play a lot of zone so they always have an eye on Smith.
2. What could have been: The Packers had a chance to sign veteran running back Brian Westbrook during training camp, but they decided to pass because they were concerned about previous knee and head injuries. Westbrook had done next to nothing until last week when he rushed 23 times for 136 yards and a touchdown in place of injured Frank Gore. Hell start Sunday and well see if the Packers were wrong about him.
3. Welcome back: A pair with local connections were added to the 49ers roster this week: former Wisconsin safety Chris Maragos and former Packers running back DeShawn Wynn. Its unknown whether either will be active but with only Westbrook and Anthony Dixon around, it would seem Wynn would get a shot.
4. Run it if you can: The 49ers defense hasnt allowed a 100-yard rusher in the past 17 games. The Packers have had one 100-yard rushing performance all year (Brandon Jackson, 115 vs. Washington). Logic would tell you the Packers are going to have trouble running the ball Sunday and will need 30 carries to get 100 yards.
5. The great outdoors: Quarterback Aaron Rodgers doesnt have any trouble throwing the ball in the cold he threw for 383 yards vs. Pittsburgh last year in 30-degree temperature but hes only 4-3 in December outdoor games in cold-weather cities. The Packers have three four of those coming up starting Sunday.
6. Second chance: Packers special teams coach Shawn Slocum was adamant this week that he was not giving up on cornerback Sam Shields on kickoff returns. Shields made at least one bad decision on whether to return a kick last week, but also nearly broke one for a touchdown. Shields, who is averaging a healthy 26.3 yards per return, will be playing in cold-weather for the first time in his pro career. Keep an eye on how he fields the ball.
7. Hawk-eye: Dont be surprised if linebacker A.J. Hawk spends time covering dangerous tight end Vernon Davis on Sunday. Hawks position often requires that he defend the deep middle of the field and hes sure to be isolated on Davis from time to time. Hawk has been better in coverage this year, but this will be the ultimate test.
8. Clays day: Well know a lot more about how much linebacker Clay Matthews injury is bothering him on Sunday. Hell be going up against 49ers rookie right tackle Anthony Davis, who has given up seven sacks this year and is playing on a bad ankle. Right guard Chilo Rachal isnt much better and so Matthews and B.J. Raji could be running a lot of games on that side.
9. Turnover heaven: The Packers are plus-6 at home in turnover margin and after failing to get one last week against Atlanta, the pressure will be on them to get a few. Smith only has two interceptions in four starts and probably wont take a lot of chances. After losing one fumble in the first six games, the 49ers have lost four in the last five.
10. Field of dreams: Lambeau Field hasnt been played on since Nov. 7. If the field isnt in great condition then theres a problem. The grounds crew has been using enormous grow lights to try encourage growth in the latter months of Fall. The footing should be good given how long anyone has played on it.