It’s simple: will the Packers be able to stop the run? At Lambeau Field, Green Bay can ride some home-field advantage this time around and it immediately begins at kickoff. Oddly enough, in the teams’ early-season matchup, Green Bay actually got out to an early 10-0 lead to begin the game and it was the Packers’ most points in the first quarter all season long. In nine games this season, the Packers have failed to score a first-quarter point. Green Bay has allowed 11 in the opening quarter - far more than the total in any other - and is a large reason behind the Packers’ stalled drives. One key difference for the teams is first-quarter sacks. On the other sideline, San Francisco has also controlled first quarter time at a 51% clip, but has posted a top-10 ranking with five first quarter points per game. It is even more surprising when factoring in that Green Bay ranks seventh in the NFL in first quarter time of possession at 52.49%. For a Packers team that has struggled to create an early advantage itself, the first drive of the game may be the most important of the game on Saturday.ĭespite their 13-4 record, the Packers have posted a head-scratching 25th ranking in the NFL with just three first quarter points per game this season. It was the same instant momentum type of drive that the 49ers have had in past postseason meetings, allowing the team to confidently play from a lead. Win the first quarter and winning the game becomes more feasibleĪlmost any Packers fan watching the Dallas-San Francisco wildcard game a week ago cringed after the first drive of the game when the 49ers moved down the field with ease and capped the drive with a touchdown. How will Green Bay fare in each respect? And will they prevent San Francisco from becoming another sixth seed to make a Super Bowl run? Today’s playoff musings discuss the Packers’ two biggest obstacles to victory: stopping the run and winning the first quarter. While the Packers will have their bowling ball AJ Dillon to complement the slashing of Aaron Jones, all eyes will be on the Packers’ defense in containing the 49ers’ array of ground weapons. On a cold night when physicality will be a difference in the game, the running game will carry incredible weight. On Saturday night, the Packers hope to reverse those fortunes as the divisional round awaits them in front of their home crowd. Four postseason losses to San Francisco in a row have left an awful taste in the Green Bay Packers’ mouths.
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