The Key to a 49ers Upset Over The Packers

Jan 16, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel (19) runs for a touchdown after catching a pass in the third quarter against the Dallas Cowboys in a NFC Wild Card playoff football game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Vikings fans far and wide would be thrilled to see a 49ers upset over the Packers. To my mind, there is one main key.

First, though, let me say that the defense’s ability to generate pressure with just four defensive linemen will be massively important. Blitzing Aaron Rodgers can occasionally work. Blitzing Aaron Rodgers often is unlikely to work. Nick Bosa, Arik Armstead, and the rest of the DL needs to be dominant.

That being said, SF won’t win this game solely because of their defense. Rodgers will eventually break through with Davante Adams.

The real key rests on offense: Deebo Samuel. Some Vikings fans may be bitter towards Samuel since he bested Justin Jefferson for the All Pro team, but they ought not to be. Like Jefferson, Samuel is an ascending young receiver. More importantly, he earned his way onto the team.

Part of what makes him so special is his ability to run the ball. He’s a very good receiver, and yet it’s his running ability that sets him apart. For this reason, Samuel is the key for the 49ers to upset the Packers.

It’s impossible for Rodgers to take over the game from the bench. Keeping him on the bench means keeping the 49ers offense on the field. That therefore means finding consistent, creative ways to extend drives, draining the clock while (ideally) adding on points in the process. Samuel is capable of helping in this regard.

Last week, Samuel had some impressive stats. He had 10 carries for 72 yards and a TD. He also had 3 catches for 38 yards. He’ll likely need to improve on this production to keep the Packers from moving on in the playoffs.

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