Three Keys to Victory for the 49ers Against the Packers

The Packers are good, but the 49ers are objectively better than them. Which means the 49ers would have to beat themselves to lose this game.

Here are the top three ways the 49ers can avoid beating themselves:

1. Keep Jordan Love in the pocket.

The 49ers defense has an outstanding four-man pass rush and plays elite zone coverage -- it's extremely difficult for a quarterback to beat them from the pocket. Once a quarterback escapes the pocket, the pass rush is no longer a factor, and zone coverage becomes man-to-man coverage as every defensive back and linebacker frantically searches for a receiver to chase. Suddenly, the defense is at the mercy of the quarterback, who can pass or scramble. This is how Lamar Jackson beat the 49ers, and Jordan Love could do it too if the 49ers aren't careful. Their job is to keep him in one spot, not to sack him. Trying too hard to bring him down only will allow him to escape the pocket and create big plays.

2. Commit to running the ball.

The weakest part of the Packers roster is their run defense, so exploit it. Don't get fancy and try to turn the game into a quarterback competition between Purdy and Love. The Packers gave up the fifth-most rushing yards in the league this season and the 49ers have the NFL's leading rusher in Christian McCaffrey. Let him win the game.

3. Don't ask Brock Purdy to win the game.

He's an excellent quarterback and he doesn't need to prove anything in this game. All he needs to do is win, and he can do that by handing off most of the time. No need to take any risks. The 49ers are 10-0 when Purdy throws no interceptions this season and 2-4 when he throws at least one pick. His job is to be cautious and not lose the game. Simple as that.