Primarily a zone coverage defense, the San Francisco 49ers threw Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers a super effective changeup during a smothering performance on Sunday night at Levi’s Stadium.
According to cornerback Richard Sherman, the 49ers played mostly man-to-man coverage against the Packers and focused their defensive efforts on stopping Aaron Jones in the running game.
“We played a lot of man-to-man. (Defensive coordinator Robert) Saleh called a lot of man-to-man today and we felt like that was the plan to try and stop the run and stop Aaron Jones,” Sherman said after the 37-8 win on Sunday night, per the 49ers.
The 49ers’ combination of tight man coverage and relentless pressure turned Rodgers and the Packers’ passing game into a non-factor. Rodgers completed 20 passes for only 104 yards, the fewest ever by a quarterback with at least 20 completions in a game in NFL history.
The 49ers also accomplished their primary goal, limiting Jones to 38 rushing yards and zero catches.
Unable to block the 49ers’ defensive front and with no receiver or tight end not named Davante Adams capable of shaking man coverage, the Packers were completely handcuffed on offense.
The 49ers’ coverage changeup suggests a defense that was highly confident in being able to consistently cover a group of young receivers that has struggled to produce in the passing game this season. There was no fear in the Packers’ ability to produce big plays against man coverage.
49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said a big reason why his defense limited Rodgers was the fact that “guys weren’t open in rhythm,” and coverage was “very tight.”
Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Allen Lazard, Geronimo Allison and Jake Kumerow combined for four catches and 23 receiving yards on 10 targets. Tight end Jimmy Graham caught one pass for seven yards.
Packers coach Matt LaFleur said Monday he needed to do a better job of putting receivers in the passing game in better positions to make plays.
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