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Green Bay Packers defensive lineman Kenny Clark understands the challenge awaiting the team’s defense on Sunday night in San Francisco.
The NFC-leading 49ers are second in the NFL in points per game and total rushing yards and third in rushing touchdowns after 11 weeks, presenting big challenges for a Packers defense that allowed the most yards and second-most yards per play between Weeks 4-10.
“They run the ball really well. That’s the No. 1 focus,” Clark said Monday. “They have three really good backs. They use their fullback really well too. We’re going to have our hands full on defense.”
The 49ers offense is based around the versatile abilities of running backs Matt Breida, Tevin Coleman and Raheem Mosert, who have combined for 1,299 rushing yards and 1,652 total yards. Kyle Shanahan’s attack also features Pro Bowl fullback Kyle Juszczyk, Pro Bowl tight end George Kittle, veteran receiver Emmanuel Sanders and rookie playmaker Deebo Samuel.
The personnel and Shanahan’s creative scheme make for a tough combination for any defense.
“We definitely have a challenge ahead of us, and we have to be up for it,” Clark said.
The injury report could be important. Breida, Kittle and left tackle Joe Staley all missed the 49ers’ win over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday.
However, efficiency numbers indicate the 49ers might not be as strong on offense as the volume statistics suggest. Shanahan’s team ranks 15th in yards per play, 12th in yards per passing attempt and 14th in yards per rushing attempt, and they’re 23rd in turnover percentage.
Stopping the run will likely be a deciding factor for the Packers. Clark mentioned it as a focus of the defense, and for good reason: Mike Pettine’s group needs to force the game into Jimmy Garoppolo’s hands and hope the pass-rush can take advantage of a shaky 49ers offensive line.
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