Tag: Arik Armstead

Studs and duds from 49ers’ 37-8 thumping of Packers

We’re running out of superlatives to describe how dominating the 49ers can be. 

We’re running out of superlatives to describe how dominant the 49ers can be. Green Bay never really stood a chance after fumbling on the third play of the game, and never really threatened the 49ers after 57 seconds of game time. The 49ers took their first lead 1:58 into the game and never once looked back on their way to a 37-8 romp. Sunday night was the best win of the season against the best team they’ve played.

There were plenty of studs with a few duds in San Francisco’s victory over the Packers:

Studs: The entire defense

(Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)

There were plenty of individual studs Sunday night, but the defense as a whole deserves the recognition here. They held the Packers, a team that averages 25 points and 356 yards per game, to just eight points and 198 yards. Aaron Rodgers threw for just 104 yards, the fewest yards he’s thrown for in his career minimum 30 passes, and he set a new low with 3.2 yards per attempt. The defense set the tone with a forced fumble on the first drive and never once lost that momentum.

Pages: Page 1, Page 2, Page 3, Page 4, Page 5, Page 6, Page 7

WATCH: Arik Armstead blasts Aaron Rodgers for sack

It’s rare Aaron Rodgers gets hit as hard as Arik Armstead hit him Sunday night.

A Nick Bosa-Arik Armstead stunt isn’t fair. Aaron Rodgers found that out in the second quarter Sunday night when Armstead flew around backup right tackle Alex Light for a big sack.

It’s pretty rare Rodgers takes a shot like that. Expect the 49ers to run that stunt plenty this season. Armstead extended his team lead in sacks as well. He has 9.0 on the season.

49ers vs. Packers: 3 things that stood out in the 1st quarter

The defense has impressed early holding Green Bay to 16 yards on 14 plays.

The 49ers defense has impressed early, holding Green Bay to 16 yards on 14 plays. The offense hasn’t done much yet, but thanks to an early fumble recovery, they were able to score and get an early lead.

There’s still plenty of time left, but the 49ers dominated the first 15 minutes. Here’s what stood out in the first quarter:

Can’t start better than that

The 49ers defense faces a tough test against Aaron Rodgers and they passed the first quarter with flying colors. They blitzed on Green Bay’s first third down and instantly got pressure on Rodgers with DeForest Buckner and Arik Armstead missing their chances on the quarterback before Fred Warner hit him to notch a sack and force a fumble. Nick Bosa recovered at the 2-yard-line. The offense wasted no time giving the ball to Tevin Coleman for a two-yard touchdown. It was known Levi’s Stadium would be loud, but the first defensive drive really set the tone.

Emmanuel Sanders’ ribs look fine

Sanders has been dealing with rib problems the last couple of weeks that limited his snap counts against both Seattle and Arizona. After his first reception, it’s safe to say he looks ready to go. Jimmy Garoppolo hit Sanders on a slant for gain of 15, but Sanders paid for it getting flipped and landing hard on his back. He hopped up quickly and danced in celebration of the first down. If Sanders truly is healthy, it gives the 49ers a whole different look and gives Garoppolo three solid options in Sanders, George Kittle, and Deebo Smauel.

The defense came to play

They set the bar high on the opening drive, but the defense has been able to meet it. The 49ers forced the Packers offense to three consecutive three-and-outs on the three drives following the fumble. The Packers offense is bound to break out of this slump at some point, but for the defense to set the tone this early and play like this could be huge in the later moments of the game.

49ers vs. Packers: 6 players to watch on defense

The 49ers defense as allowed 20-plus points in three consecutive games for the first time all season. 

The 49ers’ defense has allowed 20-plus points in three consecutive games for the first time all season. It won’t get any easier with Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers coming to town for their highly-anticipated Sunday night matchup. The defense will need to click in all facets of the game to stop Packers head coach Matt LaFleur’s offense.

Here are the six players that will be key in doing just that:

CB Richard Sherman

Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports

Sherman was called for pass interference three times last week against the Cardinals. Sunday night he’ll be tasked in coverage plenty against wide receiver Davante Adams, who leads the Packers in targets despite missing four games. Sherman will need to be careful in coverage because the last thing the defense wants to do is give Rodgers free yards. Pass interference penalties against the Packers are especially damaging because Rodgers isn’t afraid to take deep shots.

Pages: Page 1, Page 2, Page 3, Page 4, Page 5, Page 6