The San Francisco 49ers are a team to watch in 2018.
Not so long ago the 49ers made a habit of ending the Green Bay Packers’ season. They’ve since been on the outside looking in on the playoff race, but that could all be about to change.
Trading for Jimmy Garoppolo last year felt like a big-time move. And so far it’s worked out. Garoppolo looked great, won every game he played and has given the team hope of returning to the Super Bowl in the near future.
Let’s take a closer look at the 49ers.
Last season
After starting the season 0-9, the 49ers bounced back to finish the year with a 6-10 record. A lot of that was due to the play of Garoppolo. He was named the starting quarterback with the team sat at 1-10. With Garoppolo as the starter, San Francisco finished the season 5-0.
When is the game?
The Packers and 49ers meet at Lambeau Field in Week 6. The game will be broadcast on Monday Night Football, and kicks off at 7:15 p.m. CT on Monday, Oct. 15.
Offseason additions
With Garoppolo signed to a long-term deal, the 49ers’ aim was to surround him with talent. It’s no surprise that they used their top two draft picks on tackle Mike McGlinchey and wide receiver Dante Pettis.
They also signed center Weston Richburg to a five-year deal in free agency, and running back Jerick McKinnon to replace Carlos Hyde.
The 49ers made a big defensive move, signing four-time Pro Bowl cornerback Richard Sherman, who was released by the Seattle Seahawks, their NFC West rivals. If the 30-year-old is fully healthy, he could give the 49ers’ secondary a huge upgrade.
Last meeting with Packers
October 4, 2015: Packers won 17-3 at Levi’s Stadium
Player to watch
Jimmy Garoppolo: Garoppolo is the key to San Francisco’s success, and he will need to play well this season for the 49ers to have a chance of making the playoffs.
So far in his short career with the Niners, Garoppolo has thrown for 1,560 yards, seven touchdowns with five interceptions.
If he plays well in this game, he’ll give the 49ers a chance of leaving Lambeau Field with a victory. If San Francisco’s offense struggles, I don’t see anything other than a Green Bay win.
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For Mike Pettine, it’s all about stopping Garoppolo.