5 things Packers need to fix to win rematch vs. 49ers in NFC title game

1. Protect Rodgers

Winning this game starts and ends with the play of the offensive line. The Packers were dominated up front in the first game and it only became more challenging once Bryan Bulaga left due to injury. Aaron Rodgers was sacked five times, hit 10 times and pressured all game long.

Green Bay’s pass protection is one of the best in football. The offensive line ranked first in pass-block win rate in 2019, according to ESPN, but they face a daunting challenge against the 49ers’ front seven featuring Nick Bosa, Arik Armstead, DeForest Buckner and now Dee Ford, who returned from injury against the Vikings.

Tackles David Bakhtiari and Bulaga form one of the best tandems in the league. Rookie left guard Elgton Jenkins has been outstanding in his first season. Center Corey Linsley and Bakhtiari led the league at their positions in pass-block win rate in 2019.

But this offensive line will need to be at their very best in this game. Rodgers needs to get the ball out quick and the Packers have to establish the run.

One way to slow down the pass rush will be to make the 49ers respect the run. If the Packers can sustain drives, run the ball and tire the defense somewhat, it could open the play-action pass.

LaFleur might need to get creative to find ways to slow down the 49ers’ pass rush. But if Rodgers is well protected, this offense will have every chance to put together a far better performance than we saw in Week 12. If Rodgers is under consistent pressure, it could be another long evening.