Packers: Four bold predictions vs. 49ers in NFC Championship Game

Ervin makes a difference on special teams and offense

Tyler Ervin has been a home-run addition for the Packers, and he didn’t even join the team until December. He’s made an impact in each game he’s played, and that will continue on Sunday against the Niners.

Green Bay only started beyond its own 26-yard line twice in the last meeting with San Francisco. Field position was an issue throughout the game. Driving the length of the field against this defense is no easy task. But Ervin wasn’t playing in that game. Tremon Smith averaged minus-1.5 yards on his two punt returns with the rest being fair catches.

So, how big of a difference has Ervin made?

Joe Kipp of Packers Wire tweeted an incredible statistic. Ervin has more punt return yards since joining the Packers than the Packers do all season. That takes a moment to get your head around. It shows how bad they were on punt returns prior to Ervin being claimed on waivers.

Ervin has also played a role on offense. Opposing defenses have to respect his speed, particularly when he’s used on jet sweeps.

Ervin has transformed Green Bay’s return game which should help give the team better field position, and he can also make a difference on offense in this game.