Packers: Five players key to victory in Week 9 vs. 49ers
By Jesse Fry
4. Equanimeous St. Brown
It wouldn’t be all that surprising to see the 49ers dedicate nine of the 11 players allowed on the field to stop Davante Adams. Alright, that might be a bit of an exaggeration, but not really.
The Packers were already lacking weapons prior to Covid protocol taking away almost their entire backfield.
Allen Lazard, who looked to be breaking through with his six-catch, 146-yard performance in week three, has been on injured reserve since then. Aaron Jones strained his calf in practice the week leading up to the game against Tampa and is doubtful to play. And now, Covid has taken away Jamaal Williams and AJ Dillon.
That leaves one legitimate weapon for Rodgers to work with.
It would be foolish for the 49ers to not use every resource they can to stop Adams.
The Packers won’t have the benefit of having a running back the defense has to respect, so unless Dexter Williams proves to be a hidden gem, the 49ers’ safeties will likely stay back and give the cornerbacks all the help they need.
Head coach Matt LaFleur will also have to get creative moving Adams all over the formation and constantly in motion in order to avoid the possible double- and triple-teams that await his star receiver.
Still, the Packers will need somebody to take charge of the number two and/or three receiver spot. Against the Vikings, Equanimeous St. Brown literally and figuratively dropped the ball and missed his chance to get the jump.
He can’t let that happen again this week.
The only help on the horizon is the return of Lazard. That leaves the two for now, and three after his return wide open.
Marquez Valdes-Scantling has done nothing to show he could be that guy. That leaves the players left on the roster to show they can.St. Brown you’re up.