Will Aaron Rodgers eschew throwing at Richard Sherman’s side in big spots? This Packers quarterback has been reportedly avoiding throwing towards the said 49ers cornerback since Seattle Seahawks’ corner’s days (eight career games).
According to Rodgers, “I always think you have to be smart about what routes you want to throw on (Sherman), and understand that he’s one of the headiest players to ever play that position.”
Assuming that Packers’ head coach Matt LaFleur and company plan Adams to stay away from Sherman for most snaps, this matchup will definitely be the key to this year’s NFC championship.
Adams vs. non-Sherman CBs
This season, Davante Adams lined up on 206 of 438 routes, specifically on the offensive right side, where Sherman patrols. Adams aligned on the other side from Sherman on 16 of 35 routes, exactly at 45.7% in Week 12.
In the said week 12, Sherman has held Adams to two receptions, 20 yards, six targets, and an interception throughout seven career matchups, according to sports experts. Adams, on the other hand, had only one reception for seven yards on two targets against Sherman.
Further, the 49ers’ former cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon got off to a poor start and hence was replaced by Emmanuel Moseley in the divisional round. The 49ers head coach Michael Shanahan has been silent this week about who will be the start.
However, considering that Adams can beat CB on the spot with his route-running ability and other circumstances, it’s a good bet to be Moseley. Moseley even stated, “You’re not gonna overpower me” during one interview and has been described by Robert Saleh as “unflappable” and has no fears.
What’s more, Adams made a single-game Packers playoff record in the divisional round. He scored twice and 160 receiving yards. He was the Packers’ pass offense that time, while all other pass-catchers, altogether, seized eight passes for 83 yards only.
Since week 12, Davante Adams has received seven touchdowns, of which the majority happened in the NFL. It seems like it’s not possible for the Green Bay Packers to move the ball if the San Francisco 49ers are able to slow down Aaron Rodgers’s go-to target.
Many are planning to pick San Francisco 49ers in a romp. If you’ve been scanning different sportsbooks’ Super Bowl futures odds, there are a few articles that suggest otherwise. They’ve thought about how 49ers became superior team all season, not to mention that they’ve already defeated Green Bay Packers once.
Even so, it’s hard to deny a potential that Aaron Rodgers may lead a comeback. For those who are having difficulties picking their bets, take what Sherman said, “The people who treat this game as more than what it is, those are usually the people that lose.”
“Mutual Respect” best sums up Packers-49ers’ Game
On a positive side, it seems like there will be no “rivalry” that would happen in this season’s NFC Championship game. There are a couple of reasons why there will be more of “mutual respect” to expect in the 49ers-Packers game on Sunday.
First off, it’s best to start with the connection that had already built long before the SuperBowl LIV took place. Former San Francisco 49ers’ assistants Mike McCarthy and Mike Holmgren had coached the Green Bay Packers around the period when the latter team’s former assistant Steve Mariucci led the 49ers.
Matt LaFleur, the Green Bay Packers’ current head coach, will work against his younger brother Mike LaFleur, the current San Francisco 49ers’ passing game coordinator. The 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh is Matt LaFleur’s best friend. The two were roommates at Central Michigan and worked together on the Houston Texans staff.
Also, it’s worth mentioning that Matt LaFleur had worked with three different NFL clubs for the past eight seasons and, at the same time, worked for Kyle Shanahan, the current head coach of the San Francisco 49ers.
Speaking of Kyle Shanahan, he will be trying to scheme plays against his former boss with the Cleveland Browns and now Packer’s defensive coordinator Robert Saleh. Did we forget to mention that Green Bay’s wide receiver Jake Kumerow is also the first cousin of San Francisco’s defensive end Nick Bosa, the currently named NFL Rookie of the Year?
When Aaron Rodgers, one of Packers quarterbacks, described the nearing game as “It’s gonna be all love and respect.” Considering all the connections, friendships, and family relations between Green Bay Packers and San Francisco 49ers, what Rodgers said would probably the general them this Sunday.
Takeaway
The NFL championship this Sunday is as what coach Shanahan said to the reporters. He said both teams are going to have “wrinkles” (difficulties). Everyone has their schemes and foundations that they have to do. Nevertheless, he hoped that everyone would have fun this Sunday.
