The 49ers play the Packers Saturday at the Stick. In the meantime, I’ll break down the key matchups.
WR Randall Cobb vs. CB Carlos Rogers and CB Perrish Cox
The 49ers have struggled to cover the best slot receivers all season. The 49ers faced Randall Cobb, Percy Harvin, Victor Cruz, Danny Amendola, Chris Givens, Wes Welker and Doug Baldwin. Against those receivers, the 49ers gave up 55 catches on 70 targets (79 percent catch percentage) for 522 yards (9.5 yards per catch) and 3 touchdowns.
Aaron Rodgers targeted Cobb nine times against the 49ers Week 1, and Cobb caught all nine passes. He lines up in the slot in the Packers’ three and four-wide receiver formations. He evens lines up in the backfield sometimes. He is their No.1 receiver.
I expect the Rodgers to target Cobb at least 13 times on Saturday, and I expect him to pick up at least four first downs.
Neither Carlos Rogers nor Perrish Cox can cover Cobb one on one. Cobb is too quick and too explosive. Vic Fangio needs to change up his coverages. He can’t call straight up man free or zone coverages.
Advantage: Packers
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