Packers QB Jordan Love presents a tough challenge for 49ers in playoffs
The San Francisco 49ers will have a tough and unique challenge this Saturday night versus Jordan Love and the Green Bay Packers. The Packers are coming off a dominant performance in the wild-card round versus the Dallas Cowboys. Jordan Love is playing some high-level football in Matt LaFluer's offense. The Packers' offense has similarities to […]
The San Francisco 49ers will have a tough and unique challenge this Saturday night versus Jordan Love and the Green Bay Packers.
The Packers are coming off a dominant performance in the wild-card round versus the Dallas Cowboys. Jordan Love is playing some high-level football in Matt LaFluer's offense.
The Packers' offense has similarities to the 49ers' offense. Their run game can and will dictate the tone, keeping them ahead of the sticks. Jordan Love has been outstanding throwing off hard play action.
He has completed 72.4% this season for 1,511 yards, 11 touchdowns, and three interceptions.
Kyle Shanahan praises Jordan Love
During a media presser on Tuesday, Kyle Shanahan praised the first-year starting quarterback for the Packers.
"He's come a long way because he's playing at such a high level. To get thrown in early this year and go through some ups and downs. He did some good things earlier this year too. But, to not win all of those games with a tough record in your first year and the pressure that comes with that. To watch him each game, he's been consistent. For him to take care of the ball the way he's done has been unbelievable. 21 touchdowns to one interception over the last ten games has been unbelievable."
Love has the arm talent, ball placement, and athleticism to find success and stress the 49ers defense. Love has performed well when pressured. He can throw off-balance without a stable base.
His numbers under pressure: 50% completion, 1,168 yards, 7.5 yards per attempt, 11 touchdowns, and four interceptions.
Chase Young and Nick Bosa will be important in this matchup but Love has demonstrated he can slice a defense whether protected or under pressure.
On the play in the tweet below, Love showcases his poise and intelligence to defeat the blitz from the Cowboys.
Defeating the zone
The 49ers' defense spends 66% of their snaps in zone coverages. Matt LaFleur will dial up plays to exploit soft spots within the zone. Love's ability to create second-reaction throws with his athleticism can open bigger throwing lanes inside the zone coverage as well.
This game is sure to be a good litmus test for the 49ers defense coming off their first-round bye. How quickly can they find their footing and limit the running of Aaron Jones to set up those explosive play action shot plays is a major key to victory.
