Packers coach playfully hints 49ers' old friend could have an influence on their playoff rematch
The San Francisco 49ers and Green Bay Packers are very familiar with each other, having regularly faced off in both the regular season and the playoffs in recent years. San Francisco has dominated the matchup in the playoffs, claiming a fifth postseason win over the Packers with a comeback victory in last season's Divisional Round. […]
The San Francisco 49ers and Green Bay Packers are very familiar with each other, having regularly faced off in both the regular season and the playoffs in recent years.
San Francisco has dominated the matchup in the playoffs, claiming a fifth postseason win over the Packers with a comeback victory in last season's Divisional Round.
The 49ers are seeking a first regular-season win of any kind over Green Bay this Sunday when they face the Packers in a Week 12 clash crucial for their playoff aspirations.
Not since 2012 have the 49ers tasted a regular-season win at Lambeau Field, and an old friend may have a big say in the Packers being able to extend that wait.
Former 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh has been working with the Packers as a consultant since being fired as the New York Jets head coach last month.
While the Packers have a strong knowledge of the 49ers' defensive scheme, having the man who ran it from 2017 to 2020 in the building could be extremely beneficial.
Asked about Saleh's possible influence on the game, Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said with a playful smile: "He's been helpful."
LaFleur confirmed Saleh is still just working with the offense, adding: "He's doing a great job too. He always gives us a nugget. There's plays that come up within discussion that we've been running in games that have been pretty successful. He's been a great asset."
Saleh, according to LaFleur was responsible for a stalk-wheel route from Packers receiver Christian Watson being in the playbook for last week's dramatic win over the Chicago Bears.
That play went for 25 yards and set up a go-ahead touchdown run by Josh Jacobs.
Explosives against the 49ers' pass defense have not been easy to come by, the 49ers giving up just 24 passes of 20 yards or more, the sixth-fewest in the NFL.
The Packers will hope that Saleh's insight into how to attack the 49er defense could be crucial in helping them avenge the playoff defeat to San Francisco. His knowledge of the scheme did not help the Jets in Week 1 as they were blown out by the 49ers, but the Green Bay offense is undoubtedly much better positioned to find and exploit weaknesses in the San Francisco defense.
Shanahan will once again be renewing acquaintances with LaFleur, whom he worked with during their time together on Washington's offensive staff when Mike Shanahan was head coach. In addition, Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley was defensive backs coach for Shanahan in his first two seasons as 49ers head coach in 2017 and 2018.
With Saleh in the mix, albeit not present on gameday, Shanahan finds himself going against not just one former colleague, but three.
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