Green Bay Packers: 5 Bold predictions vs. 49ers, Week 12
By Joe Kipp
4. Jimmy Garoppolo posts two turnovers
49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo is a good quarterback when he has time to throw. Which is why the Packers need to get in his face early and often. So far this season, Garoppolo has 109.4 rating when throwing from a clean pocket, contrasted by a 63.8 rating when under pressure. Translation? Make Garoppolo uncomfortable.
Luckily for the Packers, outside linebackers Preston Smith and Za’Darius Smith are two of the best pass-rushers in the NFL; perhaps even the best duo in league. According to ESPN, Preston has the fourth-highest pass-rush win rate among all edge defenders, while Za’Darius has the ninth-highest win rate. ESPN’s pass-rush win rate calculates how often a player is able to beat a one-on-one block within 2.5 seconds or less.
The key to winning on defense will be forcing Garoppolo to make silly mistakes. Niners coach Kyle Shanahan will undoubtedly rely on the running game against the Packers’ porous rush defense (currently allowing 4.8 yards per carry), which means when Green Bay will need to capitalize when the ball is in Garoppolo’s hands.
Through 10 games this season, Garoppolo has 10 interceptions and seven fumbles. The opportunity for turnovers is there, which is why I’m predicting the Packers will force San Fran’s quarterback into making two key mistakes on Sunday night.