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Why Packers’ Josh Jacobs offers a ‘unique’ challenge for the 49ers’ defense – NBC Sports Bay Area and California
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Why Packers’ Josh Jacobs offers a ‘unique’ challenge for the 49ers’ defense – NBC Sports Bay Area and California

Nick Sorensen isn’t taking Green Bay Packers Josh Jacobs lightly.

Speaking to the media ahead of the pivotal game, San Francisco’s defensive coordinator explained how challenging it will be to stop Jacobs.

“What’s unique is that he trusts the system and he’s very physical,” Sorensen told reporters. “And you see the jump cuts, but he doesn’t just jump anywhere. I always feel like he always goes to the right place. If you look at it, it goes hole by hole.

“He has such tight cuts that he becomes vertical and he is very powerful. He has great contact balance and I have a lot of respect for the way he runs because it really fits into their scheme.

Jacobs can do damage as a runner and receiver, so he will be a tough opponent for a faltering 49ers defense. Add in dynamic quarterback Jordan Love and Green Bay’s offense has a myriad of ways to score

The Packers are looking to avenge last season’s crushing playoff loss and stay in contention for a postseason berth. The 49ers are clinging to playoff life and a win over the resurgent Packers would do a lot to change the narrative around the team after another deflating loss last week.

Things are looking bleak for San Francisco as injuries continue to rise, with quarterback Brock Purdy the latest to be bitten by the injury bug.

Still, there is hope that the team can end a match with a dominant outburst and break the disappointing trend this year. The franchise has lost four games by one score this season, a far cry from previous eras where the team could be counted on to win in a close game.

Kyle Shanahan and Matt LaFleur know each other well, having worked closely with the Houston Texans, Washington Commanders and Atlanta Falcons. So far, Shanahan has owned the rivalry, but with an injury-free roster and a struggling offense, LaFleur seems to be getting over the hump.

Sorensen and the rest of the defense know they have to be better at filling Jacobs before he can make dynamic moves down the field if San Francisco wants to have a shot at victory at Lambeau Field on Sunday.

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