Control the Trenches on Both Sides of Ball

The Packers lost the NFC Championship Game for two main reasons. The first was that the offensive line failed to protect Aaron Rodgers. The 49ers pass rush had a field day getting to the veteran quarterback. The second was the defense’s inability to stop the run. The 49ers rushed for an incredible 285 rushing yards in the 37-20 blowout.

The 49ers ran so well that QB Jimmy Garoppolo only threw the ball 8 times. The performance in the NFC title game was very disappointing for everyone involved in the organization. At a news conference the Wednesday after the title game LeFleur had this to say, per Rob Demovsky of ESPN:

That’s something that I’m still trying to figure out right now as we speak, I mean, I don’t understand that because you’re there. You have an opportunity to go to play in a Super Bowl. And for that to happen, it’s extremely … it’s bothersome. We have to look at ourselves, everybody. I’m going to look inside of myself and see why weren’t our players playing with their hair on fire. I think everybody in our organization has to do that.

Via Rob Demovsky, ESPN

Obviously it is one thing to lack talent, but to be questioned on your effort is completely demoralizing. Coming into this season the Packers must prove they want the Super Bowl more than any other team. The best way to show that effort is by dominating in the trenches.

The Packers have a very talented offensive line. David Bakhtiari was named to a fourth consecutive All-Pro team last season. On the defensive side of the ball, Kenny Clark is revolutionizing the nose tackle position. The talent is there, Green Bay just needs to maximize on that talent.