EDITOR'S NOTE: This is the first in a three-part series that spotlights three 49ers-Packers matchups to watch Sunday, 1:25 p.m. (FOX-TV), at Lambeau Field.
Matchup No. 2 (coming Saturday afternoon)
Matchup No. 3 (coming Sunday morning)
49ers RT Anthony Davis vs. Packers LOLB Nick Perry
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Tale of the tape:
Davis: 6-foot-5, 323 pounds, third season, Rutgers
Perry: 6-foot-3, 265 pounds, rookie, Southern Cal
Green Bay had one of the worst pass-rushes last season to go along with the worst-ranked defense in the NFL. Outside linebacker Clay Matthews was the Packers' only real pass-rush threat a year ago -- and he managed only six sacks.Six Packers draft picks made the team, and all are defensive players. Only one is a starter, though, and that's Perry. He is the only new face on defense, so a lot will be expected from him . . . immediately.The 49ers would love to be able to leave Davis alone with Perry on the right side. Left tackle Joe Staley will have his hands full with Matthews, and he might need some help on that side.The 49ers need Davis be able to keep Perry at arm's length from quarterback Alex Smith in the passing game. The 49ers will want to run the ball, and that's an area at which Davis excels. But the rookie will be no pushover.Davis had his first full offseason with the team. He reported to camp in good shape. He appears to be lighter on his feet and just as powerful as a run-blocker. If Davis is not greatly improved this season, the 49ers will be disappointed."He has improved week to week," Packers coach Mike McCarthy said of Perry on a conference call this week with Bay Area reporters. "He's adapting to a 3-4 scheme. He's a powerful young man."