Packers Look to Shore Up Defense Against 49ers

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — The Packers are looking to shore up their defense when they visit the San Francisco 49ers in the season opener this weekend.

The last meeting between the two teams didn't go well for Green Bay. The read option gave the Packers headaches, and quarterback Colin Kaepernick had a hand in four touchdowns and ran for 181 yards to set a playoff record for quarterbacks. The 49ers won 45-31 to eliminate Green Bay from the playoffs.

Since then, stopping the read option has become a hot topic for NFL defenses. Coach Mike McCarthy says the league has done a good job of informing teams on points of emphasis for officiating, including the protection of quarterbacks in the read option. He says the Packers game plan Sunday will reflect that insight.