San Francisco quarterback Brock Purdy will be one of the key players when the 49ers face the Green Bay Packers on Saturday in a Divisional Round playoff game.

The Packers know they need to pressure and/or sack Purdy to knock him off his rhythm and give themselves a a better chance to win the game. However, former Green Bay tight end Mark Chmura said the Packers take their aggression to a different level, calling for a late hit on Purdy.

Chmura, speaking Wednesday on radio station 95.5 ESPN in Milwaukee, implied a late hit would rattle Purdy and intimidate the 49ers. Chmura recalled how the Packers “intimidated” the 49ers during their 27-17 win in the divisional round game in January 1996.

“The reason we won when no one gave us a chance in San Francisco is because we intimidated them,” Chmura said. “That’s why – you guys are going to think I’m crazy – a 15-yard penalty, and I don’t condone this, but I kind of do in the playoffs, a 15-yard penalty for a late hit on Brock Purdy is not a bad thing as long as it’s worth it.”

Chmura indicated the penalty would be worth it if the result is Purdy and the 49ers’ offense are thrown off their game.

“Sometimes a 15-yard penalty is worth it early in the game if you knock the living crap out of the guy,” Chmura said.

Not surprisingly, the former tight end came under withering criticism for his remarks. The criticism focused on the perception that Chmura was calling for the Packers to intentionally injure Purdy. Former NFL star Richard Sherman called Chumra’s comments “disgusting” and added the comments have “no place anywhere in sports or sports commentary.”

Chmura doubled-down on his statements when asked on Thursday’ show to clarify. He seemed to reference Purdy’s performance during the 49ers’ 33-19 Week 16 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Purdy threw four interceptions in the game. He was also sacked four times and hit nine times.

“This is football. I’m not saying play dirty, but that’s part of it and that’s the formula to win – because Brock Purdy, as I look at it, is their weak link,” Chmura said. “He’s a hell of a player, but he’s shown when he gets flustered and he gets hit, he will turn the ball over.”