NFC Championship Preview : NY Giants vs SF 49ers

Jan 22, 2012

The NFC title game has been set for Sunday January 22, 2012 in at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, CA. This game features an old playoff rivalry. It will be the 8th meeting between the NY Giants and the San Francisco 49ers. The rivalry was at it’s peak during the 1980′s to early 1990′s. During that time frame the 49ers won four Super Bowls while the Giants tallied 2 Super Bowl victories.
The 49ers of 2011-12 are known for their defense. They held their opponents to a paltry 3 rushing TD’s during the regular season. They also were a plus 28 in turnover ratio. The 49ers have 3 All-Pro players in LB’s Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman and DT Justin Smith. This hard hitting bunch has reportedly caused 7 opposing starting RB’s to head to the sidelines during games this season due to injury. The Giants defense are far from being slouches when judging them by play rather than rank. The Giants defense has been statistically ranked in the bottom quarter of the NFL for practically all of the regular season. However as they got more and more players back from various injuries they have stepped up their game and are currently playing their best football. DE Jason Pierre-Paul, an All-Pro in only his second season, is a force as a rusher and defender against the run. DE Osi Umenyiora has been healthy enough to sack the QB 5 times in the last 3 games. DE Justin Tuck has followed up his best game against the Jets on December 24th with continued steady play. Throw in the 2 sacks by LB Michael Boley against Green Bay last week,the forced fumble by Kenny Phillips(subsequently recovered by LB Chase Blackburn), and fumble recovery by S Antrel Rolle and you have a unit that is playing some of its best football at the most important time of the year.

Offensively is where the GMen have a slight edge. QB Eli Manning has been stellar in taking care of the football both in where he throws it and if he gets tackled. The whole offensive team has been putting a lot of pressure on opposing defenses to control them. The catch and run by WR Hakeem Nicks shows that not only do you have to defend the ball but tackle the man after he catches it. We’ve seen it with WR Victor Cruz as well as WR Mario Manningham. This may be the most explosive WR corps in NY Giant history. What we’ve only recently seen sight of is the Big Blue running attack. The GMen have almost become a pass first team which is almost blasphemy! At this point Offensive Coordinator has taken a by any means necessary approach. If the Giants can effectively mix run and pass without giving the ball to the turnover happy San Francisco defense not only will they keep it close but they will win. If the Giants get the lead they must keep being aggressive. Though the 49ers offense can control the clock as well as get in the end zone through the play of RB Frank Gore, I don’t believe QB Alex Smith,TE Vernon Davis and WR Michael Crabtree are enough to mount a scoring attack through the air.

This game should be close throughout. Even though the New Orleans Saints turned the ball over to San Fran 5 times last week they still were in within seconds of winning. I believe that Big Blue’s offense won’t have that happen. The closer the turnover battle is so shall the game be. Giants 23 49ers 20.