Giants at 49ers II
Ahh… the much hoped for re-match, between two of the more surprising stories in the NFL this season. To be honest, I didn’t give either team much of a chance at the start of the season. You can’t really blame me; anyone who said that they predicted something like this is lying. The 49ers couldn’t even make it to the playoffs last season, despite being in the weakest division. They also made very little off-season acquisitions and their draft, at the time, was somewhat disappointing. The Giants, on the other hand, also did not make a splash in the off-season. They did have a quality first round pick in Prince Amukamara, but that was quickly nullified when he was injured early in the season. The injuries piled on and it seemed the Giants wouldn’t make the post-season.
Fast forward to today and the two teams have two of the better defenses in the league and strong passing attacks. Yes, I said it – the 49ers have a strong passing game. After all those 4th quarter comebacks by Alex Smith, you can’t deny this fact.
The first meeting of these two teams was a close one. If a few bounces went the other way, the Giants could have easily won this game. But the 49ers have been extremely lucky thus far, as evidenced by their numerous fumble recoveries and interceptions. But that’s not to say the Giants should have won that game; the better team (at the time) won the game. But this time is completely different than last time. There are many questions surrounding this game.
Who has the advantage coming in to this game?
Well, the Giants are definitely the hotter team. They come into this game riding a 4-game winning streak, dismantling the Jets, Cowboys, Falcons, and then the Packers. Each of those 4 games were a must-win game and the Giants always found a way to emerge victorious. On the other hand, you could argue that the 49ers are a better rested team, allowing their players time to recover from injuries after securing a playoff spot in late November and also earning a first round bye. Both are coming off huge victories; both teams beating offensive juggernauts that were supposed to be 2 of the best teams in the league.
3 Giants Keys to Victory
· Establish a running game. The Giants were among the bottom in the league in rushing yards in the NFL. The 49ers were among the top in the league in rushing yards allowed. Still, this stat is deceptive because the Giants have ran the ball much better towards the end of the season, with Brandon Jacobs running hard and the return of Ahmad Bradshaw. If the Giants can run the ball effectively, it will prevent the 49ers from playing nickel defense all day.
· Secure the ball. The 49ers are great at creating turnovers. The Saints, who normally protect the ball pretty well, were forced into several fumbles. If the Giants cough the ball up as often as the Saints, they won’t be able to fight their way back.
· Stop Frank Gore. Make Alex Smith beat you. Turn the 49ers in to a one-dimensional team and let your defensive line cause Alex Smith to make mistakes. He’s still Alex Smith after all; one playoff game does not change that.
3 49ers Keys to Victory
· Wrap guys up. The Giants were great in Yards After the Catch. If you give up a pass, don’t over commit. Wrap them up and bring them down; don’t let them hurt you even more.
· Pressure Eli. The one thing the Packers couldn’t do was put pressure on Eli. Eli’s great under pressure, but if you give his receivers time to get open, they will hurt you. Their offensive line has been suspect at points this season. Exploit it!
· Pound the ball. The Giants have a great defensive line. They’re great at getting to the quarterback in a hurry. Slow down their pursuit by running the ball up the gut effectively!
Wildcard
The 49ers Special Teams has been the difference maker this season. Andy Lee has been great and David Akers has been one of the best. Their special teams coverage has also been great, forcing several turnovers against the Saints and not giving up too much field position. If the 49ers can continue this trend, it should take some pressure off the offense.
Prediction: 49ers 23 – Giants 20
