NFL Playoffs: Why the 49ers Will Dominate the Giants and Head to the Super Bowl
It's back to the 80's and 90's, because the New York Giants and San Francisco 49ers are facing off in the NFC Championship game.
This time, however, there is no Joe Montana, no Steve Young, no Phil Simms, no Jeff Garcia, and no Kerry Collins. It's two number-one draft picks, Eli Manning and Alex Smith.
Last week, San Francisco upset the New Orleans Saints and won a dramatic game with an Alex Smith touchdown pass, when only nine seconds remained on the clock. New York didn't need the dramatics, but they got the upset as well, beating the defending champion Green Bay Packers 37-20 in Green Bay.
Now, Manning meets Smith for a Super Bowl berth.
Earlier in the year, San Francisco got a home game against the Giants and won 27-20, but a lot has changed since then.. The 49ers defense picked off Manning twice and stopped the Giants rushing attack, but they needed Justin Smith to knock down a last-second pass to clinch the win.
For this one, though, the stakes are much higher.
The 14-3 Niners are the favorite to beat the 11-7 Giants, although New York has won four straight (the Niners have as well). Frank Gore gives the 49ers the rushing edge, especially since San Francisco has a great run defense.
Ahmad Bradshaw doesn't stand a chance.
How about Eli Manning? Any more heroics for him? I don't think so.
San Francisco's defense forces a lot of takeaways, but the 49ers aren't the best at capitalizing on those turnovers. David Akers set a record with 52 field goal attempts and 44 kicks through the uprights during the season, and he added three to both totals against the Saints.
None of that can happen.
Manning is a quarterback that does make mistakes. He threw an interception in Green Bay, got called for intentional grounding in the end zone (safety) against the Falcons, and he has 16 interceptions this year.
Alex Smith has five.
The turnover battle will be critical, and the 49ers have shown they can dominate when it comes down to that aspect of the game. San Francisco forced three fumbles and intercepted two passes against the Saints, and they also lead the league in takeaways.
San Francisco averages 2.5 per game. The Giants average 1.9. Advantage: San Francisco.
When it comes down to receivers, the Giants look to have an edge, but if Michael Crabtree steps up and hangs on to passes thrown his way, San Francisco could be in good hands. Kyle Williams is a talented young receiver, and Delanie Walker will be back, and he is a threat out of the backfield.
Oh, and don't forget last week's hero.
Vernon Davis caught seven passes for 180 yards against the Saints, including the winning touchdown with nine seconds left. He attached his hands to just about every pass thrown to him, and he emerged as a leader.
Because of that, you'd better believe the Giants will be zeroing in on Davis. Losing the tight end battle would be a big blow for New York, even though Jake Ballard isn't expected to outplay Davis.
San Francisco's offensive line has protected Alex Smith well, and they have allowed him time to find the open receiver. During the regular season and playoffs, Smith has thrown for 20 touchdowns and just five picks.
How's that for the man who had one more chance to make things right by the bay? Pretty good.
The 49ers defense has supported Smith by pressuring the quarterback and forcing bad throws (Aldon Smith, Justin Smith), making key tackles (Patrick Willis, NaVorro Bowman), covering receivers extremely well and picking off passes (Dashon Goldson, Donte Whitner, Carlos Rogers).
A team once finding the light with offense is now winning with the top-ranked defense. One more game and Eli Manning's name will be added to the list of victims.
They'll force turnovers. They'll run the ball up your throat. They'll buy time and throw touchdowns. They'll kick field goals. They'll make tackles. They'll sack Eli. They'll keep the game close, no matter what it takes.
And they'll win one for the red and gold.
Watch out New York, we're back. A new Niner dynasty is under way.
Indianapolis, meet the San Francisco 49ers.
This time, however, there is no Joe Montana, no Steve Young, no Phil Simms, no Jeff Garcia, and no Kerry Collins. It's two number-one draft picks, Eli Manning and Alex Smith.
Last week, San Francisco upset the New Orleans Saints and won a dramatic game with an Alex Smith touchdown pass, when only nine seconds remained on the clock. New York didn't need the dramatics, but they got the upset as well, beating the defending champion Green Bay Packers 37-20 in Green Bay.
Now, Manning meets Smith for a Super Bowl berth.
Earlier in the year, San Francisco got a home game against the Giants and won 27-20, but a lot has changed since then.. The 49ers defense picked off Manning twice and stopped the Giants rushing attack, but they needed Justin Smith to knock down a last-second pass to clinch the win.
For this one, though, the stakes are much higher.
The 14-3 Niners are the favorite to beat the 11-7 Giants, although New York has won four straight (the Niners have as well). Frank Gore gives the 49ers the rushing edge, especially since San Francisco has a great run defense.
Ahmad Bradshaw doesn't stand a chance.
How about Eli Manning? Any more heroics for him? I don't think so.
San Francisco's defense forces a lot of takeaways, but the 49ers aren't the best at capitalizing on those turnovers. David Akers set a record with 52 field goal attempts and 44 kicks through the uprights during the season, and he added three to both totals against the Saints.
None of that can happen.
Manning is a quarterback that does make mistakes. He threw an interception in Green Bay, got called for intentional grounding in the end zone (safety) against the Falcons, and he has 16 interceptions this year.
Alex Smith has five.
The turnover battle will be critical, and the 49ers have shown they can dominate when it comes down to that aspect of the game. San Francisco forced three fumbles and intercepted two passes against the Saints, and they also lead the league in takeaways.
San Francisco averages 2.5 per game. The Giants average 1.9. Advantage: San Francisco.
When it comes down to receivers, the Giants look to have an edge, but if Michael Crabtree steps up and hangs on to passes thrown his way, San Francisco could be in good hands. Kyle Williams is a talented young receiver, and Delanie Walker will be back, and he is a threat out of the backfield.
Oh, and don't forget last week's hero.
Vernon Davis caught seven passes for 180 yards against the Saints, including the winning touchdown with nine seconds left. He attached his hands to just about every pass thrown to him, and he emerged as a leader.
Because of that, you'd better believe the Giants will be zeroing in on Davis. Losing the tight end battle would be a big blow for New York, even though Jake Ballard isn't expected to outplay Davis.
San Francisco's offensive line has protected Alex Smith well, and they have allowed him time to find the open receiver. During the regular season and playoffs, Smith has thrown for 20 touchdowns and just five picks.
How's that for the man who had one more chance to make things right by the bay? Pretty good.
The 49ers defense has supported Smith by pressuring the quarterback and forcing bad throws (Aldon Smith, Justin Smith), making key tackles (Patrick Willis, NaVorro Bowman), covering receivers extremely well and picking off passes (Dashon Goldson, Donte Whitner, Carlos Rogers).
A team once finding the light with offense is now winning with the top-ranked defense. One more game and Eli Manning's name will be added to the list of victims.
They'll force turnovers. They'll run the ball up your throat. They'll buy time and throw touchdowns. They'll kick field goals. They'll make tackles. They'll sack Eli. They'll keep the game close, no matter what it takes.
And they'll win one for the red and gold.
Watch out New York, we're back. A new Niner dynasty is under way.
Indianapolis, meet the San Francisco 49ers.
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