NFC Championship Game Coming on Sunday, January 22nd
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49ers: 13-3 regular season record
Offense: They have been the prototypical caretaker offense which scores enough to win games. They control the ball with their physical run game and throw enough to keep defenses honest. They have sprinkled in enough big passing plays to show off Alex Smith’s arm and threaten teams downfield.
Defense: Despite the knee-jerk tendency to say the Ravens, Steelers, or Texans are better on defense, the 49ers have been the best all year. Their front seven is unrivaled in the entire league, and their back end is good enough to not be picked on. They don’t make mistakes and they force turnovers.
Playoffs: Had the #2 seed and the bye. They got the red hot Saints at home in the divisional round and created four turnovers. They also put up 36 points, which I definitely did not see coming. In the fourth quarter, they went score for score with the Saints and looked good doing it.
Giants: 9-7 regular season record
Offense: solid on offense, but probably short of their potential. They are starting to play better, especially Nicks and Jacobs. They are still suspect on the offensive line, struggle with run blocking, and force Eli to throw before he is ready. When they are clicking, they are clicking. However, they are also too often in funks and go three and out.
Defense: Their front four is obviously playing terrific. However, it is too often that their front four are masking the obvious deficiencies of their back end. When they get to the quarterback, they are suffocating. When they don’t, there are holes available for the quarterback to throw into and score points.
Playoffs: Played the Falcons in the first round, and it was not a difficult game. They dominated the game up front and the Falcons got nowhere on offense. They went to Lambeau and outplayed Green Bay. They created turnovers, got pressure, and moved the ball on offense. They have peaked at the right time.
#5 Giants vs. #2 49ers
How it will go:
Pass defense: Edge, 49ers
Run defense: Edge, 49ers
Pressure: Slight edge, 49ers
Special teams: Edge, 49ers
Pass offense: Edge, Giants
Rush offense: Slight edge, 49ers
Protection: Edge, 49ers
Quarterback: Clear edge, Giants
Coaching: Even
If the Giants win…they will have kept enough pressure on Alex Smith that the 49ers will not have put together much of an offense. They will have won the game through the air.
If the 49ers win…they will have done what they do to every other team—shut them down. They have given up an average of 15 points a game. Their defense is suffocating and their offense does enough.
Surprise level at an upset? A little surprise. These two teams are fairly evenly matched on paper. San Francisco is better on every level on defense, and their offensive line has been great all year. Their line will neutralize the Giants d-line, and the 49ers will shut down the Giants offense.
Prediction: I will predict a 49ers win but don’t be shocked with either outcome. The 49ers play mistake free football, but the Giants have the quarterback and the experience.
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