The San Francisco 49ers are now one win away from a trip to the Super Bowl. After a fantastic finish last week, they now welcome in the New York Giants to a very wet Candlestick Park. Having faced them before this season, the 49ers know what they have in store for them.
The Giants defense and passing game has improved tremendously and that will be the biggest task for San Francisco. But there are a lot more things to consider. Let's take a look at them.
Here are some keys to the game and my prediction.
Ball control and footing
The wet field will force the 49ers to limit the Giants' possessions. Especially for the 49ers, they have to prevent that by not turning the ball over. The team will have to rely on maintaining a good footing throughout the game, not losing yards on slips and falls. It's going to be a tough field to work with, but the 49ers may be better equipped to handle it at this point.
Frank Gore
In their last meeting, Gore only had six carries for zero yards. He was injured and Kendall Hunter finished the game. In today's game, Gore needs to be a factor. The 49ers didn't go with much of a passing attack that game but they need to stick with one for this game. Gore needs to set the tone for the offense and give the 49ers great field position early on.
Receivers need to step up
Vernon Davis had a monster game last week and Delanie Walker is likely to return today. However, the receivers will be the big offensive weapons for the 49ers. Michael Crabtree, Kyle Williams, Ted Ginn (if he plays) are three receivers that need to have a big game. Crabtree was not much of a factor last week but in today's game, he might be the weapon to counter the Giants' successful passing attack.
Field position
The 49ers need to protect Alex Smith against the Giants pass rush. That's a given. But also, the special teams have a big task. With the wind and muddy conditions, getting good field positions is a major concern for both teams. How will field goals and punts be affected by the weather today?
Blitz
The 49ers need to continue to add pressure on Eli Manning. If he is pressured, he'll make mistakes. The 49ers secondary takes advantage of those bad passes and it all starts with the 49ers pass rush. The roles of the defensive line will be very big for the team.
Running backs
Ahmad Bradshaw, Brandon Jacobs are both expected to play and both are playing well. The 49ers can stop them but with a muddy field, the 49ers know there is a lot more emphasis in running the ball. If it comes down to a running gameplan for the Giants, the 49ers need to step up.
Slow down passing game
Nicks is playing well and both Manningham, Cruz are also very dangerous. Manning has done a great job in hitting his receivers. The weather may be a major factor, but this Giants team prides itself on the big plays. The secondary has to play tight and make the tackles. This could be a very tight game and a big play may make or break the 49ers' chances of the Super Bowl.
Special teams
If Ted Ginn can't return kicks, Kyle Williams and Kendall Hunter will both shoulder a huge responsibility in getting the 49ers key starts on the field.
===
This will be another close game but I think the 49ers will win it 17-10. It's going to be a game of field position and the 49ers will win that. Frank Gore will lead the way to the 49ers victory and the secondary will come up with a key forced turnover to lead the 49ers back to the Super Bowl.
===
Inactives are announced 90 minutes before the game and I'll post them here.
Comments