Vin+ 3,121 Posted January 21, 2012 TIME: 06:30 P.M. ESTVENUE: Candlestick Park The expected aerial show for the NFC championship has given way to what shapes up as a hard-hitting affair between franchises that were rivals from the past. The San Francisco 49ers and New York Giants have met seven times in the postseason, and the winner of the latest edition of this classic rivalry Sunday at Candlestick Park will advance to the Super Bowl. San Francisco and New York sent the high-powered offenses of New Orleans and Green Bay home for the offseason after divisional-round wins last weekend. The 49ers won 36-32 at home over the Saints and the Giants stunned the top-seeded Packers 37-20. "I think it probably surprised a lot of people that the Giants and the 49ers are in the NFC championship game," 49ers first-year coach Jim Harbaugh said. Surprising is the correct word to describe both teams' surges. Harbaugh inherited a 6-10 team and guided it to 13 wins and the franchise's first playoff berth in nine seasons before last Saturday's dramatic victory on Alex Smith's 14-yard touchdown pass to Vernon Davis with nine seconds left. "I think it was a physical, emotional expenditure by everybody that was in that game," Harbaugh said. "The thing that you're so proud of is the character of the football team." The Giants looked like anything but a contender in splitting their first 14 games before clinching the NFC East by closing the regular season with double-digit wins over the Jets and Cowboys. New York has become the first team to begin the postseason in the wild-card round and win its first two games by at least 17 points. Ten of the 12 previous teams to win their first two playoff contests by such a margin went on to win the Super Bowl. The Giants are 4-0 all-time in NFC championships. "We are not going to be denied," safety Antrel Rolle said. "We are not going to be denied at this point. We understand what we have as a team. It's not all talent, it's about chemistry and we are jelling at this point. Coaches and players being on the same page at the same time. We have one mind, to win a championship." The Giants' pass rush has come alive during this four-game win streak with 17 sacks, including four of Aaron Rodgers last Sunday. The emergence of second-year Pro Bowler Jason Pierre-Paul, return of Osi Umenyiora for the Dallas game and the improved health of Justin Tuck have boosted one of the league's most fearsome units. The 49ers, meanwhile, had the league's top rushing defense in allowing 77.3 yards per game as well as a pass rush led by rookie Aldon Smith's 14.0 sacks. San Francisco earned a reputation for delivering bone-crushing hits while tying for the league lead in creating 38 takeaways. "We're not really trying to hurt people," safety Donte Whitner said. "But when we play physical, people get hurt." Trying to attack those defenses will be quarterbacks who have enjoyed vastly different careers since being top overall draft picks one year apart. The Giants' Eli Manning, taken first overall in 2004, fell 67 yards shy of 5,000 this year. His play this postseason (607 passing yards, six TDs, one interception) has brought back memories of New York's 2007 playoff run in which he excelled en route to earning Super Bowl MVP honors. San Francisco took Alex Smith with the top pick in the 2005 draft, but he never found his footing until playing for his third coach in Harbaugh. Smith guided an offense that had the fewest turnovers in the NFL with 10, and he proved his mettle by leading the Niners to two touchdown drives in the final 2:11 last weekend. "He has great mental toughness," Harbaugh said. "He has a way to be focused and loose in the most pressure situations. He's got that makeup about him that allows him to play and execute." Davis finished with seven catches for 180 yards in his postseason debut. He was ecstatic that the Giants' upset allowed the 49ers to host this contest rather than have to travel to Green Bay. "We don't have to go nowhere. We can just go out back, go out back and throw the football around," Davis said. "The opponents, they come to us. And that's always good, having home-field advantage, and having the team come to you." San Francisco is 4-3 in the postseason against New York, which won the lone championship meeting in 1990 at Candlestick to end the 49ers' chances of a third straight Super Bowl title. More recently, San Francisco won 27-20 at home Nov. 13 in a game in which Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw missed due to injury. The Niners' top receiver in that game, tight end Delanie Walker, has a broken jaw and his status for Sunday is uncertain. Manning threw for two touchdowns and 311 yards as well as two interceptions to Pro Bowl cornerback Carlos Rogers. His bid to lead a game-tying TD drive ended in the final minute when Justin Smith batted down a fourth-down pass. "We know what to expect with them," said Manning, who missed part of Wednesday's workout with a stomach bug. "They're a very sound team. They're very good. They have good players. They play with great energy." The Giants held a hampered Frank Gore to no yards on six carries in that contest, and none of his five 100-yard efforts have come since. Smith completed 19 of 30 passes for 242 yards, one score and one interception. Hakeem Nicks' last touchdown reception on the road came in that game before he scored twice last week. Nicks has 280 yards receiving and four TDs in the postseason as part of a dangerous group of receivers that includes Victor Cruz, third in the league with 1,536 yards. "That is a worthy opponent," Harbaugh said. "That is a scary opponent. We will have to come with every ounce of our 'A' game as well." Copyright 2012 by STATS LLC and The Associated Press. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AllYouNeedIsLovie 377 Posted January 21, 2012 Give me the 9ers in this game Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
baltimoreravens 19 Posted January 21, 2012 (edited) 26 24 Edited January 21, 2012 by baltimoreravens Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Plax 4 Prez 21 Posted January 21, 2012 27 17 (Not being biased) Giants have been on a roll since that Victor-y Cruz 99-yard TD vs the Jets, and just been steam-rolling since. They haven't been winning games in the 4th quarter or last second the last 4 games. The team is as healthy as it's been since b4 the season started, and their hitting on all cylinders right now. I don't believe Alex Smith can play another magical game like versus the Saints, and Eli and co. have cut their turnovers down. I believe the 1st half will be very close, then the Giants will pull away a bit in the 3rd quarter. Just my opinion. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Shotgun 442 Posted January 21, 2012 Smash-mouth football. I expect it to go down to the wire. Why the low score? I'm betting on the rain. I'm betting on the 49ers LB's. Plenty of turnovers, plenty of defensive stops. 17 13 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RazorStar 4,025 Posted January 22, 2012 It won't be a 49ers Giants game without physicality, ruthless hits, and both teams trying out a little of what the other team does well. From the days of Ronnie Lott and Lawrence Taylor, Joe Montana and Phil Simms, we're in for a hell of a football game. 60 minutes of pain and frustration and the winner of this game will have no doubt earned it. 17 20 In Overtime. Yes, I think the OT rules will actually be exercised properly this time around. San Fran kicks a figgie in the first possession, and stops the Giants on the second. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Thanatos 2,847 Posted January 22, 2012 23 27 Hard physical game that shows a bit of offense late in the 4th as the defenses have gotten worn down over the day. Give me the home team, and their ability to force turnovers. Eli may have cut down on the TOs, but he hasn't faced a defense like San Fran in the last few weeks, and against the Skins three weeks ago he turned the ball over three times. Niners defense gets in his face all day long and he makes a mistake at a point where NYG can't afford it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Plax 4 Prez 21 Posted January 22, 2012 Wow, no love at all for the guys who went to GB and won convincingly. I guess we'll see tomorrow at this time Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Thanatos 2,847 Posted January 22, 2012 Wow, no love at all for the guys who went to GB and won convincingly. I guess we'll see tomorrow at this time You guys went 9-7 in the regular season for a reason. You're inconsistent. San Francisco is not. Not at all saying the Giants cant win, but I don't think picking the #2 seed over the #4 seed is not showing the Giants any love. The Niners are the more consistent team. The Giants got swept by the Skins. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Piggly Wiggly 960 Posted January 22, 2012 Wow, no love at all for the guys who went to GB and won convincingly. I guess we'll see tomorrow at this time The 49ers are a much, much more balanced team than the Packers were. Packers really don't compare to the 49ers in the run game, special teams, and defense. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Plax 4 Prez 21 Posted January 22, 2012 It's all about who's on the hot streak to me, and outta the 4 teams still playing I just feel the hotter team is the Giants. Look at the Packers of last year.. they were one loss from missing the playoffs, then got hot. Remember, the Giants weren't to healthy throughout this year, as they are now. So we'll see... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Shotgun 442 Posted January 22, 2012 (edited) How is an 8 to 5 vote showing "no love"? You'll notice everyone who has the 49ers winning, is scoring around a 3 to 4 point difference for the home team while you have the Giants up by 10. Edited January 22, 2012 by Shotgun Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Favre4Ever+ 4,476 Posted January 22, 2012 The 49ers are a much, much more balanced team than the Packers were. Packers really don't compare to the 49ers in the run game, special teams, and defense. The Niners are quite easily the most balanced team in the league. And have been all season. They deserve the Lombardi. Now it's time for them to go out and grab the damn thing. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AL_Royalty 489 Posted January 22, 2012 My goodness. Everyone is all over some 49ers cock around here. What they've done is this season is impressive to say the least, but it comes to an end today for one reason that no one seems to want to address: LOL ALEX SMITH He had one really good game this season, and it came last week against a defense that isn't anything close to what he's going to see today. If they get down by 10 early, it's over. They need Gore to run all over the place today, and most importantly, they're going to need TDs. Let's not forget that the 49ers have one of the worst red zone offenses in the NFL. 27 16 1 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Barracuda 629 Posted January 22, 2012 (edited) It shouldn't even have to come down to Alex Smith 20 14 Edited January 22, 2012 by Barracuda Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Favre4Ever+ 4,476 Posted January 22, 2012 THE 49ers WILL DOMINATE THIS GAME. Niners - 24 Giants - 13 And yes.. I am very well aware that I will have a giant crow in front of me if this does not occur. But the Niners are just better. And the Giants moving forward would be an injustice. Pass Rush? Niners. Secondary? Niners. QB? Giants... But Alex did out gun Drew Brees last week. WR? Giants OLine? Niners. RBs? Niners. ST? Niners. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
badgers 380 Posted January 22, 2012 Rooting for San Francisco but I think New York's gonna win. And I disagree about Alex Smith outgunning Brees. I think they won because (Smith did play good don't get me wrong) Smith's team put him in position to win every time. Brees team played terribly and Smith had more opportunities to win the game. Aside from a 2-0 int mark, Brees played better quarterback than Smith. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Thanatos 2,847 Posted January 22, 2012 Rooting for San Francisco but I think New York's gonna win. And I disagree about Alex Smith outgunning Brees. I think they won because (Smith did play good don't get me wrong) Smith's team put him in position to win every time. Brees team played terribly and Smith had more opportunities to win the game. Aside from a 2-0 int mark, Brees played better quarterback than Smith. No? Smith went down the field, twice, with TD-scoring drives to finish the game. He didn't turn the ball over, Brees did. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Thanatos 2,847 Posted January 22, 2012 (edited) My goodness. Everyone is all over some 49ers cock around here. What they've done is this season is impressive to say the least, but it comes to an end today for one reason that no one seems to want to address: LOL ALEX SMITH He had one really good game this season, and it came last week against a defense that isn't anything close to what he's going to see today. If they get down by 10 early, it's over. They need Gore to run all over the place today, and most importantly, they're going to need TDs. Let's not forget that the 49ers have one of the worst red zone offenses in the NFL. 27 16 So, are we just ignoring the fact that Alex has the fourth-lowest INT rate in NFL History? Are we ignoring the previous 49ers-Giants game where Gore was completely shut down and Alex Smith took over? Are we forgetting that this is the same Niners team that came back from a huge deficit against Philly? Even if they get down by 10 early, this game is far from over. (Oh and a 8-7 vote for the home team, and just picking them to win by 3 or 4 is hardly being "all over the Niners.") Edited January 22, 2012 by Thanatos19 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Shotgun 442 Posted January 22, 2012 (edited) My goodness. Everyone is all over some 49ers cock around here. What they've done is this season is impressive to say the least, but it comes to an end today for one reason that no one seems to want to address: LOL ALEX SMITH He had one really good game this season, and it came last week against a defense that isn't anything close to what he's going to see today. If they get down by 10 early, it's over. They need Gore to run all over the place today, and most importantly, they're going to need TDs. Let's not forget that the 49ers have one of the worst red zone offenses in the NFL. 27 16 Would you care to enlighten me on what Eli Mannings stats were the last 2 times he faced a consistently good or great defense? Edited January 22, 2012 by Shotgun 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pwillie52 79 Posted January 22, 2012 (edited) My goodness. Everyone is all over some 49ers cock around here. What they've done is this season is impressive to say the least, but it comes to an end today for one reason that no one seems to want to address: LOL ALEX SMITH He had one really good game this season, and it came last week against a defense that isn't anything close to what he's going to see today. If they get down by 10 early, it's over. They need Gore to run all over the place today, and most importantly, they're going to need TDs. Let's not forget that the 49ers have one of the worst red zone offenses in the NFL. 27 16 Alex only had one really good game this season? He had an amazing game last week, and had good games throughout the season. Only had 5 picks on the season. He definitely is not the deciding factor. As long as he gets 200 yards and a TD in this game, they will win, like what happened all season. Oh, not to mention earlier in the year, Gore had 0 rushing yards and Hunter had like 40 I think? And who won that game? I see the reason that the Niners lose this game (if they do) is inexperience in the playoffs. Not many players on this team have been to the playoffs, especially all of the starters. I see the 9ers winning it, but it will be close (just like earlier in the year) Oh, and Favre4, the field conditions are in the niners favor as well [edit] Didn't read Thantos's post, but +1 Thantos, and Shotgun Oh and Badgers, Brees had 63 attempts, that is 20 more than Smith and only had 100 yards more. And had 2 picks. Alex had a better game. Edited January 22, 2012 by Pwillie52 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Thanatos 2,847 Posted January 22, 2012 (edited) Would you care to enlighten me on what Eli Mannings stats were the last 2 times he faced a consistently good or great defense? That would be @ , and at home vs , neither of which fall under the great category, but just decent. And they were as follows: @ - 9 of 27, 225 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, 61.5 Rating. vs - 23 of 40, 257 yards, 0 TD, 3 INT, 45.5 Rating. And the Jets one looks a lot worse if you take out the 99-yard TD to Victor Cruz. Not to mention, guys, Eli is sick. Of course he's still going to play, but that's going to affect him against a great defense like San Fran. Edited January 22, 2012 by Thanatos19 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
.AirMcNair. 1,232 Posted January 22, 2012 Eli being sick may wind up being an issue, but, I'm still gonna go with: Giants 28 49ers 24 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
