Giants @ 49ers - NFC Championship Game (1 Viewer)

[butcher boy]

I cant decide if I'm more scared of a hot Giants team than I was a Saints team with their historic offense.

In favor of the Giants

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- They've done this before, and are playing as well as they did when the beat the Pats.

- Giants defense held the Packers to 13 non-garbage time points.

In favor of the Niners

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- Proved last week that a good defense still beats a good offense.

- Home field advantage. It's going to rain all week here in SF, and the field will be sloppy at best.

 

[Zeff]

Kind of hoping for the Giants, as having a QB that's "been there" would at least make the SB against the Pats interesting. SF would get their doors blown off.

 

[Man in the yellow hat]

I can't pick against the Giants after what I witnessed yesterday.

 

[shadyridr]

this game is sucha tossup its scary. should be a defensive battle. i see a final score of something like 20-17. im a 49er fan... the giants dline scares me. so does eli amd nicks. on the niner side justin smith and andy lee are gamechangers. strange to say about punters. anyway, im my completely unbiased opinion the giants are so red hot and habe the qb advantage so ill predict they win. of course i hope im wrong giants havent played a defense like this in quite some time

 

[shadyridr]

Kind of hoping for the Giants, as having a QB that's "been there" would at least make the SB against the Pats interesting. SF would get their doors blown off.

 

[butcher boy]

I'd like to hear people's thoughts on the rainy weather. If it turns into a game of power backs, the advantage has to go the the Niners since run D is their obvious strength and the Giants have a power back who still doesn't realize he's a power back.

 

[mr roboto]

Close pole. 50% each.

 

[Leroy Hoard]

this game is sucha tossup its scary. should be a defensive battle. i see a final score of something like 20-17. im a 49er fan... the giants dline scares me. so does eli amd nicks. on the niner side justin smith and andy lee are gamechangers. strange to say about punters. anyway, im my completely unbiased opinion the giants are so red hot and habe the qb advantage so ill predict they win. of course i hope im wrong giants havent played a defense like this in quite some time

I am teasing up the giants to 8.5 or 9 points, think this one stays within a td or fg either way.

 

[identikit]

this game is sucha tossup its scary. should be a defensive battle. i see a final score of something like 20-17. im a 49er fan... the giants dline scares me. so does eli amd nicks. on the niner side justin smith and andy lee are gamechangers. strange to say about punters. anyway, im my completely unbiased opinion the giants are so red hot and habe the qb advantage so ill predict they win. of course i hope im wrong giants havent played a defense like this in quite some time

They played SF this year, in SF.Not so long ago.

 

[johnadams]

Kind of hoping for the Giants, as having a QB that's "been there" would at least make the SB against the Pats interesting. SF would get their doors blown off.

Didn't we just hear this song? Niners, and they'll be kneeling to kill the clock at the end of the game. 27-13

 

[Redwes25]

Think it is going to be classic smash mouth football. Think the Giants offensive weapons give them an edge. If the Giants defense can continue to put presure with four down lineman and control the running game I think the Giants have a good chance. But in the end it is a very close game that will probably come down to turnovers.

In a very wet game think that helps San Fran as it could neutralize the Giants passing attack a bit. Of course the Giants did not have Bradshaw the last game and he is their best RB which will help their running game a bit but the Niners are so tough against the run I think the Giants will have trouble running no matter the conditions.

 

[Zeff]

Kind of hoping for the Giants, as having a QB that's "been there" would at least make the SB against the Pats interesting. SF would get their doors blown off.

Didn't we just hear this song? Niners, and they'll be kneeling to kill the clock at the end of the game. 27-13

The Niners just won a Super Bowl?

 

[shadyridr]

this game is sucha tossup its scary. should be a defensive battle. i see a final score of something like 20-17. im a 49er fan... the giants dline scares me. so does eli amd nicks. on the niner side justin smith and andy lee are gamechangers. strange to say about punters. anyway, im my completely unbiased opinion the giants are so red hot and habe the qb advantage so ill predict they win. of course i hope im wrong giants havent played a defense like this in quite some time

They played SF this year, in SF.Not so long ago.

thats what i was referring to. i wasnt exactly talking about years here

 

[Flash]

I predict the Giants fans will be in full whining and crying mode.

 

[butcher boy]

Kind of hoping for the Giants, as having a QB that's "been there" would at least make the SB against the Pats interesting. SF would get their doors blown off.

Didn't we just hear this song? Niners, and they'll be kneeling to kill the clock at the end of the game. 27-13

The Niners just won a Super Bowl?

I think he was referring to the fact that the Niners just played a QB that's "been there" and beat him, so the analysis that Brady would "blow their doors off" is heavily flawed.

 

[CentralPA]

Until they can be beaten on the road in the playoffs I am going with the G-men. But I hope Patrick Willis breaks Eli's stupid face!

 

[Billy Bats]

Team analysis aside and this might not mean anything to most, but 2nd road game and flying across country gives SF an advantage while they stay home and get an extra day of rest. Tough, tight game like others have said, but I give the W to SF.

 

[Dr. Gobbler]

I think the Giants are going to make Alex Smith look like Alex Smith.

 

[butcher boy]

I think the Giants are going to make Alex Smith look like Alex Smith.

It's been over one and a half seasons since Alex Smith has looked like the Alex Smith I'm sure you're thinking about.

 

[johnadams]

Kind of hoping for the Giants, as having a QB that's "been there" would at least make the SB against the Pats interesting. SF would get their doors blown off.

Didn't we just hear this song? Niners, and they'll be kneeling to kill the clock at the end of the game. 27-13

The Niners just won a Super Bowl?

I think he was referring to the fact that the Niners just played a QB that's "been there" and beat him, so the analysis that Brady would "blow their doors off" is heavily flawed.

Exactly. And calling it an analysis is very generous.

 

[goldenchild]

SF 27 NYG 17

 

[Yenrub]

I was actually more confident that the 49ers would beat the Saints than I was about the Giants beating the Packers because I know just how good that 49er defense is.

I’m a Giants fan so I will be routing for them this weekend but the 49ers have on heck of a defense.

This one should be one heck of a slobber knocker. Go Giants!!

My prediction…PAIN

Giants 24 – 49ers 23

 

[rzrback77]

Team analysis aside and this might not mean anything to most, but 2nd road game and flying across country gives SF an advantage while they stay home and get an extra day of rest. Tough, tight game like others have said, but I give the W to SF.

I think that the combination of winning on the road over the highly favored Packers in the cold, then returning to New York to prepare for a totally different team that has a very good defense and the long flight completely across the country will affect the Giants much more than most suspect.San Francisco will have to be able to run the ball well, but I think that they will be able to do that and control the clock some and win a fairly low scoring affair 20-14.

 

[netnalp]

31-10 Giants

 

[Yankee23Fan]

I'd like to hear people's thoughts on the rainy weather. If it turns into a game of power backs, the advantage has to go the the Niners since run D is their obvious strength and the Giants have a power back who still doesn't realize he's a power back.

How is Alex with Play action throws?I guess it depends on the amount of rain and more importantly wind. Although Eli got used to throwing in the wind in the old Giants stadium. Granted, the new stadium doesn't have the same wind problems. I do agree though that I really have no faith in the Giants having to focus on the run the whole game.

 

[harryhood]

This is going to be a close one for sure, and I think the Giants have enough balance to come away with a victory. It is not going to be easy though. Very curious to see how they handle the edge rushers for SF. Those guys are REALLY good, on a REALLY good defense.

Hopefully Matt Bahr dresses.

 

[Shlon]

I think Giants will look into shutting down the only two weapons that can hurt them (Vernon Davis - coverage focused on him, double teams) and Frank Gore. Ted Ginn Jr. & Crabtree doesn't really scare anyone, and with that pass rush of the Giants, I think Alex Smith might be in for a long day. The 49ers have a great defense but I like the matchup of Giants offense vs 49ers defense much more than the matchup of 49ers offense vs Giants defense.

 

[Banemorth]

As long as Canty and Cruz are both really OK after the GB game I say NYG takes it!

 

[Mario Kart]

I want to see a Ravens vs. 49'ers matchup.

Therefore, the Giants and Patriots will make the Bowl.

 

[valhallan]

I think the Giants win easily. They won't make as many mistakes as the Saints, both in terms of ball protection and defensive playcalling.

 

[Dr. Awesome]

I think the Giants are going to make Alex Smith look like Alex Smith.

It's been over one and a half seasons since Alex Smith has looked like the Alex Smith I'm sure you're thinking about.

He's no Brees but he's no longer the horrendous player we once saw. He's decent enough. That said, the Giants d-line going against the right side of SF's o-line is surely going to end in a massacre.

 

[drummer]

I think the Giants are going to make Alex Smith look like Alex Smith.

It's been over one and a half seasons since Alex Smith has looked like the Alex Smith I'm sure you're thinking about.

He's no Brees but he's no longer the horrendous player we once saw. He's decent enough. That said, the Giants d-line going against the right side of SF's o-line is surely going to end in a massacre.

The 49ers need to let him throw the ball more to really try to keep the defenses honest. There was a long stretch of the NO game where he looked like the usual Smith, getting a lot of balls batted down (way too many this season for a 6'4" starting QB), not reading blitzes, missing receivers, staring down routes, etc. But you put him in Fire Drill mode out of the shotgun, he can make stuff happen. That's stuff he did in Jimmy Raye's offense. Just spread them out and chuck the rock. Like when he took over for Shaun Hill, hitting VD on a lot of seam and go routes. The last two drives of the NO reminded me of that.

 

[xfactor99]

I think the Giants are going to make Alex Smith look like Alex Smith.

It's been over one and a half seasons since Alex Smith has looked like the Alex Smith I'm sure you're thinking about.

Alex Smith since the lowest point of his career (aka the infamous "We Want Carr" on national TV)395 for 655

60.3%

4,707 yards

7.2 YPA

30 TD

7 INT

93.1 QBR

 

[sho nuff]

While the Giants D is playing well now, the 9ers have done it pretty much the whole year.

Should be a great game.

Giving the slight edge to the 9ers.

 

[Redwes25]

As long as Canty and Cruz are both really OK after the GB game I say NYG takes it!

Word is both are fine. Canty didn't have even have an MRI and during the game that injury looked bad. Canty is very important for that interior line play and will be needed in what will be a very physical game.

 

[Bird]

In a very wet game think that helps San Fran as it could neutralize the Giants passing attack a bit. Of course the Giants did not have Bradshaw the last game and he is their best RB which will help their running game a bit but the Niners are so tough against the run I think the Giants will have trouble running no matter the conditions.

This is important for the running game but more so for the screen passes. Pounding Jacobs feeds into SF strength of stopping the run. Utilizing the screen game will get production from the RB position and help neutralize the outside pass rush. If Gilbride is wise then he will keep Bradshaw on the field for about 75-80% of the snaps unless there is a lead to protect and the Giants are taking the air out of the ball. While possible, I don't think that scenario is likely so I hope Bradshaw is a big focus of the offensive game plan

 

[Bird]

I think the Giants are going to make Alex Smith look like Alex Smith.

It's been over one and a half seasons since Alex Smith has looked like the Alex Smith I'm sure you're thinking about.

Alex Smith since the lowest point of his career (aka the infamous "We Want Carr" on national TV)395 for 655

60.3%

4,707 yards

7.2 YPA

30 TD

7 INT

93.1 QBR

No doubt. The Giants needs to prepare for Smith as if he was Brees, Brady or Rodgers and not take him lightly. They will need to be focused against the run like against Atlanta but need to be aware of Smith. He may not do all the things that the Big 3 QB do but the things he does do, he does well. Keep in mind, Smith is the QB who was selected about 20 slots sooner than Rodgers with Mike McCarthy on the SF staff.

 

[drummer]

I think the Giants are going to make Alex Smith look like Alex Smith.

It's been over one and a half seasons since Alex Smith has looked like the Alex Smith I'm sure you're thinking about.

Alex Smith since the lowest point of his career (aka the infamous "We Want Carr" on national TV)395 for 655

60.3%

4,707 yards

7.2 YPA

30 TD

7 INT

93.1 QBR

Kinda misleading when you leave out starts. He only played 6 games after that BOOOO game, with Troy Smith starting 6 of them.

 

[butcher boy]

In a very wet game think that helps San Fran as it could neutralize the Giants passing attack a bit. Of course the Giants did not have Bradshaw the last game and he is their best RB which will help their running game a bit but the Niners are so tough against the run I think the Giants will have trouble running no matter the conditions.

This is important for the running game but more so for the screen passes. Pounding Jacobs feeds into SF strength of stopping the run. Utilizing the screen game will get production from the RB position and help neutralize the outside pass rush. If Gilbride is wise then he will keep Bradshaw on the field for about 75-80% of the snaps unless there is a lead to protect and the Giants are taking the air out of the ball. While possible, I don't think that scenario is likely so I hope Bradshaw is a big focus of the offensive game plan

As a Niner fan, I am also hoping that Bradshaw is the focus of their gameplan. I'm much more afraid of Manning tossing it to Cruz and Nicks all game. No offense to Bradshaw, but we've stopped running backs much better than him many times this year.

 

[drummer]

I think the Giants are going to make Alex Smith look like Alex Smith.

It's been over one and a half seasons since Alex Smith has looked like the Alex Smith I'm sure you're thinking about.

Alex Smith since the lowest point of his career (aka the infamous "We Want Carr" on national TV)395 for 655

60.3%

4,707 yards

7.2 YPA

30 TD

7 INT

93.1 QBR

No doubt. The Giants needs to prepare for Smith as if he was Brees, Brady or Rodgers and not take him lightly. They will need to be focused against the run like against Atlanta but need to be aware of Smith. He may not do all the things that the Big 3 QB do but the things he does do, he does well. Keep in mind, Smith is the QB who was selected about 20 slots sooner than Rodgers with Mike McCarthy on the SF staff.

The things he does well at he is still inconsistent with. He actually was a better passer under Jimmy Raye. He isn't that much different stat wise since 2006, outside of INTS. Nolan liked him over Rodgers because he thought Smith wasn't as cocky. Draft slots really don't mean anything, since Nolan wanted to trade the #1 pick (but had no real takers), and even tried to trade Smith to TB, but Gruden didn't bite on what Nolan wanted.

 

[Wingnut]

I think the Giants are going to make Alex Smith look like Alex Smith.

It's been over one and a half seasons since Alex Smith has looked like the Alex Smith I'm sure you're thinking about.

Alex Smith since the lowest point of his career (aka the infamous "We Want Carr" on national TV)395 for 655

60.3%

4,707 yards

7.2 YPA

30 TD

7 INT

93.1 QBR

Over how many games is that?

 

[Bird]

Sproles just torched SF for 15 catches and they are middle of the pack in receiving yards allowed to RB. I'm not calling for 20 rushes from Bradshaw. I'd like to see 5-7 catches as that will slow down the outside pass rush which will open things up for Cruz and Nicks. Against SF, you have to have the threat of RB production to keep the LB honest.

 

[drummer]

I think the Giants are going to make Alex Smith look like Alex Smith.

It's been over one and a half seasons since Alex Smith has looked like the Alex Smith I'm sure you're thinking about.

Alex Smith since the lowest point of his career (aka the infamous "We Want Carr" on national TV)395 for 655

60.3%

4,707 yards

7.2 YPA

30 TD

7 INT

93.1 QBR

Over how many games is that?

Counting this season I think 21 starts. Singletary benched him against the final STL game, where he didn't throw a TD. After he didn't throw one against SD, yet threw an INT. I blame Mike Johnson for SD. He sucked worse than Raye.

 

[butcher boy]

I think the Giants are going to make Alex Smith look like Alex Smith.

It's been over one and a half seasons since Alex Smith has looked like the Alex Smith I'm sure you're thinking about.

Alex Smith since the lowest point of his career (aka the infamous "We Want Carr" on national TV)395 for 655

60.3%

4,707 yards

7.2 YPA

30 TD

7 INT

93.1 QBR

No doubt. The Giants needs to prepare for Smith as if he was Brees, Brady or Rodgers and not take him lightly. They will need to be focused against the run like against Atlanta but need to be aware of Smith. He may not do all the things that the Big 3 QB do but the things he does do, he does well. Keep in mind, Smith is the QB who was selected about 20 slots sooner than Rodgers with Mike McCarthy on the SF staff.

The things he does well at he is still inconsistent with. He actually was a better passer under Jimmy Raye. He isn't that much different stat wise since 2006, outside of INTS. Nolan liked him over Rodgers because he thought Smith wasn't as cocky. Draft slots really don't mean anything, since Nolan wanted to trade the #1 pick (but had no real takers), and even tried to trade Smith to TB, but Gruden didn't bite on what Nolan wanted.

People like to use words like "outside of INTs" to downplay Smith's improvement without realizing how much of an impact a lack of turnovers means for a QB.

 

[drummer]

I think the Giants are going to make Alex Smith look like Alex Smith.

It's been over one and a half seasons since Alex Smith has looked like the Alex Smith I'm sure you're thinking about.

Alex Smith since the lowest point of his career (aka the infamous "We Want Carr" on national TV)395 for 655

60.3%

4,707 yards

7.2 YPA

30 TD

7 INT

93.1 QBR

No doubt. The Giants needs to prepare for Smith as if he was Brees, Brady or Rodgers and not take him lightly. They will need to be focused against the run like against Atlanta but need to be aware of Smith. He may not do all the things that the Big 3 QB do but the things he does do, he does well. Keep in mind, Smith is the QB who was selected about 20 slots sooner than Rodgers with Mike McCarthy on the SF staff.

The things he does well at he is still inconsistent with. He actually was a better passer under Jimmy Raye. He isn't that much different stat wise since 2006, outside of INTS. Nolan liked him over Rodgers because he thought Smith wasn't as cocky. Draft slots really don't mean anything, since Nolan wanted to trade the #1 pick (but had no real takers), and even tried to trade Smith to TB, but Gruden didn't bite on what Nolan wanted.

People like to use words like "outside of INTs" to downplay Smith's improvement without realizing how much of an impact a lack of turnovers means for a QB.

Thing is he has taken more sacks this season than in 2006, with Kwame Harris and an old Larry Allen on the o-line back then. The reality is the reason why he has less INTs with an way better supporting cast all around is that he pulls the ball down more. Plus, the defense was ranked dead last in yards allowed in 2006. 2006 was also Gore's career season as far as yards with over 1600 rushing too. People focus on what Harbaugh has done for Smith, but Norv Turner had the most dramatic effect on Smith than any coach he has had. Almost remarkable when you look at it.

ETA: gotta add dumpoffs to his low INT rate in 2011. He does a ton of those.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

close game I expect NYG to win like 27-24

 

[Power Monster]

The G men have so many weapons and have found their stride but the 49'ers seem to be the darlings of the NFL this year. This is a close one but all signs seem to be pointing to a new England vs. NYG rematch and that my friends is the ratings blitz that the NFL can bank on.

 

[AmosMoses]

I think the Giants are going to make Alex Smith look like Alex Smith.

I know what you are thinking. You think Alex Smith is bound to start playing badly again. It's not happening. I thought that too. So if you are a Giants fan you had better hope what you said doesn't happen. A guy that looks like Alex Smith makes smart decisions all game and some killer ####### throws when they are needed the most.

 

[Truman]

Roethlisbergers first superbowl is all you need to look at to realize there are more than 2 players competing in the game.

 

[Truman]

I don't think this game will be very entertaining. A lot of pass rush, a few sacks, not much deep ball. 49ers will probably have more success pounding the ball inside and are stronger defensively.

Eli is the X factor....