Hi Giants fans, I'm from the 49ers.com MB. There are classless, clueless fans in every fanbase so you can discount them (please). The majority of our MB family believe the Giants will be our toughest game so far this season. We have beaten some underachieving teams in the Pack and Lions and also some pancakes in the Jets and Bills but we are not delusional to think this will not be a tough game.
Keys to the game:
1st the Giants keys to victory
Giants must try to run the ball and not abandon that plan. Eli is a great QB but the 49er D feasts on teams that bring in a 1 dimensional attack. Our pass rush has not been as potent as last season so far but our backend is playing at a much higher level than last season. Every team we've beaten this year has given up on the run and I believe that is what has cost them the most. The Vikings just out muscled us and ended up rushing for over 160 yds so I believe this is the key to beating the 49ers.
Giants must get pressure on Alex Smith. Alex has shown this season that when he has time to pass he can get the job done. Pressure (especially up the middle) bothers Alex and will keep him from taking shots down field.
Force the 49ers to Pass. If the 49ers can be effective running the ball this game is as good as lost for the Giants. The 49ers are a run first team and if they find success they will run the entire game and could care less about putting up passing stats. If the Giants can't slow them down they have no shot. Also the 49ers love to run the trap play for over agressive DL, so this is something the Giants need to watch.
49ers Keys to Victory
49ers must control the tempo of the game. If the 49ers can control the clock and run the ball this improves their chances greatly. 49ers must run the ball to setup playaction and get 1-on-1 matchups on the outside and for Vernon Davis.
Must win 3rd down. If the Giants Offense is allowed to sustain drives this will play into the Giants hands. The Giants strength is their Offense and the more the 49ers keep them on the sideline the better.
Protect the ball. The 49ers play a conservative style of Offense and rely on limiting scoring for opposing Offense. The achilles heel of the 49ers is if they fall behind they struggle trying to recover. Special Teams Turnovers was the difference in their last meeting with Giants.
My prediction is 20 - 13 49ers. We are not all delusional and crybabies about last season. Yes we feel we could and should have won the NFCC but we didn't and you guys deserve the credit and deserve the SB. Hope for an injury free, competitive game. Good Luck!