I predict that the San Francisco 49ers will defeat the New York Giants this weekend for the NFC Championship.
I've heard the term "instant classic" thrown around in reference to this game and I agree this should instantly be one of the more memorable playoff games in recent memory. This game should be much better than the AFC game with two teams peaking at the same time.
Each team has a strong defense but I have to give the edge to the 49ers. That opening drive last week when Donte Whitner knocked Pierre Thomas out of the game, caused the fumble, and stopped what looked like an inevitable game opening scoring drive, showed the world this defense was mean. And, in case you're wondering, I think this defense will give some of the same treatment to Brandon Jacobs.
But what about the Giants you say? What about the fact that Eli Manning is playing better now than he ever has? Last week he had a nice time pushing around a Green Bay Packers defense that was pretty pathetic. This week will be different I promise. He'll have a decent game but no way he puts up the numbers (330 yds, 3 TD) like last week. Don't forget the Packers offense had a horrific game.
In summary, I'd look for a low scoring first half, and then a more exciting second half as the defenses begin to wear down. Ultimately, home field advantage will be the deciding difference.
Final score: New York Giants 27 San Francisco 49ers 30
Showing posts with label 49ers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 49ers. Show all posts
Friday, January 20, 2012
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Sweet Revenge...Sorta
Admit it. You were rooting for San Francisco to beat New Orleans out of spite for the Saints eliminating Detroit. That's what I was doing. So I was happy Saturday to see that Drew Brees still can't win playoff games on the road.
But is there more to it than that? Absolutely. Maybe I'm tired of seeing the same teams every year in a league that's supposed to have parity. Or maybe, it's more fun to watch a "team" than to see an offense.
What I mean is this: the Saints have a great offense but they're defense isn't that great (see here). So every game they play becomes very one dimensional: Pass, pass, and more pass. And because the opposition is often playing catch-up, they also fall into the same pattern.
The 49ers, on the other hand, have a much more balanced team. Offensively ranking 11th in average points per game in the regular season (see here). And obviously their defense is great. The fan gets a more dynamic game with this team. With them, all parts of the game are important. Look no further than their pro bowl special team kickers.
Most of all, despite our coaches being enemies (see handshakegate), I really like San Francisco's team. I remember the good ol' days when having a running game was essential to winning. When the Lions had Barry Sanders, it seemed like any quarterback would do. So seeing Frank Gore get lots of carries, and Alex Smith run for a touchdown in the playoffs, is my kind of football.
What about New Orleans? They were a great running team this year. That's true, but their leading rusher, Mark Ingram, had less than 500 yards this year. Running back by committee is also boring to me... that sounds like a great topic for another day.
But is there more to it than that? Absolutely. Maybe I'm tired of seeing the same teams every year in a league that's supposed to have parity. Or maybe, it's more fun to watch a "team" than to see an offense.
What I mean is this: the Saints have a great offense but they're defense isn't that great (see here). So every game they play becomes very one dimensional: Pass, pass, and more pass. And because the opposition is often playing catch-up, they also fall into the same pattern.
The 49ers, on the other hand, have a much more balanced team. Offensively ranking 11th in average points per game in the regular season (see here). And obviously their defense is great. The fan gets a more dynamic game with this team. With them, all parts of the game are important. Look no further than their pro bowl special team kickers.
Most of all, despite our coaches being enemies (see handshakegate), I really like San Francisco's team. I remember the good ol' days when having a running game was essential to winning. When the Lions had Barry Sanders, it seemed like any quarterback would do. So seeing Frank Gore get lots of carries, and Alex Smith run for a touchdown in the playoffs, is my kind of football.
What about New Orleans? They were a great running team this year. That's true, but their leading rusher, Mark Ingram, had less than 500 yards this year. Running back by committee is also boring to me... that sounds like a great topic for another day.
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