Here’s my prediction for the NFC championship game. The Niners are going to beat the New York Giants 31-17 because they have better players and better coaches. Oh, and they have home field advantage, too.
The Giants defensive game plan is going to be too simple. They’re going to commit eight defenders to stopping Frank Gore and the inside run game, and then they’re going to double cover Vernon Davis in the pass game. That will be their entire focus.
The Niners coaches are too creative to lose to such a reductionist strategy. They’ll bring back what they dabbled with earlier in the year – passes to unlikely playmakers like backup running back Kendall Hunter, fullback Bruce Miller and left tackle Joe Staley.
The Giants ferocious defensive line only sacked Alex Smith two times back in Week 10. The young Niners offensive line has improved since then, and they should be able to hold the Giants pass rushers in check once again.
The Giants offensive line will not be able to hold their own, however, against the Niners D-line. The left side of their O-line is not good enough to handle Justin and Aldon Smith, and this will be apparent on the first series of the game. If the two Smiths hit Drew Brees nine times last week, they’re going to hit Eli Manning more than ten times on Sunday.
The Giants tailback Ahmad Bradshaw, who did not play against the Niners back in Week 10, will not be a factor in this game, no matter how healthy he is. The Niners will neutralize him with their front seven.
The Niners are the best team in the NFL. They’re not going to lose to a seven-loss team. I will be shocked if they don’t win this one fairly easily.
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Grant I hope you are right, my bro is giving me so smack about this new and improved Giants. I need to shut his pie hole.
Hear Brent Jones yesterday morning on KNBR basically say the same thing.
Jones called the Giants “Dog Meat” and saying the they were Over Hyped!
Jones did give them credit for winning 4 games in a row BUT…
He added the 49ers have been consitently “Dominant” the Entire Season and that there was no way the 49ers were going to lose to a 9-7 Team.
That got me FIRED UP! I believe the Grant & Brent are right & the 49ers will by 2 TD’s . Can’t wait for Sunday!
Grant, you’re such a homer brother!
Hope you’re right about this one… you were so far off on your Baltimore prediction.
@ NickS.
What did Grant say that makes him a homer? Everything he stated is accurate and backed by fact.
Whew! Grant, you make it sound easy. I don’t disagree with your premises, but I also think the Giants are going to make some plays. Manning in particular.
At least until Justin Smith knocks him out of the game . . . 2d quarter maybe? :)
Maybe I am just a homer as well but I am pretty confident we win this one, I believe that the Saints were the best team in football untill last week, and I believe the Gmen will be over confident, when JH won’t let his guys get that way.
NYG 67 49ERS 6….. WHEEEW!
Do we need to be kicked in the shins, MD?? lmao!
When the Niner’s win on Sunday, I declare Monday as a Bay Area holiday, where we can rest our vocal cords and have a relaxion day and de-stress. you hear that employer’s.
@MD
I think you got the numbers mixed up….? Surely you don’t think the 49ers will LOSE 67-6?
@Neal
I didn’t take any days off last week, but I certainly didn’t talk very much before Wednesday to rest my v-cords! I think I might have pulled a muscle in throat from screaming so much lol!
Shin guards roc… Shin guards my fellow faithful
I like the article, especially two key element. First, the Giants are a 7 loss team and they’re overdue! Second, I agree that Eli will get harassed more than Brees was. If I remember correctly, the Saints had a least 2 pro bowl Guards. How do you think the G-men will absorb the fury of the Smiths!
You are what your record says you are! Their record says that they’re inconsistent, and they lose to some pretty lame teams.
Don’t forget…we lost to Arizona in a very poorly played game. :(
The Niners are the best defensive and best all-around team in the NFL, and they have been getting better almost every week.
They just have to prove it to the naysayers once again!
I can’t wait for this game. My voice is only just recovering from last week. Is anyone else excited? Do you think Candlestick won’t rock this Sunday?
Rain or not, wet field or not, Justin Smith at home is a beast. Aldon Smith is going to wreak some havoc.
I was a bit optimistic last week in my 30-13 prediction against the Saints, but the Saints are the best team the Niners are going to face this year. Don’t get me wrong. The Giants are no pushovers. On any given Sunday, and given a few bad calls by the refs, New York could win.
But not this Sunday.
Harbaugh has stayed up late exposing New York’s weakness and figuring out how to neutralize their strengths.
Niners will have four sacks as part of a dozen hits on Eli, most coming in the second half. Eli will throw some great passes, and the game will be close, but he’ll also be forced into two picks and the Niners will win the turnover battle 3-1.
Alex Smith will throw for a touchdown and run for a touchdown. A surprise play will bring another touchdown. The defense is due for a score. Only two field goals by Acres.
When the mud settles, Niners win 34-20. Epic.
Asking no quarter and taking no quarter, with humble hearts and steely determination, with the passion and desire of the legends that came before them, with blue-collar hard-working old-fashioned sweat, with the efficiency of a cold-blooded killer, the Niners are going to hunt down some Giants come Sunday.
You think?
Nice. That could almost describe the whole season so far.
@TobyNiner: A team that’s several notches ABOVE the Saints across the board might defeat this Niner squad. The Giants are good. Not great.
Oooops TobyNiner: forgot to add – your score prediction is what caught my eye ’cause it matches mine.
@Phil-4-6:
The thing about this Niners team is they are so, so hungry for this. They are going to leave everything they have on the field tomorrow. The Giants beat Green Bay, but they just weren’t as hungry. They didn’t finish every play as if their very lives depended on it.
And you just have to trust in Harbaugh that he is doing everything he can to give the Niners the edge, because he is a maniacally driven fanatic. If anyone wants the Niners to win more than us, it’s Harbaugh!
Alex Smith is seeping with confidence. They’re at home, in the rough-and-tumble, wind-blown, muddy down-to-earth Candlestick., where you never know — it might be the last playoff game where Montana and Young and Lott did their thing!
I just feel in my gut they are ready for Sunday. All these analysts saying the Niners will lose each week are going to have to clear their throats and say, “Damn, we were wrong again.”
@PhilM: Go Niners! Thanks!
The clueless kiss of death has spoken. Niners lose after this clowns prediction. He’s wrong more than hes right.
How can a kiss of death speak? What?
Mmmmm… the mummy speaks!
Zzzz…
ATTA BOY GRANT!!!!!
Last time he predicted us to win big, we lost… let’s hope the results will be different. 49ers 28 Giants 21.
Grant, I’ve had the same mind set since the match-up set up last week. The Saints were unstoppable and we beat them. Schemes and everything else aside the 49ers have an energy, a force that can’t be matched. I envision a Ronnie Lott hit to kick off the action. I think Crabtree will have a big day and get a few looks deep. Watch Frank and the entire run game take off.
How can Matt Maiocco pick against the 49ers? I don’t even care if he’s right (which he’s not), is he looking for more ink? Is he looking to start a fight in an empty room? His fan base will dwindle dramatically. As stated in a previous post I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s got a national gig lined up.
Niner Faithful,
I am Pork Bun Luncheon. I have multiple personalities. I admit it, I’m crazy!
The time has come to extend the collective olive branch — so, to my antagonists, namely 23Jordan, NinerMD, 9erGirl, Bay Area Fanatic, & BigP, LET’S DO THIS!!!
Thinking about why the Niners will win this game, it is SO obvious that Jim Harbaugh is the difference maker, not Justin, Aldon, Reggie, or Alex. This is the Harbaugh Niners, and I am CONFIDENT that the mighty men will be prepared.
I retract all comments of negative nature directed at the aforementioned Faithful, and embrace the present! We are going to be GREAT for a long, long time!
PBL
Agree, you are a nut job! I don’t usually respond to wacko’s but atleast you admit you’re a looney. That’s the first step to becoming abnormal. Good luck Porky!
Pork Bun, I salute you. Very important to have complete harmony within the Faithful Universe at a time like this. Good Vibrations.
Porkster,
I am not your antagonist. I don’t think we have ever had any conversational posts. You have ran your mouth to me on a couple of occasions and I let you have it right back. That’s about it. If you want to be cool, I’m fine with that. Everyone is invested in the teams success. 23Jordan, NinerMD, 9erGirl, and Bay Area Fanatic are all die hard fans, to the core. I would be proud to watch a game and have a beer with them. They represent the Faithful and are true fans. I believe you are as well, and I respect the fact that you see the bigger picture here, which is bringing a Super Bowl Championship back to S.F. I look forward to positive conversations with you in the future and will affectionately call you “The Porkster” for now on. Go Niners!
Olive branch accepted. Now let’s go kick some Giants azz!!
LONG TIME READER……….
All the excitement lately has me bursting enough to finally break down & make a . comment! Love reading the coments sometimes more then Grants stuff if you can believe that! Love this sight & been reading since the MM days.
ANYWHOO! Enough butt kissing. GRANT!! Your picks have been a little shakey but I’m rollin with you buddy. Dont know about that score but I do agree playin at “THE STICK” & that sea of Red will the the X Factor. We beat the Saints who bar none WERE the hottest team in football. 25-20 49ers!!! Alex Smith is HOT!
24-21 49ers. Mr. Hochuli makes me very uneasy. Not a fan.
Was it his crew in Baltimore?
John Parry was the head official in Baltimore. Hochuli did the AFC championship last season.
I’m not a fan of his either. Not sure what other playoff games he’s done this year to look into.
If the refs play a part in this game, I predict it goes our way, call it destiny if u will.
The Giants haven’t been tested for some time now. In 2007 they had three hard-fought close road wins. Their two this postseason were not. Atlanta couldn’t make a play and the Giants plodded on to victory. The Packers just gave the Giants so many opportunities it’s not even funny. The Giants will be affected by the long flight and limited practice time, while the 49ers will be rested, have been in familiar surroundings, and Harbaugh and Roman have had time to get creative.
Andrew from Rishikesh you twit! Maiocco picked Niners 23-21!
I admit I’m a little nervous about this game. I hope the Niners keep up their intensity
NBC Sports talk Thursday, quote from Maiocco,
“I appeared on NBC SportsTalk on Thursday. And host Russ Thaler asked me and Bob Glauber of New York’s Newsday for predictions. As my colleague enthusiastically points out in this episode of Matt & Mindi, I “predicted” a New York Giants victory in the NFC Championship Game. Glauber also called a Giants victory”.
Maybe he back tracked on his prediction since then, which i may have missed. And I don’t have to call you names to back it up. Kindness and respect goes much deeper, try it.
Andrew from …. – Matt Maioco did predict the Giants to win. I think Indiana Jones made a google error. Sometimes the Google headline doesn’t match the actual story when you click and actually read it. :-)
Paul Gutierrez (CSNBAYAREA.COM) predicted Niners win 23-21 at bottom of the article.
Here’s the link.
http://www.csnbayarea.com/blog/niners-talk/post/Giants-49ers-Who-has-the-edge?blockID=635330&feedID=7638
Wow some serious wishful thinking here. No doubt 49ers can win but they will have to fight for it. Giants are a completely different team. Secondary is playing better, they are healthy and Eli is lights out. Giants 17 49ers 13. Better luck next year. And let’s hope the fans don’t embarrass the city again this week.
“Giants are a completely different team.”
I am getting SICK and TIRED of hearing this damn pharse!!! And the 9ers are not?! … especially on the Offensive side of the ball. Everyone and their grandma would have never expected Alex Smith to go toe-to-toe with Drew Brees, yet he did. And everyone watched in amazement how Alex went tit for tat with Brees in the forth and came out on top. Im not saying this game is going to be a walk in the park, but when I hear “OH, this is a different giants team” there seems to be a connotation that the 9ers have no idea what’s comming towards them and won’t be ready because “THE gIaNts ARe a DIFFeRENt TEaM”. AHHhhHHHhHhhhhhhh … phooey!!! So are our 9ers!!! It’s gonna be a dog fight!!!
nicks did roll his ankle but I guess our willis hurt his knee, only guy out for sure is ginn with a knee, I believe this is a bigger loss then people are thinking.
Ginn is questionable
Actually Ginn is a track star who has a judgement problem. He returned two kicks at the begining of the season to what amounted to a 5th preason game. Who didn’t return kicks those first two weeks. I actually like Hunter returning better than I like Ginn
@big niner
So are the Giants chances.
Alex Smith will step up when called to do so, like he has all season…
Grant – I agree with your prediction one billion percent!
The New York FOOTBALL Giants are living in “Fantasyland” and reality is about to kick in!
Yeah, “When you wish upon a star, your dreams come true” (Only in Fantasyland you cocky/arrogant New Yorkers)…. I heard you losers online @ WFAN sports radio (New York) talking about your Super Bowl rematch with N.E.
S.F. 34 N.Y. Giants 13 approximately :-)
Now I’m done!
“The Niners are going to beat the New York Giants 31-17 because they have better players and better coaches. Oh, and they have home field advantage, too.”
How can a rookie HC considered to be better than a seasoned HC with a SB ring? This has got to be the most rediculous statement ever.
Care to show some facts to back up your argument, Grant?
Because, other than the Baltimore loss, our coaches outcoached the opposition all season.
How come the the “seasoned HC with a SB ring” lost another 3 straight after SF beat them? Coughlin’s job was on the line at the point. They dropped from 6-2 to 7-7 before saving their season. The SF game, too, brought Eli down to earth (11 TDs & 10 INTs during the slump, vs. 15 TDs & 6 INTs prior). He’s improved this year, but is not the elite QB the East Coast media hyped him out to be.
It is because we have more talents on our roster. Give BW the Rams’ roster, he would not win 5 games.
Coaching matter but It’s all come down to who has better horses.
Actually Huh, if you look at teams like the Patriots and the 2002 49ers, it wasn’t who had better horses. Both organizations have built around team play and not individual stars.
“How can a rookie HC considered to be better than a seasoned HC with a SB ring? This has got to be the most rediculous statement ever.”
It’s a little less ridiculous when you consider the fact that this rookie HC ALREADY BEAT your “seasoned HC with a SB ring”. That’s why most, if not all observers are confident that Harbaugh wins NFL Coach of the Year. So he’s not just better than your “seasoned HC with a SB ring”, he’s better than ALL the other NFL coaches. Just one more reason NOBODY’S got it better than us!
>>Care to show some facts to back up your argument, Grant?
This “rookie” coach has led his team the championship game, installing a new complex offense with NO pre-season OTA, no first hand experience with his teams roster. Where the the first pre-season game was a mere week after training camp opened. A team that few gave much of a chance to improve over last season, fewer predicted to get to the payoffs and NO ONE expected them to be were they are now. Think about it. Superbowl winning coaches? Yeah, there’s one every year, what Harbaugh and his staff have pulled off this year is as inconceivable as it is unprecedented.
Better coaches? Absolutely.
And coach of the year…. Now all harbaugh had to work on his his I just ate a poop burger face. Like tc has mastered.
Here are your facts:
Rookie went 13-3 and beat more teams with winning records.
Seasoned veteran went 9-7 and only beat one team with a winning record and barely made the playoffs.
Coach of the year = Jim Harbaugh. Everyone knows it. Best coach this season. Period. End of story.
Why can I not stay away from these? I hate predictions and picks, they are so idiotic. All they do is make more nervous than I already am.
Besides homers, no one picked us last week and we beat the Saints, arguably the hottest team in football.
The NFL Network “experts” (Baldinger was the only one to take us, even Mooch has deserted us), are all behind the Giants. That’s the way I like it. Makes our guys hungrier, if that’s even possible. Like I said, no prediction from me.
All I’ll say is:
Patchwork offensive line, meet our front 7.
Last-in-the-NFL running game, meet our front 7.
Wear Red and Be Loud (not soft)! Go Niners.
Huh…isn’t Sean Payton a seasoned, veteran coach with a Super Bowl ring?
BW is considered the greatest coach of all time. Did he win anything at Stanford after he left the 9ers?
JH is a great coach. I love the guy. But to say he’s better than TC is rediculous. TC is no Singletary :)
I don’t think anyone said JH was better than TC. Maybe he is, maybe he isn’t. It’s gonna be decided by the mighty men on the field. On both sides.
HUH? must be ALL!! in disguise…
Nah, !all couldn’t string together a coherent sentence…hihihihihihihi was about all he could muster.
I always found it very creepy that a grown man would type hihihihihihihihihihihihi on every post.
Yeah baby!!!!!!!!!!!
Great prediction – let’s roll!!!!
1) San Francisco
2) NFC Championship
3) An NFC East team is the opponent
For those old enough to remember, this can only mean one thing…. a totally fabricated Pass Interference or Defensive Holding penalty against the 49ers.
This completely cooked up penalty will be thrown at a crucial moment in the game. A total momentum shifter. One for the ages. There may even be two of them, just in case.
1981 vs Dallas Cowboys.
Despite the 49ers dominating in yards, the game remains close due to uncharacteristic 49er turnovers. Late in the game Ronnie Lott makes a clear interception of an overthrown ball. Perfect textbook coverage. No part of Lott’s body came close to contacting the receiver. And out came the flag. The Cowboys scored on that drive, making the “catch” necessary.
That penalty was later shown to all the clubs around the league the following year, as part of league wide training exercise. They were literally laughed out of the film rooms by the players and coaches.
1983 vs Washington Redskins.
Same thing against Lott, only it was defensive holding too, negating a fantastic 4th qtr come from behind effort by Montana.
Washington was later demolished by a grateful Raider team in the Super Bowl, happy to defend the simple Riggo offense then to have to play the complicated 49ers attack.
And its not just the 49ers.
Seattle vs Pittsburgh in the Superbowl
A west coast team beating an eastern team. Twice came the yellow hankies on absolutely bizarre calls, and all was right with the world again (at least in the officials mind). Pittsburgh passed the 49ers in total Superbowl Victories. It was destiny.
Years later the official (Bill Leavy) admitted “I kicked two calls in the fourth quarter and I impacted the game, and as an official you never want to do that.”
I don’t think its a conspiracy. So what is it?
When west coast teams like San Francisco, Oakland or Seattle are about to knock off traditional NFL powerhouses from cities where “real Americans” live, it somehow subconsciously messes with the officials sense of how the world should be. A minor electrical storm in the officials brain ensues, and the yellow flags fly.
Despite all this, 49ers 27, NY 21
Go Niners!
good one, Grant, and i like the detail you provide to bolster your prediction.
i just cant see our defense losing a home game, on sloppy Stick turf, for the NFC Championship. Justin and Aldon Smith and Willis simply wont let it happen. just like 81, the Niners are going to be underestimated by most pundits even when we win the SB
i feel fortunate to be attending my first niner game in about 15 yrs…couldnt go as a kid as we were too poor, and i havent lived in the Bay Area in 23 yrs. i promise to scream my lungs out for the niner fans who cant be there.
my keys to the game: 2 net turnovers, 4 sacks of Eli, 80 or more yds rushing by Gore, and the Niners win 24-20.
fes, did you make the trip out from NY?
Fuggetabout the past. THIS 49er team is gonna win THIS Sunday and head for the Super Bowl (with Alex FREAKING Smith as their quarterback?? You bettah believe it, baby! Alex is simply DETERMINED to make that #1 pick of the whole freaking draft stand up.) Hey, Eddie D is comin’ all the way from Tampa to see it himself!!!
Matt picked against the 49ers? That’s an OUTRAGE!!! (and I’m not kidding – I love reading Matt, but NO WAY am I reading that article, I don’t wanna know his reasons. I’ll stick with Steve Young on this game.)
Grant – I’m going with your prediction, though I think it might be 28-17 or even 21- 14 – depends on the rain. 49ers on top of course.
One final note to Matt- I hope you pick the 49ers when it comes to the Super Bow, my friend. Don’t go against the family again, capisce?
Super Bow? I mean Super BOWL! – Jeez!!! No, I haven’t started drinking yet. I hardly ever drink alcohol, by the way, but I have some Jack Daniel’s nearby for those “crucial football moments” – an old tradition – I was chuggin’ a little during “The Catch”, the Stanford SB, the drive against Cincinatti, etc, no reason to change a successful thing now.
I will never read or listen to matt m. again. How can he actually be 49er fan and writer and make that perdiction.
He’s NOT a Niner fan, he’s written that many times. He’s trying to be a professional journalist, which requires some objectivity. I respect that the guy’s willing to say what he really thinks, knowing full well what the reaction will be.
And remember, guys, this is America. Matt’s entitled to his erroneous opinion!
@rusty
I get that.
But did you see the CSN postgame show? Matt was going on about how great AS and the Niners were. So for him to pick the Giants after that…he’s going to get blasted.
I can excuse naive national and east coast-based “experts” with not much famliarity with the Niners for making the safe choice and going the Giants.
But Maiocco, who has first-hand witnessed this team quickly evolve into the powerhouse that will knock your fillings out? The resilient manner of winnning week after week? Him picking against the Niners? Absolutey inexcusable.
Wow…….and people buy into this kind of crap? I’m a giants fan, let me put that out there. But that is not the reason i completely hate this article. I can see the 9ers winning this game, I can see the giants, but to say you have no doubt that they’re are gonna win an easy one is absurd. It feels like a fan wrote this and that’s not how it should be done. I’ve read plenty of articles stating giants will win and why, I’ve read plenty about the 9ers will win and why but this? This is by far the crappiest article I have ever read.
I agree, Nick, there are no such things as “easy ones” at this level. Every game is likely to be a war, and I don’t think tomorrow’s game will be any different. But do remember, this is a blog, not the NY Times; it’s by design less about “journalism” and more about entertainment, and getting hits. I think Grant’s doing his job well…it’s just that most people don’t know what his job actually is!
@Nicks
Have you read/watched anything from the east coast? They make it seem as if the Giants are coming to SF to be rewarded with the NFC Title, with barely a peep of respect for the team that beat them earlier this season.
At worse, this helps to average out all of those articles.
You talked about how giants will have a simple gameplan, the 9ers offense is too creative for them, and how the giants will stack 8 in the box, and then double coverage Davis? So what, that leaves 1 guy to cover the WRs? You guys aren’t the saints, patriots, or packers. You’re not gonna score 31, if tr falcons scores 0(2 on D) and the packers scored 20. If the 9ers win, they will win a low scoring game. Around 20-17, maybe even as high as 26-20, although I predict giants winning 23-16.
I can see 2 picks six from Eli =14 pts.
2 tD’s + 3 FG’s for the Niners =23 pts.
Total 37 pts .
I love when the other team’s fans come to visit. They come and then they slink away, never to be heard from again.
It’s entertaining! :)
31 – 17?! Wow! I’m with you Iggy! For all of the reasons that you gave also I believe that our 9ers will be extra motivated because of all of the disrespect that they have received and because most of the national media picked the Giants. Also since Boley and Rolle were talking all of that trash! By the way Grant do you know if any of the players on the team have heard this song? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lu4di3Pryig&feature=youtube_gdata_player
I heard it this morning and I have been fired up all day!!!!!!!
Precipitation 3pm-6pm: 58%
I heard it was more like 80 percent, Is the weather pattern changing? The Giants Line is great, but can be run on, I think Gore has a great game, we pass on first, run on second and third, an old scheme walsh used to do.
I don’t think Gore will have a big game. I am ok with
18-23 carries for 70-80 yards from Gore.
Gore is not himself last half of the season.
This is utterly ridiculous boley was Hirt in the second half of the first game!! Tuck didn’t play , osi didn’t play manningham was out and we just beat the packers did the 9ers beat the packers??? I think not !!! We were still learning the defense fellas !! Try again it will be a good game till the 4 th quarter where Eli shreds teams!!!!! Most. 4th quarter touchdown in a season all time cant wait for the GMen to shock the world again
Don’t know what “hirt” is but I can tell you this. The Saints were better than the Giants and where are they right now?
On the couch warming up a seat for the Giants. :)
Nice try, come back next season.
Al Hirt, a tumpeter from New Orleans.
We beat them already ;) Next?
*trumpeteer
(I hate this travel keyboard!)
@Matt brewer
Have you been examined by a doctor by any chance? You seem to have emotional outbursts and can’t finish sentences with periods.
Ooh, what an excuse – Giants had to learn a new defense. Boo freakin’ hoo.
Niners had to learn new everything from a completely new coaching staff. Guess your boys in blue are slow learners.
Like this article alot. think its gonna be a bit tougher than written here but for sure a 9er win. saints were for sure best team until last week. funny how all the analysts talked up the saints sooo much . . . . then they lose. Alex gets some credit … for a breif moment then all the talk is how the giants are the best cuz they beat a frostbitten greenbay whose qb had not played in 3 weeks. Even the fans said they have been louder ! Now all the talk is how its pretty much a pats vs gmen bowl bash ! Appauled the 9ers still get scoffed at being 14 -3. All i can say is Gooooooooooo 9ers and give em hell !
I am so tired of hearing espn –nfl stations talking about the giants —dont they remember we beat them this year. This is the biggest game in 15 years and you gotta believe the 49ers will be ready and give everything they got for the superbowl ticket.Turnovers seem to be the deciding factor in these games .advantage 49ers–defense has stopped the running game all year,advantage 49ers.o-line protected smith last meeting and please remember how rogers scorched the giants running 5 times for 1st downs.special teams advantage 49ers.home field–they had a 7 hour flight advantage 49ers.if we play our normal game victory is ours.
Tired of getting no respect? Well then go shut them the f@c/ up and whoop the giants asses! Eli will b throwing from his back! Niners, mount up!
MORE GORE!
Check out the Ronnie Lott interview on Murph and Mack on KNBR.
It’s the day before our biggest game since 1997. I just watched a show about the Harbaugh family coaching circle. Very good piece. The thing I remember most about Jim Harbaugh the player was when he was with the Bears. The Bears were on a horrible losing streak and Jim refused to take a paycheck until the Bears won. These guys were born to coach. I feel a conection with this team that I have’nt felt since 1994. I ‘ve had a dream about them losing every time they lost a game this year,so far (knock on wood ) I haven’t had that dream about the Giants game. The last time this dream thing happened was in 1994. Hopefully it means another title!
where? What Channel, I would like to watch it, is it on the web? I would appreciate that information! I believe in Alex and the rest of the Ninners!
49ers Injury Report
Questionable
CB Tarell Brown (thigh)
WR Ted Ginn (knee)
C Jonathan Goodwin (calf)
LB Patrick Willis (knee)
S Dashon Goldson (ankle)
TE Delanie Walker (jaw)
That’s a lot to overcome in sloshy weather. Those ankles and knees are going to be a factor. The flip side is that it is much harder to win a foot race in the mud so hopfully Nix is neutralized. I expect Vic to overload that rookie on the Giants OL. Lets see how Eli does with a wet ball running for his life.
The Giants are a very good team, which is hot.
The Niners look a bit banged up.
The running game must get at least 100 yards. Crabtree and Williams need at least 6-8 catches for 100+ yards as it will be tough to throw to Verdon. If Walker can play then he need at least 3-5 catches for 40+ yards.
Give up 1 or less turnover, create 2 or more.
Sack Eli 2+ times, hury him 4+ times.
Hold the Giants to less than 80 yards rushing.
We do all these then I think Niners win 27-17. If we don’t, then this game could get down to who has the ball at the end of the game with between 3-1.5 mins left.
So?…if the 9ers do win in spectacular fashion again, and do make it look easy, will any of these Giants fantasy show back up here and tell us how crow is tasty?34-20..9ers. Refs Hand Win to SanFran.
The 49er mystique of winning in the playoffs still exists: SF 21-NYG 13.
The only one truly questionable is Ginn
Here is a dose of reality. The score will be 37-20. I won’t take anything away from what SF did this year, but injuries, an emotional win last week resulting in an emotional let down this week, and field conditions are all going to be factors as to why they lose tomorrow.
Let us reflect on the FACT that we havnt lost at home since week 2 ,protect the fortress.
I don’t like the Giants. I am just keeping it real. The 49ers are beat up, they are coming off an emotional win, and field conditions play against their strengths which is speed on defense.
Let me explain… Eight men in the box have nothing to do with Frank Gore. Every running back we’ve had out there since TO left has faced 8-man boxes. This is a function of lack of WR respect. Two corners on the two WRs. One safety deep. Presto, 8 men which is a+2 advantage (ball-carrier is -1, QB is -1).
If Davis goes out in a pattern, a safety goes with him. But we lose Davis. So the advantage to the defense is still +2.
This is how the NFL works. It’s not special to defending the 49ers though many fans, analysts and coaches like to pretend it is in order to exucse certain issues. It’s a rare team in the NFL that doesn’t see routine 8-man boxes when facing a two-WR set.
I think the Giants will commit 9 and ten to the box, because the 49ers passing game is really just an extension of the run. You don’t need a deep safety and I believe that is what commentators are refering to. I expect to see most of the coverage teams playing within 7 yards off the line of scrimmage. The Saints didn’t and that is why they were torched on those slants.
@Medic
AS beat the Saints with lots of deep/intermediate passes.
I don’t know what short slants you are talking about. The only slants I remember were ones dropped by the WR’s, so those plays helped the Saints.
Grant seems pretty sure of himself – I hope he’s right. The thing about the Giants is that stats and win-loss records simply don’t matter when January rolls around. They are consistent about showing up ready to play and to bring their A-game. I think it will be a low-scoring slugfest that will be decided by turnovers. Hang on to the ball, Niners!
Niners D is going to be POed for allowing New Orleans to put up double the season average of points allowed. Giants points are going to be very hard to come by.
As a resident of NYC, I’ve watched all the Giants games this year, I’m not impressed. Eli is having a “good” year, but to be honest, he is just as likely to throw a drive killing or game changing int as he is to lead a comeback. Speaking of which, 6 or 7 4th quarter comebacks Eli has engineered? Giants only won 9 games, nearly all of their wins required late game herorics???? And this is the “stronger” team all the experts are picking to win tomorrow? Niners, and not even close.
Grant,
I agree with your logic. Giants are getting a lot of hype and are not greatful for the Green Bay regression that essentially handed them the win. Arrogance will lead to their demise. Only difference here is they will have to earn their real estate nothing for free at the Stick.
Doc
Wet ball = fumbles. Whose??
Gotta give a shout-out to the east-coast media when they deserve it ;)
Great article on Kezar:
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/21/sports/football/colorful-history-of-kezar-stadium-49ers-former-home.html
Profile on Willis:
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/21/sports/football/49ers-willis-calls-two-men-dad-and-they-are-strikingly-different.html
One “beat” back with the Niners:
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/21/sports/football/lawrence-ferlinghetti-revives-his-love-of-the-49ers-at-92.html
This is completely off… The giants are not gonna lose by that much. The offensive line will hold better then you think but I do agree Eli will be sacked and the giants are not over confident they are right where they should be oh and let’s not forget this was week 10 when the giants were pretty close to coming back if I remember with a lot of back ups giants defensive will get to Alex smith because JPP and Justin tuck along with osi are not gonna be held back Hakeem nicks and and victor cruz will show up to this game and do well giants have been destroying teams since Christmas!! They beat the jets badly the cowboys were shut down completely they didn’t even let the elite falcons offense score they shut down the packers AT LAMBEU!!!! Has any team done that this season I don’t think so. It will be close bug the gmen will win this
@mark
I’m sorry. But the Falcons offense is/was/will never be elite.
They were worse this year than they were last year, and they choke in the playoffs. Matt Ryan is like Peyton Manning, he is horrible come the playoffs, but MR is worse in the regular season.
Elite? No.
The Cowboys are a hot/cold team. They can be great, or stink it up. So beating them is not earth shattering news. The Cowboys stank in that game.
And the Pack have a losing record for the past decade at home in the playoffs. So whatever mystique was there went away since they updated the stadium. It is not the same place where the Niners lost in the 90′s.
Add to that the Pack were beginning to fade at the end of the season, and I actually stated back in mid-season that the Niners will make the Title game, and beat AR and the Pack, SHOULD the Pack even make it. I got some flack for it, but stood by my theory (the Pack were not that good) and was rewarded. So the Giants beat a team who I knew was ripe for the picking.
The pack beat themselves.
The weather will affect the outcome. Wind and rain are expected (after they said clearing in the afternoon yesterday) which will affect passing and tackling.
The keys to the game are the o-line opening the running lanes, the d-line stopping BJacobs and ABradshaw for under 4 yds per carry, and FG running between the tackles for large chunks of yardage – he needs 100+ yards running for a 9er win. I believe AS will also take off running 5-6 times during the game for large gains. Long passing will be difficult in the swirling wind, but the underneath routes that the 9ers run so well will be crucial to keeping the chains moving. It will come down to which team has the best mudders, the best bad field condition tacklers, and the least amount of turnovers.
Because of the poor weather conditions, the score will be 17 – 13 9ers win!
Get Jacobs running sideways and he’s done. I’m looking for another wooooo lick from one of our safety’s. Mis direction plays will be huge.
Leg tackles on those big backs – gotta wrap ‘em up!
NFLN is replaying the Giants/49er game twice today. Once at 11am and again at 5:30pm (pst).
KNBR replaying the Saints game at 1pm today.
Good stuff – thanks 9ergirl. I’d like to hear the 4th qtr of the radio call by TR just to have the hair on the back of my neck stand up. lol
As much as I like TR as the play by play, nothing is better than listening to the great LS call the SY run against the Vikes. Gives me chills every time! :)
ribico, yes indeed – gonna be in sec 7 tomorrow – what section are you in? I’m hoping the Niners crush the Gmen !
Awesome fes – NYC in the house hatin’ on the Giants ;)
Section 26 lower reserve here.
Really??? Better players? Alice better than Eli? How bout your WRs?? Your secondary will be exposed no matter the weather. Amazing how a reporter can claim to have insight on the Giants strategy going into this game. What a fool. Best team in the worst division means nothing. Prepare to be outclassed, outworked, and outplayed in your soft little city. Go blue!!!
and give me a break Alex was better than Drew so watch Eli be Elite in Hawaii lol
Your name says it all… If you need an alias. May I suggest foolish mother******. Get the f*** outta heeeeaaa!
Afc south was te worst division this year. Your division equaled 30 wins like ours and we went 3-1 against the east. Thank you come again
@MD
‘still laughing at TC “I just ate a poop-burger face”Well said….GO NINERS!!!!
You might have something. The bottom NFC East team, Skins, had beaten every West team EXCEPT the Niners. Skins’ 3 out of 5 wins came from beating the West.
Oh wait. The other Skins wins came from…beating the Giants, twice??
LOL.
And they went 2-2 against our weak division and a whopping elite like 5-7 in the conference. This will be a tough game, but to place this team well above and beyond the niners is east coast talk like every year. A ny state of mind = nothing else west of the Mississippi.
I’ve been to NY 3 times over 20 years. EVERY time I was there, I beat the ssssssss out of at least one loud mouth New yorker. Last time I was there, I almost kicked his head into New yersey. Know your place boy!!!
How did the West teams end their season (last half) cmpared to the East teams?
Your division was so bad, nobody wanted to win it.
“Your secondary will be exposed.”
Yeah, exposed to passes from Eli Manning. We’ll get some picks, we always do. :)
Sorry buddy AFC West worst division this year
49 street in Ny changed to 49ers street please Ny fan send pics
By the way your big bad rushing O averaged only 81 ypg when playing teams like giants, steelers, ravens and cowboys. 3 of those games at home. Not so tough against the big boys
you lost already once at the stick this time you will be embarassed
If you watched this team you would know we threw more in those games. And could have easily been 3-1 in those three. But I guess a mighty 9-7 record and getting stomped by the redskins counts as elite in ny. If Alex smith sucks so bad how did he beat a mighty 9-7 team like the giants. Who were hot at that time. Your an idiot!
have fun watching the big blue boys in Hawaii
I dont understand why everyone seems to think that rain will help the 49ers and the defense when most experts believe that it helps the offense as they know where they are going. If there is going to be bad weather I have to hope for wind to screw up the passing game. However I hope for good conditions as I want to believe we are the better overall team. Eli still scares me as our defense has given up a lot of big plays on the back end and with a Cruz and a healthy nicks they will be tested.
I have to hope that Aldon has a coming out party today and we able to beat up Eli a lot. This is a very scary game after such an emotional win, hopefully we have enough in the tank to pull out the win and make it a Harbowl.
Cruz will be shut down by Rodgers. Nicks won’t break loose like he did because of poor tackling. The packer’s Defense was bad all year and horrible in that game. They ( NY) want to hype themselves inot a win. They think they can intimidate our young team. The thing they know deep down, is we COME TO PLAY!!!! we lay wood.
How are they going to deal with our pass rush? chip our players? well that will slow them down in their routes. We have the best LB”S in the game period!!! two ALL PRO’S, ALL PRO’S and the rookie of the year that’s going to harrass their weak a..tackles all day. OUR D will crush them!!! into corn meal…..grind grind grind!!
looking forward to that goofy, ” which way did he go george” look in Eli’s face all day!! Our team will come to WIN!!!
I just think-after putting much thought into it, that…anybody who doesn’t pick the 49ers is nothing but a depraved, degenerate doo-doo head who’s soul will rot a millenia in Hades.
When the niners get to the SB ,I will post about those who pick Brady…
..and it probably won’t be good either.
“I play it girding c?!)?
No not having a stroke cat jumped on my keyboard see next topic for the entry Go Niners!
Anybody who has any football knowledge knows the Giants are going to completely destroy the 49ers…..sorry miner fans….Rice and Young are not there to help you anymore….This Grant will prove to not be Nostradamus but Nostradumbass……
@money in bank that went under
Welcome to the land of idiots.
Which will make you less than an idiot when your team falls under the power of our dominance.
Well then no one in the world has football knowledge, because no one predicts the NYG to “destroy” the niners. And how do you suggest they do that? Your weak ass run game gonna put up points? All of your points will be put up by Eli and i dont see him throwing for enough to “destroy” us. I guess in this scenario your weak defense who was 25th in scoring defense holds the Niners to less than 10. Study football before speaking
“Anybody who has any football knowledge knows the Giants are going to completely destroy the 49ers…”
Your kung fu is weak.
About like your football knowledge.
Come back next year.
Kinda wish the Lions, Saints, Packers, Giants fans would all visit at the same time. Then we could get rid of them all at once. Although, I suppose this is entertaining. Yawn…
Wow, look at all these pathetic Giants fans storming the blog and spouting off at the mouth. Can’t say I’m surprised.
Look, just be lucky your team made it this far. The Giants might make it close, but the 49ers are the better team. I can’t wait for Aldon Smith to wipe that dopey look off Eli’s face.
The Niners are going to win, deal with it. If you have a problem with it, you can meet me down there.
I can see how finally having a winning season for the first time in almost a decade would go to your heads. Never claimed the Giants were dominating all year. Just that the author of this article and all his points ate just plain ridiculous. If you think this is gonna be easy for the niners you are all in for a rude awakining, we will see who the idiot is soon enough. And Alex smith is exactly who you all thought he was two years ago…. Trash.
Not “you all” just some who were misguided and some that were just… wrong.
Speaking of QBs, Carlos Rogers would like to thank you ahead of time for Eli’s picks tomorrow. :)
Thats the point….the points in this article are predjudiced and not good reporting…looks like anyone can get a job for this paper …..
4 letters for where you get prejudice reporting:
E S P N.
I have forgotten more football then you know….and The ESPN comment is dead on
@money who I pray my money isn’t at
Yes.
Your comments today have definitely proved you forgot a lot of football.
Who beat who?
Who had the better seed?
Who has the better record?
Who knocked off the team ESPN picked to go to he Super Bowl when the playoffs started?
Just 4 things I know you forgot. Shall I put you to bed now little one?
Apparently New York is for ignorant clowns. Take your prejudice elsewhere.
“Haha prejudice or supremacy?”
Your name says prejudice. Some football trash talk is one thing, your homophobic garbage is another.
Must be garbage collection day in New York.
Perhaps garbage collection is on strike and it’s piling up.
Or they missed one stop. :P
“Elinis going to pick apart…”
Don’t know who Elin is, you offensive knuckle-dragger, but the only thing getting picked tomorrow is your QB. ;)
From a pass protection stand-point, the Saints had the #1 O-line this season. Our guys completely over-powered that line and harassed a better QB than you have. Hope Eli likes sod. ;)
@Adam
Well, Ellen is a female comedian. Maybe that is what he meant.
Against our D, one might not be able to tell the difference between Eli and Ellen. Both will run backwards and throw the ball away in fear of the NFL Defensive MVP (as far as I’m concerned) JS running them over.
Yea Jacobs sure did a lot of damage last game. 3.1 YPC Dammnnnn. He sure did truck us. You BIG BLUE fans are all stupid. Only chance you have to win this game is if you completely abandon your LEAGUE WORST rushing attack and throw it every down, but if you do that the Eli with throw too many Int’s to our ball hawking defense and you’ll still lose. Either way i see it. YOU LOSE.
Grant
Ban this guy.
Why? He’s an easy target. This is like shooting fish in a barrel.
@Adam
1. Isn’t it illegal to shoot fish? If they were in a barrel, wouldn’t a simple net suffice.
2. The more serious reason, his name is offensive.
Well yeah, he was totally offensive and all that but that’s why it was so easy to lay in to him. It seemed justified. :)
I get it Adam.
But after all the talk this past week between us regulars here, this guy was just too much.
Thanks Grant.
Speaking of trash I believe it’s candlestick that needs extra security because their fans don’t know how to behave at a playoff game. Maybe cause it’s been awhile maybe it’s because your disgusting people. Either way the classiest organization in pro sports is gonna teach you ignorant fools a lesson. Can’t wait to see the Giants celebrate with their fans in somebody else’s stadium….again.
So, you don’t think playoff games NFL wide have more security than regular season games?
You really are foolish. You chose your name well.
OK, after careful consideration, running some numbers and just a general hunch, I’m going 31-20, Niners. Could be a low-scoring defensive slugfest but for some reason, I feel good about this higher score. We’ve only lost once at home and the once was a flukey breakdown in coverage. So we’re good! I feel confident.
You all be careful at the Stick tomorrow, SFPD says they will be undercover in Giants gear trying to root out troublemakers – which is a good thing. But just in case… behave! :P
Go Niners! Go Niners Fans!
Watching the Giant/Niner replay. Fun stuff, the Niners are playing better than they played back then. Not worried.
I just scrolled through the posts in a few minutes (not reading everything) and this is like the first time this season I’ve not seen someone bashing AS. I’m not trying to start any conversation about it since that monkey should be off the back already, but WOW, the focus has finally shifted to the TEAM instead of a singled out individual. Bravo everyone! GO NINERS!
Hahahahahaha. Who’s the idiot now. Stick to what u do best fags and go eat a dick. Go Giants!!!!!!!!
Hahahah what’s good San Fran?? How do you feel now?? Go home losers we’ll be at the superbowl….
good call dude, looks like it was a really easy win for the 9ers.