49ers-Saints matchups: Part V – Jimmy Graham vs. Willis and Whitner

Posted on November 24, 2012 by Grant Cohn

The 49ers play the Saints Sunday at the Superdome. In the meantime, I’ll break down five key matchups.

TE Jimmy Graham vs. LB Patrick Willis and SS Donte Whitner

This is the one matchup the 49ers will not win.

Jimmy Graham is too tall and too athletic. Drew Brees frequently throws the ball up and gives Graham chances to make great catches. He made a bunch of great catches against the Niners in the playoffs last season. He finished with 103 yards and 2 TDs.

It’s important for the 49ers to dominate the other key matchups, or else this matchup could determine the outcome of the game.

Advantage: Saints

This entry was posted in Inside the 49ers and tagged , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

5 Responses to 49ers-Saints matchups: Part V – Jimmy Graham vs. Willis and Whitner

  1. Razoreater says:
    November 24, 2012 at 1:10 pm

    Hit him everytime he catches the ball. Target the back.

  2. msclemons67 says:
    November 24, 2012 at 1:35 pm

    If Whitner and Willis concentrate on hitting Graham instead of trying for the ball we may see a different result this time around. Graham isn’t the most durable fellow in the league.

  3. Neanderthal Offense says:
    November 24, 2012 at 1:49 pm

    Grant, if the Niners are hitting Brees as he’s throwing the ball, he’ll toss a few flutterballs to Goldson and become much less aggressive. Aldon Smith is the key to stopping Jim Graham.

  4. Coffee's for closers says:
    November 24, 2012 at 2:33 pm

    What about hitting Graham as he comes out of his stance to throw off his route?