Tensions are already higher than usual after the talk between Giants offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride and 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh. Gilbride was asked about 49ers defensive end Justin Smith and said, "Smith is a beast inside, he's strong he does a good job of grabbing a hold of offensive linemen and allowing those twists to take place. He never gets called for it, so he gets away with murder." Harbaugh had a furious response in saying, "Kevin Gilbride's outrageous, irrational, statement regarding Justin Smith's play is, first, an absurd analogy. Second, it is an incendiary comment targeting one of the truly exemplary players in this league. It's obvious that the Giants coaching staff's sole purpose is to use their high visibility to both criticize and influence officiating."
Although Gilbride was most likely simply trying to answer the question as honestly as he could, Harbaugh had every right to have his players back. But to claim that Gilbride's intentions were to influence the officials? That is quite the accusation. Gilbride probably hasn't had this much media attention around his name since Buddy Ryan punched him in the mouth. The point is, Gilbride simply is not known for drawing attention of any kind, especially being a part of the New York Giants. Harbaugh is simply dramatizing what was said and trying to get his players in a lather.
The Giants on the other hand, don't need any additional trash talking to get psyched for this game. These are the match ups that they live for, and Tom Coughlin knows it. The 49ers will be the favorite having had the better season so far, and being the home team. The Giants are the underdog, with their backs against the wall. With the world against them, these Giants have proven everyone wrong so many times it should be expected they win simply because they're not supposed to. Now Harbaugh has only motivated the Giants more by raising the stakes with his recent trash talk. Coughlin is probably smiling thinking Harbaugh has much to learn. Don't be mistaken, Harbaugh is a terrific coach but as far as mental discipline and experience, it cannot be denied that Coughlin has the edge.
All the trash talk aside, the individual match ups in this game are enough to excite anybody. Another round of Victor Cruz vs. Carlos Rogers is about to take place. Rogers had the edge against Cruz in last years regular season game which the 49ers won. But Cruz, who remembered how Rogers made a mockery of his signature salsa dance after an interception, tore apart Rogers in the NFC Championship with ten catches and 142 yards. Rogers depended on help in the second half of the Championship game from safeties to double team Cruz. It was a huge part of the Giants victory. Both players will be on their game for one another, and it will be exciting. Fellow Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks' status is uncertain at this point for Sundays game. Nicks is listed as questionable but if he is good to go it's safe to assume the Giants wide receivers will win the match up against the 49ers secondary.
With the 49ers smash mouth football style of play, this game is all about who is going to win the battle up front. The Giants offensive line is coming off of a great week, and their pass protection has been consistent so far this season. But this defensive line is by far the Giants biggest challenge. Not to mention linebacker Patrick Willis blitzing and wreaking havoc from all over the field. As far as protecting Eli the Giants will have their work cut out for them, but hopefully that good ground game Giants fans saw against the Browns last week can be established to make it much easier on the lines pass protection.
On the other side of the ball, without a doubt the 49ers offensive line is favored against the Giants defensive line. The Giants dline has been mediocre at best and has not been able to generate any consistent pass rush or run stopping ability. All those facts aside, this is the game they wake up. This is the game the Giants remind everybody what big blue defense is all about. Stop the run, have some fun, get to the quarterback. It's simple and there's no question the Giants don't have the talent to do that. The only question is when is it going to be. Coach Harbaugh's mouth might be the trigger that causes this defense to explode. Containing Frank Gore will be a challenge, but if the Giants need a refresher they can just watch the tape from the NFC Championship. Stopping the run is all about emotion, fire, and discipline all rolled into one. It's safe to bet you'll get all three of those things on Sunday.
As for the 49ers passing game, the biggest threat for the Giants defense is tight end Vernon Davis. Davis is an absolute beast with his combination of size and speed. And due to a banged up secondary, that now includes a suspended Will Hill, there will be a lot of dependence on the linebackers to contribute in pass coverage. No linebacker is fast enough to play straight man on Davis, but knowing their assignments in zone or on double teams is crucial. Everyone in pass coverage has to have their head on straight without any mental mistakes. The Giants will get safety Tyler Sash back with the team this week, but the last couple weeks there have been a couple plays that resulted in touchdowns from bone headed mistakes. It's true that those plays are more likely without any real pass rush, but regardless everybody needs to be on the same page.
Sunday. 4:25. Candlestick Park. Over the last couple years the Giants have brought back an old rivalry with the 49ers. The ghosts of the past will be watching. How can anyone forget Mark Bavaro carrying four men on his back? Not to mention Jim Burt and Leonard Marshall BOTH knocked out Joe Montana on separate occasions. The days of Rice, Montana, Lott, Simms, Bavaro, and Taylor are over. But this rivalry has sort of redeemed itself the last couple years.
The tradition of hard fought football games between these two teams will continue on Sunday. Be ready for the Giants defensive line to break out and get to Alex Smith. Should be a great game.
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