NFL Playoffs 2012: 5 Key Matchups: San Francisco 49ers vs. New Orleans Saints

This Saturday, for the first time since 2002, playoff football will be played at Candlestick Point. Just a year removed from Mike Singletary and a 6 and 10 record, the San Francisco 49ers are hosting the New Orleans Saints for the right to play in the NFC Championship game.

The 49ers are a team that no one expected to be here. As smart and creative as Jim Harbaugh and his staff could be, there was no way they could turn San Francisco into a top NFC team this year. They especially would not be able to do it with Alex Smith—the much maligned quarterback who Harbaugh supported when he got the job—at the helm.

However, after a 13 and 3 regular season that earned them a first round bye, the 49ers showed exactly how little conventional wisdom really matters.

The New Orleans Saints, on the other hand, are supposed to be here. They are the organization that just recently won a Super Bowl, has a proven head coach, players that know how to win, and Drew Brees—a quarterback who puts up offensive numbers that you only see in video games.

It is an intriguing matchup for many reasons, and if the 49ers are going to win they must defeat the Saints in these 5 matchups.

1. 49ers Defensive Line vs. Saints Offensive Line

When one looks at the New Orleans Saints offense, they marvel at the players they put on the field. The names people recognize come from the skill positions, but their offensive line is impressive as well.

Only giving up 1.5 sacks per game, the Saints O-line is a major reason for the success of Drew Brees and the offense this season.

Not surprisingly, this creates a dilemma for the 49ers. With the talent and ability of Brees and the Saints receivers, the Niners are simply not going to be able to bring as much pressure from the secondary and linebackers as usual. However, if they are going to win they cannot allow Brees to sit in the pocket and dissect the secondary.

Thus, the majority of the Niners harassment on Brees falls on the defensive line. Simply put, they must outwork their opponents and find ways to get to the quarterback. If there is ever a game where the San Francisco defensive front needs to get a push, it is this one. 

2. 49ers Secondary/Linebackers vs. Saints Receivers/Running Backs

This is the matchup where the two teams strengths clash head to head. The Niners top ranked defense against the league’s best offense. Success in this area also hinges on the Niners defensive line. If they get contact on Brees, then the secondary and linebackers can focus almost entirely on shutting down his offensive weapons.

Jimmy Graham and Marques Colston are the main deep passing threats, whereas Darren Sproles and Pierre Thomas provide nice compliments out of the backfield.

To counter them, the 49ers will need strong performances from four of their own: Patrick Willis, Aldon Smith, Carlos Rogers, and Dashon Goldson. If that group is able to create havoc in the Saints passing game, tackle effectively, and take advantage of any slight mistakes that are made, then the team will be well on its way to a likely date with the Packers in Lambeau Field.     

3. Jim Harbaugh and Greg Roman vs Gregg Williams

While their teams battle out on the field, Roman, the 49ers offensive coordinator, and Williams, the Saints defensive coordinator, will be playing an orchestrated game of cat and mouse.

Roman, along with Jim Harbaugh, has to this point been able to put together a fairly clear offensive plan for the 49ers. It is one that sets up the pass through a heavy dose of running.

However, if the average fan like myself is able to understand that, Williams and the Saints know it too. Not only that, but it is likely that Williams already has a clear idea of how he is going to neutralize that offensive attack. After all, his ability to prepare for specific offenses and attack them through blitzing schemes is known throughout the league.

With that being the case, Roman and Harbaugh should not be afraid to throw some unique looks at New Orleans. Passes to Joe Staley and Isaac Sopoaga are not out of the question because the Niners offense cannot allow Williams and the Saints defense to get comfortable and blitz them into submission. 

4. Frank Gore and Kendall Hunter vs. Saints Defense

Aside from Smith, Hunter and Gore may be the other most important offensive players on the field for the 49ers. The more effectively these two are able to run the football, the longer the 49ers offense stays on the field and the Saints offense off it.

The importance of the rushing attack can be seen in the stats. In the Niners 13 wins this season, they averaged nearly 140 yards on the ground, whereas in losses they only averaged 79 yards rushing.

Gore and Hunter will also play a large role in this game when their quarterback drops back to pass. These two will be charged with picking up and blocking players who are blitzing so that Smith has time to get rid of the football.

5. Alex Smith vs Saints Defense

It is no secret that one of the keys to the 49ers success this season has been their ability to hold onto the football. Alex Smith, while not being a prolific passer, helped his team win by simply not giving opponents extra possessions.

The Saints, however, pose a unique challenge in that they bring pressure to the quarterback from anywhere at any time. In fact, their sack leader is not a linebacker or defensive lineman, but rather their strong safety, Roman Harper.

It is going to be up to Smith to recognize when and where pressure is coming from and prepare his pass protection accordingly. In order to give his team a chance to win, he cannot allow the Saints to force him into poor decisions or bad throws.