NFC Championship Game 2012: 4 Matchups to Watch in Giants vs. 49ers

Both teams are feeling quite confident and in control of the momentum leading up to this season's NFC championship game.

The New York Giants once again travel to Candlestick Park to play the San Francisco 49ers in the postseason—the second NFC title game between both franchises.

That being said, here are four matchups to look for at kickoff in the Bay Area.

Giants' Front Four vs. 49ers' Rush Offense

During the regular season, the 49ers averaged almost 130 rush yards per game; the Giants allowed over 120 rush yards per game.

Well, now healthy New York has significantly improved against the run, however, they didn't face a 100 percent Frank Gore in the regular season either. 

There, San Francisco only compiled 77 rushing yards on 20 attempts, and 27 of the yards came from quarterback Alex Smith.

As for the postseason, New York has allowed 211 rushing yards, but 66 of those came from Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers last week.

So, between two games versus just the running backs, the Giants have allowed an average of only 72.5 rush yards per game.  Therefore, although it will be a challenge, the 49ers must not abandon their strength.

Slamming the rock with Gore early and often will be key because San Francisco needs to keep New York's pass rush honest.

Against the Saints, the 49ers totaled 143 rushing yards on just 22 carries, which is an average of 6.5 yards per attempt.

That kind of production will be needed against the "Big Blue Wrecking Crew," otherwise Alex Smith will be under a lot more duress than expected every time he drops back.

Alex Smith's Mobility vs. Giants' Pass Rush

Something that the Giants are okay with.

As mentioned, they allowed 66 rushing yards to Green Bay's Rodgers, and although the 49ers did work on the ground against New Orleans, a designed 28-yard touchdown run by Smith (that was literally verbatim from Tecmo Super Bowl) proves a dimension most offenses don't have.

That being said, we can expect another designed run or two from Smith, but San Francisco can't get into a habit of him running.

Yes, his mobility will be vital when dropping back, but the Niners can't have the Giants in his face all day.

And you can bet that every time Smith does drop back, New York will be bringing the pain inside and out.

Smith's patience in the pocket here will determine how effective San Francisco is throwing the ball because the Giants need to have a linebacker spy on him.

With that in mind, anticipate a few more quarterback sprint/roll-outs to get New York moving in one direction.  In turn, that also allows Smith the option of throwing or running the ball.

Now that Smith has really emerged as a rushing threat to New York, they will bring pressure to wear him down.

So, in this game we will see Smith either develop more in the pocket, or fail to recognize the blitz as he did struggling against the Ravens during the regular season.

Eli Manning's Blindside vs. Justin and Aldon Smith

Both Justin and Aldon Smith combined for 21.5 sacks during the regular season and two against New Orleans in the divisional round.

The interesting aspect about this, though, is that both normally line up on the same side and bring the pain regardless of the quarterback's pass protection.

Well, that pits a major challenge for Eli Manning's blindside lineman, namely David Diehl.

On the year, Manning has only been sacked 28 times, and only twice so far in the playoffs.  That's only 30 sacks in 18 games when blocking against some of the NFL's best pass-rushing teams.

So, both Alson and Justin Smith will need to use a combination stunt package, or simply just try to beat the Giants off the snap. 

As solid as San Francisco's pass defense has been this season, they're still vulnerable to defending it, especially against a passing game like New York's.

Coming off the edge with Aldon, while having Justin dip inside, will also negate any success on screens, draws or the running game in general. 

As long as both can do their job well on each play, the rest of San Francisco's sound defense will fall into place.

The biggest factor will be how frustrated either Smith gets if they can't get consistent pressure on Manning.

Eli Manning vs. 49ers' Pass Defense

Regardless of Manning's pass protection, dicing up the 49ers' pass defense is extremely crucial.

We know that it will be a tough battle in the trenches and each team will have their successes. 

In order to really gain an edge in this game, however, New York's passing game and San Francisco's ability to defend the pass is key.

This is the Giants' strength and the 49ers' weakness.  And provided that Manning continues to have solid protection like he's seen all season, San Francisco is in trouble.

So, to make up for any quick explosive plays early on, expect the 49ers to play a lot of pressure coverage and remain physical with Manning's receiving targets all game long.

Whether San Francisco's front seven is getting pressure on Manning or not, the 49ers give themselves better odds by jamming receivers.

Much like with any team that needs to get pressure on the opposing quarterback, that extra 0.5 seconds a defender has to get pressure via physical coverage works both ways.

In turn, quicker pressure takes pressure off the coverage defenders from having to chase a receiver all over the field. 

After all, no matter what happens on any play, the play is busted after only four or five seconds.

Thereafter it becomes backyard football, and it usually favors the offense as a coverage continues to break down. 

And if the coverage breaks down, Manning has proven he can slice a defense for great yards, even on third down.

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