Giants vs. 49ers: Why New York's Pass Rush Will Be Key to the Game

The New York Giants have survived this long into the postseason thanks to their overall toughness as a team. However, while quarterback Eli Manning has had an outstanding recent stretch of games, if the Giants advance to the Super Bowl this year then it will be because of their incredible pass rush. 

During the regular season, the Giants ranked third in the NFL with 48 sacks. They have added six more through two playoff games, including getting to Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers four times in the Divisional Round. 

Considering that defensive ends Justin Tuck and Osi Umenyiora missed four and five games respectively, it is pretty amazing that the line has been so stout. The ends have been the key to New York's pass rush, as Tuck, Umenyiora, Jason Pierre-Paul and Dave Tollefson combined for 35.5 sacks during the regular season. Umenyiora has added three to the unit's total in the playoffs. 

This Sunday, the Giants will be underdogs as they travel to San Francisco to face the 49ers in the NFC Championship Game. San Francisco quarterback Alex Smith has played very well this season and he stepped up big time in the team's 36-32 upset win over the New Orleans Saints in the Divisional Round on Sunday.

Smith completed 24 of 42 passes for 299 yards, with three touchdowns and no interceptions. He also added a 28-yard touchdown run late in the fourth quarter.

If Smith has time in the pocket against the Giants, he will be able to settle in to the flow of the game and get comfortable. If he can just sit back and find his receivers, it's highly likely that the 49ers will have success offensively. If the Giants can put him on his back, it could be a long day for San Francisco.

If the Giants want to win on Sunday, their pass rush needs to continue its fantastic play of late.