NFC Championship Game 2012: 4 Rookies That Will Have Biggest Impacts

When the San Francisco 49ers and New York Giants kick off in this season's NFC Championship game, it's expected to be a tough, hard-fought defensive battle.

In turn, some rookies for each team must step up in a big way, otherwise the chance of a Super Bowl slips away. Also, rookies need to understand that this type of opportunity may never happen again, so seizing the day is crucial.

So, here are four who, by doing so, will have a big impact.

Aldon Smith: LB, 49ers

In order to really slow down the Giants' passing game, 49ers pass-rush specialist Aldon Smith must dominate the edge.

On the year, he has recorded 14 sacks and forced two fumbles. Against New Orleans in the divisional round, Smith got to New Orleans QB Drew Brees once and hit him an additional four times.

That kind of production not only needs to continue, but it must increase.

San Francisco may have a better-than-advertised pass defense; however, it is still the 49ers' weak spot and their front seven has played a major role in shutting opponents down.

In literally every passing situation, Aldon needs to apply pressure on Eli Manning because his receiving corps is arguably better than Brees in New Orleans. And with Eli also having great protection from the offensive line along with two reliable running backs, time is of the essence from the snap.

Both of New York's backs (Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs) can effectively run, catch and pass block. So, this is the type of game where we see Aldon Smith either grow and develop or let his rookie inexperience get the best of him.

There's no doubt how great of a pass-rusher he can be in the coming years; however, this game alone could be very telling as to how much he literally impacts opposing offenses.

Kendall Hunter: RB, 49ers

The No. 2/third-down running back to starter Frank Gore, Kendall Hunter needs to have a strong showing to provide as a threat to New York's defense.

Anytime he enters the game, Hunter's presence must be recognized as a rushing, receiving and pass-blocking threat. Obviously, when Gore is in the game, the Giants will try to isolate him and make his production obsolete.

Well, that's where Hunter's services are needed.

With Gore not 100 percent in their regular season matchup, Hunter ran the rock six times for 40 yards, including one TD. Regardless of when given the opportunity, the way in which Hunter produces can and will take pressure off of Gore.

Additionally, that provides another dimension New York must defend because a two-back system can be quite effective against an aggressive defense. That allows coach Jim Harbaugh to use both simultaneously no matter what the situation and with confidence.

Plus, if Gore were to get hurt (regardless of how long), Hunter is the next man in line to slam against the rock. He compiled 473 yards on just 112 carries this season, so it's clear that Hunter has the offense's confidence.

Tyler Sash: Safety, Giants

Seeing action in all 18 games for the Giants so far this season, safety Tyler Sash will be needed against San Francisco in the NFC title game.

In the Wild Card round versus Atlanta, Sash recorded a season high five tackles and helped the Giants' defense shut out the Falcons' potentially explosive offense.

Against the Packers in Green Bay last week, he didn't record a tackle, but Sash's presence on the field was enough to assist the defense in holing the cheese to just 20 points and Aaron Rodgers to a season low in rating.

Now, obviously Sash's contributions were minimal in comparison to the majority of New York's defense, however, there's no denying he has the potential to be a solid pro safety.

This week, Sash will likely be used in passing situations, but don't be surprised if he sees time in short-yardage situations as well. His reliable tackling ability will come in handy versus a run-oriented offense as well as in zone coverage for when Alex Smith scrambles.

We won't see Sash develop into the full-time starter for 2012 in this game, but he can solidify as a reliable backup (worst case-scenario). Plus, on a big-stage game, he will have his share of opportunities to make plays, which could be the difference in an expected close, defensive battle.

Greg Jones: LB, Giants

One of the more underrated 2011 NFL Draft prospects, Giants linebacker Greg Jones may see more playing time this week because of San Francisco's running game.

Along with Tyler Sash, New York needs Jones' sure-tackling ability to make plays between the tackles to slow down Frank Gore and Kendall Hunter.

Versus the 49ers in the regular season, Jones recorded three solo tackles and had a season high of six against Arizona. In the two playoff games, he combined for four tackles and had two solo against Green Bay.

Jones does provide the instincts to defend fairly well against the pass; however, those instincts are more prevalent against the run. The last thing New York needs is for San Francisco to get going on the ground early, as that will wear the Giants' front seven down for later in the game.

Guys like Jones need to basically be unblockable when in the game, and it will force the 49ers out of their game plan quicker. With an explosive enough offense to takeover the contest early, making San Francisco one-dimensional will only benefit the defense with arguably the NFL's best pass-rushing unit.

And Jones' ability to be laterally quick in the box will pay dividends if given the opportunity.

Follow John Rozum on Twitter