2012 NFC Championship: Vic Fangio Should Use Zone Blitz to Stop Eli Manning

Finding a way to combat the New York Giants' awesome aerial attack has to be the priority for the San Francisco 49ers defense. It's a tough challenge for coordinator Vic Fangio, but turning to the zone blitz might give the 49ers an edge.

The Giants may have begun to run the ball better in recent weeks, but their success is still determined by the connection between Eli Manning and wideouts Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz. It's difficult to identify the best way to try and corral the prolific trio.

Few defenses can afford to sit back and take their chances against the speed, size and precise route running of Nicks and Cruz. So a read-and-react approach is probably not enough. But unleashing a heavy diet of all-out blitzes laced with man-to-man coverage, could carry an even greater risk.

Manning is an expert at beating the blitz. His timing and willingness to stand in the pocket and take a shot make the Giants a dangerous team to recklessly attack. The 49ers must strike a balance between coverage and pressure and find a safer way to bring the blitz.

That's exactly what zone-blitz schemes were designed for. Fangio has some experience and expertise in the area. He worked on the New Orleans Saints staff during the days of the legendary dome-patrol defense.

As defensive coordinator for the Carolina Panthers in the mid-'90s, Fangio devised plenty of zone pressures for a defense, featuring the likes of Kevin Greene and Lamar Lathon. When he moved to the Indianapolis Colts towards the end of that decade, Fangio designed some effective fire zones, utilising former Giant Chad Bratzke as a standup rusher.

The San Francisco defense has the personnel to wreak havoc with zone-blitz pressures. The threat posed by linemen Aldon and Justin Smith can help distract from and disguise additional rushers.

Patrick Willis has the speed and strength to be an effective blitzer from multiple positions. Safety Donte Whitner and corner Carlos Rogers are both excellent blitzers from the defensive backfield.

Fangio is quite fond of the corner blitz and can use it as part of a multiple pressure front to confuse and overwhelm the Giants' blocking schemes. Sending a series of interchangeable rushers from various angles can keep Manning guessing pre-snap.

Giving Big Blue's signal-caller multiple pressure looks to diagnose is the best way for the 49ers to slow down the rhythm and timing of the New York offense.

Fangio has done a great job turning a stout defense into a dominant unit. He will need to keep being creative in order to stifle Manning and company.