Giants vs. 49ers: 3 San Francisco Sleepers to Watch in NFC Championship Game

Alex Smith, Vernon Davis and Frank Gore became household names last weekend, as America watched the 49ers outduel Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints.

Yet, there are a still a handful of rather unknown 49ers that could potentially be plastered on the front pages of newspapers Monday morning. 

The defense is outstanding, but Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman don't do it alone. 

Joe Staley, OT 

All offensive linemen are unheralded, aren't they? 

Just about. 

Staley has been a fine blind-side protector during his five years with the 49ers and received some much-deserved recognition this season. He was named to the All-Pro team. Doesn't get much better than that. 

I'd still call him a rather unknown. 

He has the unenviable task of battling second-year phenom Jason Pierre-Paul and the rest of the Giants' premier pass-rushers on Sunday.

The 49ers implement an array of quick throws to get the ball out of quarterback Alex Smith's hands, but as we saw in their beatdown at the hands of the Baltimore Ravens in Week 12, things can get ugly for San Fran when they face a stellar pass-rushing club. 

OK, I'll admit, if Staley doesn't allow a sack, Smith is kept upright for the entire game and the 49ers win, chances are the offensive line won't make the front page of the San Francisco Chronicle.

But it'll will have been a major reason why they emerged victorious. 

That's for sure. 

Kyle Williams, WR 

Vernon Davis and Michael Crabtree accounted for over 1,500 of the 49ers' 3,193 receiving yards during the regular season. 

Who was the third-most productive pass-catcher? 

Kyle Williams, second-year pro from Arizona State, who caught a mere 20 passes for 241 yards with three touchdowns. 

Nothing against Mr. Williams, but those numbers aren't exactly scaring Giants defensive coordinator Perry Fewell. 

The 5'10'', 175-pound slot guy is talented, and has the ability to get open. 

There's a chance he'll see some time matched up against Aaron Ross, but the Giants' best corner, Corey Webster, will likely be assigned to Crabtree most of the evening. 

The question is, can Williams keep New York's improving defensive backfield honest, opening up big plays for Davis and Crabtree? 

Ray McDonald, DT 

Justin Smith is the leader of the defensive line, and gets my vote for Defensive Player of the Year. Not only does the 11-year veteran make a ridiculous amount of plays with his raw power and aggressiveness, but he opens opportunities for his linemates based on all the attention he receives. 

McDonald took advantage of the opportunities Smith provided for him this season, tallying 5.5 sacks. 

The Giants offensive line will have enough trouble stopping Justin Smith and Aldon Smith around the edge, so McDonald could see some openings to take Eli Manning, not the most mobile quarterback, out of his comfort zone.

He was hobbled last week against the Saints, so his backup, Ricky Jean-Francois, could have an impact, too.  

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