San Francisco 49ers: 5 Keys to Victory Against the New York Giants

The San Francisco 49ers are one of the surprise stories in the NFL, this year.  The 49ers are off to a 7-1 start and lead the NFC West by five full games.

This Sunday, the 49ers face the New York Giants, who stand at 6-2, with a two game lead in the NFC East.  The Giants have won three-in-a-row, including a thrilling victory last week at New England.

This will be a tough, hard nosed battle and I expect a tight, low scoring game.

Let's take a look at five keys to victory for the 49ers.

5) Pressure and Disrupt Eli Manning

Eli Manning is having an excellent season and led a thrilling victory last Sunday against the New England Patriots.

Manning has completed 176 passes in 280 attempts, a rate of 62.9 percent.  He has thrown for 2,377 yards, with 15 touchdowns and only five interceptions.

It will be up to the 49ers' defense to harass Manning and not allow him to get into a rhythm.  If Manning gets comfortable and has time, he has the ability and receivers to pick the 49ers apart.

Justin Smith, Aldon Smith and the rest of the 49ers' defense must pressure Manning into mistakes.  He has been sacked just 15 times, under two per game, so this will be easier said than done.

4) Control the Ball with the Running Game

The San Francisco 49ers have been very successful at utilizing their running game to control the football and the game.  Frank Gore is the 49ers' leading rusher with 782 yards on 159 carries.  He has rushed for over 100 yards in each of the last five games.

The Giants are ranked 25th in the NFL in rushing defense. If the 49ers offensive line can keep the potent Giants' offense off the field, that would be ideal.

If Gore and the 49ers can keep this up and thereby keep the ball away from Eli Manning, it will give them the best chance of winning this game.

3) Win the Turnover Battle

The 49ers have been very good at creating turnovers from their opponents.  They have also been very stingy in the number of turnovers allowed.

The outstanding turnover margin has been a critical aspect of many 49er wins.

2) Contain the Giants' Receivers

The New York Giants have a number of players that can catch the ball and are threats anytime the ball is thrown their way.  Five Giants have over 20 receptions. 

Hakeem Nicks leads the team with 38 catches, followed by Victor Cruz at 34, Mario Manningham with 27, Ahmad Bradshaw at 24 and Jake Ballard with 23.

The 49ers' defense must be up to the task of containing these pass catchers.  A strong pass rush will go a long way to helping the defensive secondary in coverage.

1) The 49ers' Offensive Line Must Protect Alex Smith

The New York Giants' defense leads the league in sacks, with 28.  This formidable group, led by Jason Pierre-Paul and Osi Umenyora, is strong and fast.  It will be a tough test for the San Francisco offensive line to keep those defenders off of Alex Smith.

The 49ers' offensive line has improved steadily this year.  They have gelled and are critical to the success of the 49ers.  This will be their toughest test of the season.

This Game Promises To Be A Tough Battle

This promises to be a tough, defensive minded struggle. I'm sure 49ers' head coach Jim Harbaugh will have a few new wrinkles and maybe a trick play or two.

In addition to the offensive and defensive units, special teams could play a big role. 

I look for a low scoring game that comes down to a field goal.