San Francisco 49ers: 5 Main Concerns vs. New York Giants

There are 5 things that concern me about the San Francisco 49ers as they prepare to take on the New York Giants at Candlestick Park on Sunday afternoon.

Yesterday, I posted this article arguing why the 49ers will win the game. I stand by my work, but that doesn't eliminate the fact that there are some things the team will need to make sure to address.

The New York Giants boast an impressive 6-2 record. There are a number of reasons for their success, but there are a few that stand out the most.

Here are five things that concern me about the San Francisco 49ers heading into Sunday's matchup against the New York Giants.

Jake Ballard: Shades of Mark Bavaro?

New York Giants fans still fondly remember tight end Mark Bavaro. Jake Ballard is starting to tug at those old memories. 

The 6'6", 275-pound tight end is becoming a tremendous downfield weapon for his quarterback Eli Manning. With hands as soft as butter, he lulls defenses to sleep with his lack of speed. 

You wouldn't think that a guy who isn't a particularly fast runner would be such a threat downfield, but Ballard is reeling them in at a clip of 17.2 yards per catch.

Most wide receivers wish they had that kind of average.

In addition to his exceptional ball-catching skills, Ballard's huge frame gives him the ability to be effective as a run-blocker.

He will be going against two of the very best middle linebackers in the NFL, Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman. This will be one of my personal favorite match-ups to watch.

Corey Webster and Aaron Ross: Cornerstones

Corey Webster and Aaron Ross are playing inspired football so far this season, and both have three interceptions. 

Alex Smith will need to make precise and accurate throws, or the 49ers might find themselves in a situation that is foreign to them this year and lose the turnover battle.

The foundation of the 49ers' success this season has been their ability to win this battle. 

Thankfully, Michael Crabtree and Braylon Edwards present a difficult challenge for the two cornerbacks. Winning the turnover battle will be the key to whether or not the 49ers will beat the Giants.

Hakeem Nicks Is Healthy

Hakeem Nicks is healthy and back at practice. This is a concern for both the 49ers and the fans.

While there is no guarantee that he'll be as explosive as he was before his hamstring injury, Nicks remains the top option for Eli Manning.

Manning and Nicks have good chemistry. It seems that whenever the Giants need a big play, Nicks catches a perfectly thrown deep ball down the sideline. 

The third-year receiver is having a good season, catching 38 passes for 575 yards and three touchdowns. 

The 49ers' secondary will have their hand full with Nicks, Victor Cruz and Mario Manningham. They have a combined nine touchdowns this season.

Jason Pierre-Paul and Osi Umenyiora: Defensive Bookends from Hell

The 49ers have faced some intense pass-rushers so far this year, but I'm not sure if they've gone up against a tougher test than the one they will face against the Giants.

Osi Umenyiora and Jason Pierre-Paul are lighting-up opposing quarterbacks. Between the two of them, they have combined for 15.5 sacks and three forced fumbles.

Joe Staley and Anthony Davis will be tested to their limits against these juggernauts. 

The Giants' ability to pass-rush has me thinking that we might see Vernon Davis once again be kept in to pass block, which will be disappointing to many of us who wish he could be used more on the receiving end of the passing offense.

America's Game of the Week: The Spotlight Is Upon You

All season long, fans and the media here in the Bay Area have been complaining about not getting enough attention from the national media.

Although this game won't be flexed to NBC's Sunday Night Football slot, Fox is sending their top broadcasting team of Joe Buck and Troy Aikman to cover the game. 

For those who hate Joe Buck, I am truly sorry.

Otherwise, it's pretty cool that most of the country will be watching these two division leaders clash.

The 49ers have been exceptional so far this season when facing elite opponents. I believe they will continue to play smart, mistake-free football this weekend against the Giants.

This game will be another stern test for the team, as well as a good gauge as to how the 49ers stack-up against playoff-caliber opponents.

If the 49ers can handle the things on my list, they will surely chalk one more up in the win column and move to 8-1.