New York Giants vs the San Francisco 49ers: What To Watch For

At 4:15 the New York Giants will be be playing vs the San Francisco 49ers out in California. In a game inwhich both teams have much to prove. For the Giants, they have not really beaten many quality opponets. They beat the Buffalo Bills, the New England Patriots, and the Philadelphia Eagles. Pundits will talk about their terrible losses to the Washington Redskins and Seattle Seahawks.

On the other hand the 49ers have had many more quality wins than they are given credit for. Yes they play in a terrible division, but of their 7 wins only one has come in the division (Seattle week one). Their other six wins have been against pretty good teams. They have beaten the Eagles, the Bengals, the Buccaneers, the Detroit Lions, and then the Cleveland Browns, and the Washington Redskins. Not a cake-walk of a schedule. They will be playing vs the Giants Sunday on Fox’s prime-time game, a real chance for themt o have a coming out party.

Here are somethings to watch for in this game.

(Also be sure to check out our scouting report page, which now has 100+ scouting reports)

Hakeem Nicks Playing?

The Giants are really conservative with all injuries. Hakeem Nicks was listed as Day to Day two weeks ago, but has missed the last game and didn’t practice with the team until Friday, but barring a set back Nicks should be playing which is good because he is so taletned even when he isn’t directly impacting the game with catches he opens up a lot of room for the WR and running backs to operate.

Ahmad Bradshaw is out though.

Greg Jones in the run game

The Giants lost their best run defender Jonathan Goff prior to the season and the sixth round pick out of Michigan State was annoited the starting MLB. The problem is, the Giants have played a lot of Nickel defense this year and Jones hasn’t really had a chance to shine. This week though it will be different. If Greg Jones is going to convince the Giants that he could be the future starting MLB of the future, Sunday is pertinent for him to play well. Is he up to the task? Jones play will be a key to the game.

Prince Amukamara are you there?

How amazing is it the Giants are 6-2 this year. Here is what they have gotten out of their draft picks in the first three rounds (from the 2011 N.F.L. draft), 4 games played, no receptions, 19 Kick off return yardage. That’s it. Their first round pick Prince Amukamara has yet to play in any games this season because of a broken bone in his foot, and their second round pick Marvin Austin was put on IR before the start of the season. Prince Amukamara went from out and doubtful all season until questionable and Defensive Coordinator Perry Fewell has said that he is now healthy enough to play. The problem is, he missed all of training camp (broke his foot on first day of camp after a holdout) and the team is not sure whether or not he is up to speed yet. Sunday could be his game and would end Giants fans season long anticipation.

Anthony Davis vs Justin Tuck

For the first time in a long time Justin Tuck is not listed on the injury report at all during the week. Tuck will draw second year OT Anthony Davis. Davis has all the talent in the world, but how he handles the savvy and non-stop motor of Justin Tuck could go a long way in determing in the success of Frank Gore. Tuck is a premiere run stopping defensive end and needs to have his best game of the season for the Giants to contain Frank Gore.

Navorro Bowman

Chugga Chugga Toot Toot!! Time to toot my own horn. Prior to the season I highlighted five second year players I thought would make major impacts this season. Those five playes were Jason Pierre Paul (yes!), Linval Joseph (kind of), C.J. Spiller (not at all!), Gerald McCoy (was playing well until he was IR), and Navorro Bowman!!! And boy is he making me look smart. Playing next to Willis, Bowman has been an absolute stud all season. He has 77 tackles already this season and is making plays all over the field. I’m excited to see him play today.

Aldon Smith vs Will Beatty

Our writer Mackenzie absolutely loved Aldon Smith heading into the season and the early returns on Smith have made many 49ers fans believers as well. Smith has been on an absolute tear all season especially since week four. After having no sacks the first three games of the season, Smith has 6.5 in the 49ers last five games. He will face up against Will Beatty the only Giants linemen having playing consistently well. Beatty is a very athletic tackle who relies on his quick feet to keep Eli Manning clean. I think he’s well suited for players like Smith, but it’ll be a big test especially since the Giants can’t run the ball and will likely be seeing a lot of third and longs.

Home/NFL Draft