San Francisco Defense Ready to “Man Up” on Manning

Up until now, everything the San Francisco 49ers have accomplished this season has been a surprise to many.

With a new coach and a much maligned quarterback, the 49ers have run rough-shod through their first 8 games, and stand second in the National Football League with a 7-1 record, trailing only the 8-0 Green Bay Packers for the best record.

But despite becoming the most talked about team in the league, they have a lot to prove/ and the next three weeks will go a long way in putting their post season hopes into perspective.

San Francisco will host the New York Giants on Sunday and travel to Baltimore for a Thanksgiving night match up against the Ravens in two weeks. In between, they face a possible let down game against NFC West foe Arizona.

Wins the last few weeks against Cleveland and Washington will not compare to what a victory over the physically tough, New York Giants can do for them.

The Giants not only bring in a 6-2 record, but they are the kind of team that will test the highly ranked San Francisco defense.

The facts speak for themselves.

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The 49ers defense ranks first in the NFL is points allowed (14.8) and 6th overall in third-down defense. The Giants average 24 points per game and are sixth in the NFC in offense, averaging 371 yards per game.

While San Francisco has not allowed an opponent to score 20 points in the last four games, the Giants have scored 20 points or more in their last seven games.

Hmm, something will have to give.

The key to the game will on the shoulders of the San Francisco linebackers.

Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman are both in the top 5 in the NFL in tackles and are playing like a pro bowl tandem. The way the 49ers secondary has been able to take the long pass out of the opponents playbook, the term “nickel and dime” has applied to teams as they try and get down the field via short passes and runs. Expect the Giants to get the most out of tight end Jake Ballard.

With the status of running back Ahmad Bradshaw (foot) and receiver Hakeem Nicks (hamstring) uncertain, Ballard’s role is increasing.

He caught 13 passes over the last three games and had two crucial receptions last week, including the game winning touchdown catch in the finals seconds in the win over New England.

That’s where Bowman and Willis come in.

Making the Giants work their way down the field will be key. If San Francisco can continue to lock down the deep threats and keep in check an average run game, the game will become a battle of Eli Manning against the 49ers linebackers. Manning has been playing well as of late and the Giants success will depend on how quick his decision making will be in leading the New York short game.

The 49ers are averaging 25 points per game but if they have to score more than that to win, it may be too much of a task to accomplish.

By Don August
ProFootball-fans.com San Francisco 49ers Correspondent