NFC Championship: Niners v. Giants

One year ago, two awkwardly close friends had a vision. A vision that they could create a blog filled with prose, poetry, laughter, and the occasional tear. A place where they could write their inane ramblings and force a few of their friends to read it from time to time when they felt guilty about it. But most of all, a journal where they could impart their knowledge and incoherent thoughts to an audience stretching worldwide. These two ruggedly handsome yet dignified gentlemen realized this dream, and they both hope you've enjoyed the ride over this first year.

It started with previews of the NFC and AFC Championship game and we'll kick off the second year with the same thing, first, yourrrrr San FranCISCOOOO FOOORRRRTYYYY-NNIIIINNNNNEEERRRRRRSSSSS.



That Patrick Willis is one hot tamale. And I'll kill the suspense and make my prediction before I make my reasoning. San Francisco will ride to the Superbowl after defeating the New York Giants, 26-23.

Now, as a disclaimer: the 49ers are indeed my favorite football team, but I do not love them nearly at the level Frankie loves the Steelers. I would love to claim the fandom and reverence that Frankie has, but I cannot, and alas, my words and enthusiasm towards the Niners are indeed a bit more bandwagony than I'd like, but it's all I have to offer. I do own signed footballs from the likes of Joe Montana and Steve Young, so that's something right?

In the Giants, the Niners defense must stop an offense much like themselves. The Giants want to control the ball and dominate at the point of attack. They want to have long methodical drives where Eli is never forced to make tough throws. They want the defense off balance and having to account for multiple types of plays in every situation. Basically, the 49ers are playing themselves, so the onus will be on them to know how to stop themselves.

On offense, Alex Smith needs to continue his recent success throwing the ball. The Giants play a pressure defense, much like the Saints, except that their front seven led by players like Tuck, Umenyiora (9 Sacks), and Pierre-Paul(16.5 Sacks) could pose a much larger problem than the Saints could ever dream. Goodwin, Iupati, Snyder, and the gang must make holes for Gore and give Smith time to hit Davis, Ginn, and Crabtree downfield. But, the Niners won't win unless the defense gets those stops.

As you might imagine, the Giants keys are the opposite, if they can establish their running game and dominate the Niners' offensive line like they were able to do against the Packers, they will easily win the game. But working against them? They're going to be playing in a very hostile, wet and windy environment.

Unfortunately, this whole prediction might be moot because of the elements. If it storms as predicted at the 'Stick on Sunday, it's just going to come down to who can keep their footing and hold onto the ball a little bit longer. Fortunately, the Niners still have David Akers, who had the best season of any kicker in the history of the game.

The Niners will get a chance to win Superbowl number six. Let's be excited, but not too excited. Remember my resolution for you, Niners' fans? Two weeks ago, I wrote:

"49ers Fans - Be humble.

This one goes out to Frankie. Look, we all love the 49ers. Just remember, we've been here before, and we should act like it. If they win it all, celebrate, but with respect. If they don't make it, remember that they exceeded expectations this year, thank them for the ride, and get ready for next season. There's no reason for us all to be like obnoxious Pittsburgh fans."

Then today, I got to read an article that said:

We had vulgarities screamed at us repeatedly in the parking lots and literally nonstop by the hooligans around us in the stands. While walking through the lots we had footballs thrown at us, guys screaming curses in our faces — my daughters asked if I had heard the guy who yelled “your mother’s a whore,” which I had, but couldn’t show a reaction for fear for my daughters’ and my own safety. We finally took to shadowing two cops that were strolling through the lots until we dashed for what we thought would be the relative sanity of the stadium.

http://blog.sfgate.com/opinionshop/2012/01/17/should-49ers-fans-be-concerned-about-hooliganism/?tsp=1

Guys, can we be cool? Can we step back a second and think about what we've done. Good-natured jeering? OK. Yelling obscenities at teenage girls? Not cool. Not cool at all. Wasn't anyone listening to me? Seriously, listen to me. Let's cheer on our team, but lets remember to let Giants' fans root for their team too. There's no reason to go out and begin doing things that could cause your arrest. Be smart. Use your head. Don't make Niners fans look like soccer hooligans.

Song of the post:

Get excited Niners fans, in a positive way.... like this song might make you feel, thanks Parks and Rec for reminding me of this one: