GIANTS 101

On paper, the matchup between the San Francisco 49ers and New York Giants might appear to be a finesse team against a power team…and the 49ers certainly think so. 

The Giants are largely considered a team that makes its money passing the football, whereas the 49ers like to out- muscle teams. Just ask Donte Whitner.

"If you put our film on all year long, you'll see wide receivers getting hit, you'll see running backs getting hit, you'll see guys leaving the game early," Whitner said. "We don't pride ourselves on hurting anybody, but it's just being physical. If you be physical with guys, sometimes they're not going to make it 60 minutes in a football game. We pride ourselves on being the most physical team on the football field. That's what Pittsburgh's been doing for so long, that's what Baltimore's been doing for so long.

Whitner took out Pierre Thomas last week and forced a fumble just short of the goal line against New Orleans, but he has hit basically anything that moves during the season.

If the 49ers are convinced that the Giants are not a physical ball club, they should double check that.

While the Giants haven't been particularly good at any one thing all season long, recently the physical nature of their defense has led to much of the success that they have had. Last week the team forced 4 fumbles (yes, four) and allowed Green Bay Packers receivers Greg Jennings and Jordy Nelson to catch only a combined 3 balls.

How?

By hitting them, jamming them, and flat out making their life difficult.

The Giants have also stopped teams on 4th and 1 a number of times in the past three weeks, which just provides more evidence of their physical nature up front.

Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz have been eager to get another shot at the 49ers secondary, ever since Carlos Rodgers decided to salsa dance in front of Cruz after an interception. 

Physical as they may be in the defensive backfield, the 49ers did surrender over 460 yards passing to Drew Brees last week.

There will be windows for Cruz to get back at Rodgers this Sunday. 

Also…

• Be sure to "like" Giants 101 on Facebook and to follow Giants 101 on Twitter
• Meet Victor Cruz at the Poughkeepsie Galleria on January 17th
• Get your tickets to meet Brandon Jacobs at "The Man Show" January 29th
• Text "oneteam" to 20222 to donate $10 to the One Team for the Lights charity initiative.

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