Playing their second straight NFC West opponent, the New York Giants will host the San Francisco 49ers who are coming off their overtime win in New Orleans.
This matchup will feature an intense battle of the trenches, particularly in the running game. The 49ers utilize a strong rushing attack thanks in large part to their offensive line. San Francisco as a team ranks fourth in the NFL in our run blocking category, consistently opening up holes for Frank Gore and rookie Carlos Hyde. Mike Iupati ranks second among guards with a +14.0 run block grade. Tackle Joe Staley has been his usual steady self in 2014, accumulating a +6.0 run blocking grade while holding his own in pass protection as well.
The 49ers’ offensive line has been consistently effective in the running game, but the Giants feel that their front four matches up well enough to win the battle. Jason Pierre-Paul leads all 4-3 defensive ends with a +14.8 run defense grade, and his 10.0 Run Stop Percentage places him fourth at his position. Defensive tackle Jonathan Hankins has been a solid complement to Pierre-Paul in the middle of New York’s defensive line. The second-year man has an 8.4 Run Stop Percentage, and his 15 stops in the running game ties him for fifth among defensive tackles. Whichever unit comes out on top will help control the game and obtain an upper hand in this matchup.
Here are three more notable numbers for each side:
San Francisco 49ers
Aldon Smith – returns for San Francisco. Smith’s 15.1 Pass Rush Productivity placed him third among 3-4 outside linebackers in 2013, while earning a +21.4 Pass Rush grade.
Steve Johnson – the first-year 49er is getting more playing time, as his quarterbacks have earned a 124.3 rating when targeted him (fourth-best among receivers).
Chris Borland – the rookie leads all inside linebackers with an 18.4 Run Stop Percentage in 2014.
New York Giants
Odell Beckham Jr. – quarterbacks have a strong 122.3 rating when targeting the rookie wide receiver.
Robert Ayers – leads all 4-3 defensive ends with a 15.4 Pass Rush Productivity grade.
Larry Donnell – has earned 1.38 Yards per Route Run and has not dropped a pass from 41 catchable balls in 2014.
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