San Francisco 49ers: Key Matchups to Watch Against New York Giants
The San Francisco 49ers are set to face off against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. This matchup comes after their previous meeting in Week 3 of the current season, where the 49ers dominated the Giants with a score of 30-12. Historically, the 49ers have a slight edge with a record of 22 wins to 21 losses against the Giants, including playoffs. The upcoming game holds significant importance, especially following a tough loss to the Houston Texans.
Key Matchups to Watch
- 49ers’ Rushing Attack
- Limiting Jaxson Dart
- Exploiting the Giants’ Secondary
The San Francisco rushing offense aims to rebound after struggles against Houston. The Giants have the NFL’s lowest inside run percentage allowed at 40.3%, alongside the worst EPA against outside runs. This weakness may provide the 49ers with the opportunity to dictate the game’s pace through effective ground plays.
Rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart has shown mobility, totaling over 50 rushing yards in his first three starts. However, he struggled in recent games, compiling only 28 rushing yards in his last two outings. The 49ers’ defense needs to contain Dart, pushing him to rely on his passing game, particularly against a thin Giants receiving unit.
Opportunities exist for the 49ers to attack the Giants’ secondary, particularly with play-action passes. Jalen Hurts effectively used this tactic in the previous game against the Giants, achieving high yardage on play-action plays. With Mac Jones at the helm, San Francisco must capitalize on this strategy to secure deep throws and big plays.
Impact of Injuries
The 49ers enter this contest aware of their injury challenges. The team is seeking a victory to recover from their last place in the NFC West following the loss to Houston. Meanwhile, the Giants will miss rookie running back Cam Skattebo for the season due to injury, impacting their offensive strategy.
Conclusion
This matchup presents significant implications for both teams. The 49ers are looking to reclaim their momentum, while the Giants strive to overcome recent setbacks. Key strategies around running the football, the performance of Jaxson Dart, and exploiting the Giants’ defensive weaknesses will be crucial for securing a win.
