The 49ers win if...
If Colin Kaepernick can continue to give the 49ers the type of dynamic play that he did in the divisional round, then all signs point to San Francisco punching their ticket to Super Bowl XLVII.
| 2012 Team Stats |
| Points |
SF |
24.8 |
| ATL |
26.2 |
| Pass Yards |
SF |
206.1 |
| ATL |
281.8 |
| Rush Yards |
SF |
155.7 |
| ATL |
87.3 |
| Points Allowed |
SF |
17.1 |
| ATL |
18.7 |
| Pass Yds Allowed |
SF |
200.21 |
| ATL |
242.4 |
| Rush Yds Allowed |
SF |
94.2 |
| ATL |
123.2 |
Kaepernick has opened up the 49ers playbook and allowed them to attack defences from a variety of angles. Since taking over, he has also brought wide receiver Michael Crabtree to life, helping the team avoid their one-dimensional ways of the past.
Last season, the 49ers relied on their defence to win games. They grinded out yards in the running game and let their elite defence hold teams down for four quarters. While San Francisco still boasts one of the best defensive units in the league, their offence has the ability now, with Kaepernick under centre, to outscore their opponents, which they did against Green Bay.
Atlanta had the seventh highest scoring offence in the regular season averaging 26.2 points per game and they can attack the 49ers in the one area where they can sometimes be vulnerable - their secondary. San Francisco will need to find an answer for the combination of Julio Jones, Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez in the passing game. After holding Aaron Rodgers to 257 yards and two scores, the 49ers have to feel pretty confident that they will be able to prevent Matt Ryan from taking control of the NFC Championship.
The Falcons win if...
The Falcons surprised everyone when they came out last week and used their running game to move the chains. The Seahawks defence gave up big chunks of yardage to both Michael Turner and Jacquizz Rodgers. The difficulty level will increase significantly on Sunday when they run up against the 49ers' front seven. Patrick Willis and Navorro Bowman are only two of the reasons that teams struggle to move the ball on the ground against the 49ers. Atlanta will need to supplement their rushing game with screen passes and draws to prevent the 49ers' pass rushers from wreaking havoc.
Matt Ryan had a few questionable plays against the Seahawks, but overall he was impressive in throwing three touchdown passes and finally leading his club to the playoff victory that eluded them the last few seasons. Ryan's task will be that much harder this week and if he is going to reach the Super Bowl he will need to play a mistake-free game.
The Falcons' defence played a nearly flawless first half of football in the divisional round, holding the Seahawks scoreless. As the game wore on, Seattle found their rhythm and put up 21 fourth-quarter points, nearly earning them the victory. The Falcons' defence has played much better this season and were a big reason why the team finished first in the NFC, earning home field advantage. While they won't be able to keep the 49ers out of the end zone entirely, finding a way to force turnovers will be crucial for them on Sunday.
